Cooling Off Down Under: Queenstown, New Zealand

With temperatures at record-setting highs in many areas this summer, you might be dreaming of the winter! While you might be ready to start marking the days on your calendar, there’s no reason for Old Man Winter to come to the northern hemisphere. A trip down under to Queenstown, New Zealand will have you enjoying the winter weather right now! That’s right, it’s winter on the upside-down part of the world, and Queenstown is the place to be if you’re considering a trip to New Zealand. Here are some things to see and do while you’re there:

• • Go snowboarding or skiing. It’s why many tourists go to Queenstown during the winter months: The city itself is like one huge ski resort! Hit the slopes at the Remarkables or at Coronet Peak, or head to Cadrona in nearby Wanaka. If you don’t actually want to ski down the slopes, you can still buy a ticket for the gondola so that you can see the city from the top of the world; this is something that you shouldn’t miss. If you want to try other wintertime sports popular in New Zealand, consider bungee jumping, snowmobiling, showshoeing or tubing.

• • Take a helicopter tour. You won’t want to miss the gorgeous views of Milford Sound no matter what time of year you go, but particularly in the winter. The waterfalls are stunning and the landscape is diverse. You can also explore this area from the sky by airplane this time of year.

• • • Warm up with the hot nightlife. Queenstown is not a big city, but it certainly is bustling, particularly after the sun goes down! With a few dozen bars and clubs to choose from and a lively, upbeat crowd, you’ll be making friends in no time. Ask the locals to decide where the best place would be for you to start your night, as each of the pubs has a slightly different character. If you’re looking for live music, for example, you might consider The Whiskey House or Brass. Party hearty at inexpensive and fun hotspots like Altitude or Buffalos. With so many nighttime venues in close proximity, you can hop from place to place without going too far out of your way.

  • Taste some wine. The Queenstown area is famous for its wine, particularly its Pinot Noir. Take a wine tour or visit one of the area’s vineyards, or ask for local wine at any of the city’s cafes and restaurants. Some of the tour companies include Appellation Central Wine Tours and Queentown Wine Trail. Wineries worth checking out are Mount Rosa Winery, Peregrine Wines and Gibbston Valley Winery.

If you visit Queenstown this time of year, you’ll be able to enjoy everything you’d expect in a good-sized city, including the friendliness and good natures of the New Zealanders. In addition, you can get away from the heat and humidity of the summer and spend a few days or weeks hitting the slopes and enjoying the fresh winter air.

Have you been to Queenstown in the winter? What would you recommend to our readers? Browse New Zealand tour packages 2019 and 2020.

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