Go this December for: updated adventure areas and plush new digs
This tiny town of just under 30,000 people is the adventure capital of the Southern Hemisphere, boasting snowy white peaks, glassy lakes, and wide valleys that evidence the unfettered majesty of nature—and all of it has never been more accessible. The Soho Basin ski area expanded in 2025 with the addition of half a square mile of advanced terrain to Cardrona Alpine Resort. Skyline Queenstown, a mountaintop tourist complex on Bob’s Peak, opened its new $58 million extension building in March 2026, which has new dining outlets and an expanded viewing deck that grants panoramic views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Bikers, wine lovers, and especially those who are both will love the new Kawarau Gorge bike trail, slated to open in October 2026, connecting the vineyards of Gibbston Valley with Cromwell—drink and cycle responsibly!
Furthermore, Queenstown is getting some fab new hotels—because who doesn’t want a dose of plush luxury with their adrenaline rush? Last year, the 15-key all-suite Roki Collection opened in September on the edge of Lake Wakatipu—and landed a spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List to boot. Then in March this year, the erstwhile Nugget Point Hotel on Arthur’s Point, above the Shotover River, was reborn as the 41-room alpine retreat Coronet Ridge Resort. Contributing to all the what’s-new buzz, QT Queenstown—also on the Wakatipu waterfront—has been growing its room count this year by gradually taking over the neighboring Rydges Lakeside Queenstown hotel; expect the work to be done by mid-2027. Waimarino Luxury Lodge will top it all off once its 20 oversized villas are bookable in late 2026.
How to plan it: For most travelers on this planet, it will take multiple hops and skips to get to Queenstown. Those living in well-equipped and nearby international hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland will have the easiest time getting here—everyone else will have to connect through one of the aforementioned. In December, it’s summer in New Zealand, so pack a bathing suit for some gorgeously warm lake days.
Where to stay in Queenstown, New Zealand: