Experience the Queenstown Winter Festival

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this year’s American Express Queenstown Winter Festival, from June 19 – 28, is sure to be the best one yet. It starts off with the American Express Opening Party at Earnslaw Park,where anyone who feels the chill of winter can grab some delicious food and hot drinks from the food stalls and watch the fireworks over Lake Wakatipu.

Embrace your inner child with all the events happening on Coronet Peak, one of New Zealand’s most popular mountains. Starting with the Mountain Bikes on Snow, watch as the men, women and even junior divisions compete in a downhill race on the snow-covered mountain. Wake up early and experience Queenstown from a whole different perspective by skinning (a cross between hiking and skiing, but straight up a mountain) up to the top of Coronet Peak. Round out the festivities by watching some of the best skiers and snowboarders compete in the Slopestyle Invitational. If you are up for the challenge, grab a slippery suitcase (yes – a suitcase) and slide down the Mountain Mayhem course. There are also plenty of fun events for the family in downtown Queenstown, including the American Express Festival Street Parade and the Creative Queenstown Arts & Crafts Market. In Queenstown Bay, watch contestants launch their homemade watercrafts off the pier and into the chilly lake at the iHeartRadio Day on the Bay. End the festival with your best white outfit and mask at the SKYCITY Masquerade en Blanc, where guests will enjoy the best of New Zealand’s cuisine and wine. The Queenstown Winter Festival showcases the best Queenstown has to offer. Whether it is experiencing it in the vibrant city or on the mountains, the festival is sure to have something for everyone. If you are looking to take in the festival and are also looking for some peace and quiet away from all the activities – the picturesque areas of Wanaka and Central Otago are both a short drive away. For more information on the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival, click here.

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