A Local's Guide to Apres Ski Queenstown
A Local's Guide to Apres Ski Queenstown
After a day of skiing & snowboarding, there is nothing better than exploring a ski town’s apres ski scene. As the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is home to both premier ski fields and vibrant nightlife. With so much on offer, we’ve put together our top picks for the best apres ski venues and activities in Queenstown. Discover more Queenstown activities, compare ski packages and SAVE with our local experts at Everything Queenstown.
Loved by locals and visitors alike for its historic 1912 steamship and high quality buffet dinner, the Walter Peak Evening Dining & Lake Cruise is a must-do apres ski Queenstown activity. At dusk, cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw for a gourmet barbecue dinner at Colonel’s Homestead. This family friendly tour even includes a sheep dog demonstration, making it the perfect way to spend an evening after enjoying the ski fields.
Perhaps the most iconic hot pools in New Zealand, Onsen Hot Pools is a favourite apres experience in Queenstown. After a day on the slopes, reward your muscles with a relaxing soak in cedar lined hot tubs overlooking the Shotover River. This ultimate Queenstown pampering session is topped off with an accompanying drink and snack of your choice. How good!
Cardrona Hotel
As you drive through Cardrona village on your way up to Cardrona Alpine Resort ski area, you might spot the historic Cardrona Hotel. This quaint little pub is a fantastic place to enjoy post ski drinks and delicious food in the cosy bar or beautiful garden. Make sure to snap a quick photo outside the iconic Cardrona Hotel sign and vintage motor before making your way back to Queenstown and Wanaka.
Fergburger
Have you heard of Fergburger yet? If you’ve booked a trip to Queenstown, you are sure to have this burger joint recommended to you soon. A Queenstown must-do, Fergburger is located on Shotover Street and provides the perfect dinner (or large snack!) after a big day on the Queenstown ski fields or a night ski on Coronet Peak. Don’t be put off by the queue, it’s worth the wait!
Top top: Fergburger also make a mean breakfast burger, great for the morning after experiencing the apres ski Queenstown scene.
Twilight Wine & Craft Beer Tour
If you’re not sure where to head for apres ski, the Twilight Wine & Craft Beer Tour offers the perfect solution. Place yourself in the hands of local craft beer and wine specialists, Altitude Tours, for an evening of visiting some of the best venues in Queenstown. With luxury Mercedes vans, small groups and delicious tastings and platters, this tour takes you on an adventure through the Gibbston region, returning back to central Queenstown before 8pm so you can enjoy its vibrant nightlife.
Little Blackwood
Love a cocktail? So do we! The best cocktail bar in Queenstown has to be Little Blackwood, located right on the waterfront with fantastic views of The Remarkables. Nothing beats some apres ski espresso martinis in this cosy bar & eatery, which also hosts live music every night.
The World Bar
A popular spot for drinks, teapot cocktails and pub food, The World Bar always delivers for a fun apres ski Queenstown experience. This Queenstown social hub provides a great atmosphere for meeting up with friends after a day on the slopes. Open until late, cosy up by the fire with a burger or dance your way into the evening with live DJ music.
Ice Bar
Visiting a Queenstown ice bar is like icing on the cake after a day of skiing. Wrap up warm in the coats and gloves provided, then venture into the ice cave for a cocktail literally served in a glass made of ice. There are two ice bars to choose from to enjoy some apres ski, the Minus 5 ICE BAR and Below Zero Ice Bar.
One of the most instagrammable spots in Queenstown, the views from Skyline Queenstown are unforgettable. Take the gondola from central Queenstown up to the Skyline Complex for a delicious buffet dinner overlooking the Wakatipu Basin. Top off the experience with 3 or 5 laps of the famous luge track - fun for all the family!
Perky's Floating Bar
Lake Wakatipu is always delivering stunning views from Queenstown’s bars and restaurants, so why not get a little closer? Perky’s is Queenstown’s only floating bar and serves delicious mulled wine throughout the winter season. Take a seat on the top deck under toasty heaters and soak in views of the Queenstown sunset with a steaming cup of mulled wine in hand. The perfect tipple to start an evening of apres ski in Queenstown. You might even see the TSS Earnslaw ‘Lady of the Lake’ on its return voyage back from Walter Peak.
Altitude Brewing
For relaxed vibes and local craft beers, Altitude Brewing is a great hang out spot after a day of skiing & snowboarding. This craft brewery is a favourite amongst the locals, usually hosting a food truck outside so you can snack on fresh local food and soak in the atmosphere. While it’s just outside central Queenstown at the Frankton Marina, it’s conveniently on the way into town from The Remarkables, Cardrona & Treble Cone ski fields and is also on the number 1 bus route (just jump off at Marina Heights bus stop).
Can't wait to start exploring Queenstown? Start planning your Queenstown ski holiday with the expert help from our local team. Talk or Live Chat with us today!
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