Arrowtown in winter

Take me home / Plan your visit / Arrowtown in winter

Winter in Arrowtown means crisp bluebird days and snow-capped mountains

Just 20-minutes to Coronet Peak ski resort or a drive up the zigzag towards Cardrona ski resort, Arrowtown offers a tranquil winter base that is close to the snow. Think fireplaces, live music, cosy bars, delicious food or a comfortable armchair in a boutique cinema after a day skiing, boarding or playing in the snow. Arrowtown is the perfect destination with everything you need for your winter holiday.

What to expect

Winter in Arrowtown runs from June to August and temperatures range from -1 to 8°C. The surrounding mountains are often snow-capped during winter and on a cold morning, you may find frost on the grass or icicles on the trees by the Arrow River. The days are short, but the skies are often blue and cloudless – perfect for getting up the mountains for a ‘bluebird day’ or exploring the area by foot or bike.

In winter, the weather is typically calm and dry, but the mornings and evenings are cold and shaded spots can be icy. Warm layers are essential, and you will find many locals wearing puffer jackets, layers and warm shoes or boots. It is best to wear layers which can be taken off or added to easily – merino wool layers are great for warmth and are lightweight. If you get caught short and need some warmer clothes (or an excuse to shop), head to the well-stocked stores in Arrowtown.

What’s on

The Southern Lakes ski areas is the premier winter destination of the Southern Hemisphere and the winter school holidays typically coincide with the opening date for the ski resorts. Night skiing at Coronet Peak kicks off in late June and is always a fun night and includes floodlit runs, DJs, outdoor fires, food and drink.

Throughout the winter months, there is an abundance of events on and around the ski resorts. Winter Pride takes place in late August with festivities in Arrowtown, Queenstown and also Coronet Peak, Cardrona and The Remarkables. The Winter Games takes place in late August on the same mountains and is the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest snow and sports event. Snow Machine is in early September at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables and features four days and three nights of music, snow, après and adventure.

Light up winter

Over King’s Birthday Weekend, the Queenstown Gardens are aglow with LUMA’s epic light installations and it’s a sight to behold. The event is popular with locals and visitors and also includes interactive elements, live music in tree grottos and food trucks.

Experience Matariki

On Matariki (Māori New Year), which is a national public holiday in Aotearoa New Zealand, Arrowtown hosts Matariki Arrowtown Kā-Muriwai, a community celebration which includes local kapa haka school groups and performances, immersive light displays and projections and educational Māori experiences.