Planning Your 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 Mountain Mayhem 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 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival  take place?

The 2012 Festival starts on Friday June 22nd and runs until Sunday July 1st.

What's on?

Check out the calendar at the top of each page on this website, you can also filter info by venue, genre or day (that’s quite clever isn’t it?), or if you are our Facebook friend we will keep you posted with what’s on directly. From May 02, Programmes can be found all over the district in cafes, info centres and many retail stores. If you are local, one will turn up in your letterbox.  If you are out of town we can.   You can download the Good Time Guide or Full Programme from this date too.

What to Wear?

Generally the weather is settled and a crisp +7-8 degree Celsius to 0 degree Celsius (yes that is zero folks but it’s not really that cold if you are decked out head to toe in Quiksilver or Roxy!).  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 the town sits on the 45th parallel in the southwest corner of the South Island of New Zealand. Getting here is easy no matter where you're coming from. Come by foot, bike, bus, pony, scooter, car or plane - we don't care - just get here!

If you need a little help, Air New Zealand can fly you, Budget can provide you with a car and we can offer you plenty of great places to stay with our accommodation partners.

Our national airline, Air New Zealand makes regular international and domestic flights into Queenstown with daily connections from New Zealand's main centres and key Australian cities. The Winter Festival recommends Air New Zealand for all international and national air travel.   Visit the website and book online www.airnewzealand.co.nz or check-out the Air New Zealand Fast Fare Finder on the homepage of this website for great deals.

 Queenstown International Airport is located 10 kms from the town centre. Airport Shuttles run regularly and there are a number of taxi companies to choose from.  If limo’s are your thing we can sort you out with that too.

 A road trip to Queenstown is  a wonderful scenic option - drive yourself or book a coach tour.

Approximate Travel times by road to Queenstown.

  • Christchurch 6 hours
  • Dunedin 3.5 hours
  • Invercargill 2.5 hours

Do keep in mind that at this time of year winter driving conditions can apply, check with the AA for  current road conditions and make sure you have some chains in your boot and a warm blankie in the car, just in case.

Are you just a little bit independent and want to grab a rental car rather than rely on your mum to pick you up and drop you off? We recommend you get your wheels sorted from our friends at Budget. They have got all sorts and sizes of cars, 4WD's and super duper deals for the Festival and winter in general. They even have ski racks on top and chains in the boot - like your style Budget! To check out the cars and the super duper deals click on the Budget Budget logo or take a look via the home page.

Also for more information on this beautiful town of ours with things to do, places to go and activities to get stuck into visit Destination Queenstown.

Liquor Ban

BYO does not apply to Festival events and central locations come under a clearly marked total liquor ban which covers all unlicensed areas of downtown Queenstown.  Only beverages purchased from the official Winter Festival beverage  tents on Beach Street and Earnslaw Park can be consumed in public areas on these nights.  Please respect our local police – they are here to help.

Little People

Free Festival events are all family orientated so please remember the little ones.  Make room for children to see the stage and do your best not to bump into them when you are leaping about.