Your First Festival

If you've never been to the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival there are a few things you need to know. There's the obvious stuff like what to bring, how to dress, how to plan your week, where to go, what events might suit you best and so on. But, the first thing you need to know is that you've never ever been to anything like this! Nowhere and no-one celebrates winter like Queenstown does.
From the opening night fireworks through to the Festival Wrap Party you will be amazed and entertained. The Festival has something for everyone. There are events for families, skiers, snowboarders or those just looking for some winter fun. It's the perfect excuse to let your hair down, have some laughs and rejuvenate the soul.

When does the Festival take place?
The 2010 Festival starts on Friday June 25th and runs until Sunday July 4th.

What to Wear?
Generally the weather is settled and a crisp +5 degree Celsius to -6 degree Celsius. However, in the mountains the weather can change dramatically in a few moments so it is best to be prepared for all situations. Average daily max temperature is 7.7 degree Celsius. Winter is a fantastic time to visit Queenstown, with crisp clean air and often clear blue skies with sunshine. So dress warm, pack your beanie and toss in your dancing shoes and something a little flash just in case you feel like glamming it up. Get prepared to brave the elements and embrace the buzz of winter just one of the many reasons people come here.

How do we get to Queenstown?
Queenstown in winter is spectacular. Surrounded by snowcapped mountains it sits on the 45th parallel in the southwest corner of the South Island of New Zealand and getting here is easy no matter where you're coming from. Come by foot, bike, bus, pony, car or plane - we don't care - just get here!