Queenstown: Your Destination For All Seasons

Queenstown is home to two local ski hills, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski area. Both are a short drive from town, offering runs catering to all skill levels. If you’re keen to change it up for a day, further afield are Cardrona and Treble Cone ski areas. None of the resorts in Queenstown are ski-in ski-out, and all offer downhill skiing and snowboarding only – the steep slopes aren’t ideal for cross country trails. The season usually opens at the start of June, and with good snow coverage stretches to the start of October.

Queenstown is arguably the adventure capital of the world and home to no less than three bungy jumps, multiple jet boat rides, canyon swings, ziplines and more. Mountain biking is to Queenstown's summer what snow sports are to its winter. There are 30km of cycle trails, plus three lift-assisted mountain bike parks for those looking for altitude. In fact, if you visit in September, you can make the most of skiing all morning and mountain bike riding all afternoon.

What's the ultimate splurge that’s worth every penny in Queenstown? Take a helicopter ride. There are multiple companies in Queenstown, like The Helicopter Line, that operate joy flights that will take you over Fiordland National Park, perhaps landing you on a glacier or having you sip champagne on a remote beach, spotting playful seals along the coastline before flying low through Milford Sound. Helicopters are, of course, weather dependent but operate year-round. This is hands down the best way to see Milford Sound if you’re time poor but activity hungry. 

Queenstown is as much a kid’s paradise as it is for any adult. Families looking for a taste of adventure without too much adrenaline should take the Queenstown Gondola 450m up to Bob’s Peak, home to panoramic views, and more importantly, the Queenstown luge course, where healthy family competition thrives. Looking for a dose of history? Opt for a ride on Time Tripper – an immersive theatrical trip through history from the dinosaurs to today of how Queenstown’s magical landscape and mighty Lake Wakatipu came to be.  

Fancy a tipple? Central Otago is renowned for its wines – namely pinot noir, and some of the best vineyards are as close as 15 minutes' drive from Queenstown. You can do an organised tour with a company like Altitude Tours, or if you’re up for a dose of adventure with your wine tasting, on a fine day you can opt to hire a bike and cycle between the wineries. It’s all about balance, right? 

While you could lose a week in Queenstown and not leave the shores of Lake Wakatipu, there’s plenty more waiting to be explored in the surrounding valleys and mountains. A half-hour drive will land you in Arrowtown, a historic village oozing charm, quaint cafés and boutiques. Head in the other direction and you’ll hit Glenorchy, where the landscape played backdrop to scenes in The Lord of the Rings and Narnia films. No spiel about day trips would be complete without mentioning Wanaka and the famous Wanaka Tree, a favourite destination for photographers.

You’d be mistaken for thinking Queenstown is all about the activities, and while it certainly plays a part, foodies will enjoy a trip here just as much, as it’s also about fine dining, fun food and great nightlife. Queenstown is home to some of New Zealand’s best restaurants, from the famous Fergburger to fancy establishments like Botswana Butchery and The Bunker. If you’re looking for something extra special, book in for a degustation at True South Dining Room at The Rees Hotel – you won’t regret it! 

To ensure you have the best trip possible, carefully consider the snow activities you will be participating in and what extra travel insurance coverage you may require if you choose to purchase travel insurance. Whether you are skiing at Cornet Peak or snowboarding off-piste, it is your responsibility to make sure you are prepared for the unexpected.

Mountains can be dangerous during harsh weather conditions and can be very isolated, difficult to get to and in some cases very far from the nearest hospital. Emergency medical evacuations require anything from a medivac helicopter to ski patrollers, and the medical cost of a mountain rescue can start pile up.

You can add Snow Sports cover to Cover-More’s International Plus/Essential plans (Only International Plus for Snow Sports +). There are two snow cover add-ons to choose from.

Once you have locked in your policy with the correct snow cover add-on, you will have $unlimited overseas medical cover, $unlimited additional expenses and cover for emergency evacuations.

If you are planning to bring your personal snow gear with you, you certainly can! If your gear is damaged, lost or stolen, you can claim up to $15,000 under the Luggage and Travel Documents benefit on an International Plus plan. Note – you are not covered for any equipment you hire.

Please note, you will not be covered if you participate in any activity at a professional level or for racing. There is no liability cover for snowmobiling. Please refer to the full Cover-More PDS (Link) for all conditions and exclusions.

Limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Standard excess may apply. Insurance administered by Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 95 003 114 145, AFSL 241713) on behalf of the product issuer Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507). For further information see Zurich’s financial strength rating. Any advice provided is general advice only. Please consider your financial situation, needs and objectives and read the Product Disclosure Statement and Information Booklet and FSG before deciding to buy this insurance. Visit https://insurance.flightcentre.com.au/ for a copy of the Target Market Determination for our products and the most up-to-date information.