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Queenstown, found on New Zealand’s South Island, is breathtakingly beautiful. As it sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with spectacular views over the crystal-clear water and majestic mountain ranges, it’s easy to see why this is considered a must-visit spot. But Queenstown is also known as the adventure capital of the world, so if you’re someone who enjoys getting the blood pumping, Queenstown needs to be your New Zealand go-to.
Of course, if you visit Queenstown in spring (September to November), the options for all these exciting activities become absolutely legion, so you’ll need to budget enough time for a jam-packed trip itinerary. If fun-filled days, soaking up the sun in Queenstown in spring with your camper rental in NZ sound like an enticing prospect, then read on. We tell you all about this incredible time and what you can expect from a visit.
Why Visit Queenstown in Spring?
There are many benefits to visiting Queenstown in spring. Some of the main perks are:
Better Weather
Needless to say, spring is the gateway to amazing weather. Although there might still be a bit of a bite in the air, especially early mornings and late afternoons, it’s a far cry from mid-winter weather. And although you might get a few unexpected showers, most rainfall in Queenstown tends to occur from January.
Incredible Landscapes
In spring, it is as if the land gets reborn. Vegetation becomes greener and more lush, flowers begin to bloom, and it’s as if the water gets an extra special sparkle as the sun plays on the surface.
Our Wildlife Awakens
It’s clearly not just us Homo sapiens who enjoy the better weather and the transformed landscape, as our wildlife also seems to wake up. Sheep are seen happily grazing in meadows, and Queenstown turns into a birdwatcher's paradise as various species begin their breeding season.
The Social Calendars Start Heating Up Too
The warmer weather seems to bring with it a revitalizing energy and a need for celebrations, so you’ll find all sorts of parties, festivals, and events lining up all throughout spring. So, do a Google search and ask a few locals so that you can add a few local social scene flavors to your trip itinerary, too.
The Outdoors are CAL-LING!
The turn in the weather has unlocked an absolute explosion of activities here on the island. Go bungee-jumping, play golf, go mountain bike riding, or hiking, or kayaking, or paragliding, or… well, you get the idea.
More Daylight
Even though it’s not like daylight hours suddenly double from what they were mid-winter, the sun still begins to rise earlier and earlier and set later and later. This gives you a precious few extra hours each day to cram in all the exciting things to see and do here in Queenstown.
Less People
Peak seasons tend to be over the summer holidays, and big public holidays such as Christmas and New Year. So, when Queenstown begins to wake up again in spring, you’ll find much fewer crowds, and getting a spot on a tour or activity doesn’t feel like a Hunger Games scenario. It also works out gangbusters for those who simply don’t enjoy overcrowded places.
More Affordability
It doesn’t matter where you go in the world, peak seasons inevitably bring peak season pricing along with them. So, by visiting Queenstown in a period that’s considered an “off season,” you’ll be able to get more bang for your buck.
The Weather in Queenstown in Spring
It’s easy to see why visitors become drawn to Queenstown as winter gives way to spring and the weather shifts more towards what you see in those tourism brochures. Here’s what to expect from the weather throughout the season:
What You Can Expect from the Weather in Queenstown in September
When you visit Queenstown in September, you’ll essentially be getting the tail-end of the winter season with the perks of spring starting to creep in. For many, this is actually ideal since you’ll still be able to hit the ski slopes if conditions permit, without having to deal with the full-blown harshness of the winter season. Here’s what you can expect weather-wise:
- Temperature: Ranging between 2 and 13 degrees Celsius (36 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Rainfall: Averages about 62 millimeters (2.4 inches).
- Daylight Hours: Increases from about 10.5 in early September to 11.5 by mid-September.
What You Can Expect from the Weather in Queenstown in October
October is when spring really starts making its presence known. Here’s what to expect:
- Temperature: Ranging between 4 and 15 degrees Celsius (39 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Rainfall: Averages about 62 millimeters (2.4 inches).
- Daylight Hours: Increases from about 11.5 in early October to 12.5 by the end of October.
What You Can Expect from the Weather in Queenstown in November
November marks the time when spring starts taking a bow and slowly (such a diva!) begins to leave center stage. By November, everyone is wearing shorts and sunglasses, no matter how sensitive to the cold you are. Here’s what you can expect from the weather:
- Temperature: Ranging between 6 and 18 degrees Celsius (43 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Rainfall: Averages about 60 millimeters (2.3 inches).
- Daylight Hours: Increases from about 12.5 in early November to 15 by the end of November.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Queenstown in Spring
Since spring is still a transition period, those who will be visiting New Zealand for the first time might feel a bit confused as to what to pack.
Although we won’t be telling you how many undies to pack, we can certainly advise you on a few essentials you may not have thought (or have forgotten) about. So, ensure you tick off the following before getting on your flight:
- A good mix of clothing (you’ll need to be able to wear layers and cater for both outdoor adventures as well as nights out on the town).
- Sun protection. This means everything from hats and sunglasses to sunscreen (preferably something with an SPF of 30+ that’s water resistant).
- Specific outdoor gear for certain activities that you know you won’t find or be provided with here in Queenstown. For example, you’re not going to be finding walked-in hiking boots, and if you do… yuck!
- Swimwear (warm days mean never saying no to a quick dip).
- A quick-drying towel (you don’t want to be schlepping around a bunch of wet things all over your travels).
- Flip flops (even if you don’t enjoy wearing them as casual shoes, these are perfect around pools and in public showers).
- This one might sound obvious, but just think back to the number of times you’ve had that facepalm moment: ensure you have ALL your cables, chargers, and power banks! There’s nothing worse than getting your adventure on, only to realize you no longer have a working camera, mobile, or fitness watch.
- Although winter is technically in the rearview mirror, we still recommend that you pack a warm woolen beanie and scarf for those crisp mornings and early evenings.
Top 10 Things to Do in Queenstown in Spring
If you need a little help compiling your trip itinerary, the following come highly recommended:
Go Skiing
As we already lightly touched on, there might still be a chance for you to hit the slopes if you visit Queenstown in early spring. In fact, if conditions treat you well, you might actually be able to still go skiing till early October.
Two of the most popular ski areas, famous for their soft snow, easier slopes for kids and beginners, as well as ski cafés (to heat up over a hot cup of joe after a session), are The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. This is a great activity to work into a trip itinerary, whether you’re traveling as a couple, a group of friends, or a family.
Take On Our Hiking Trails
There’s no better way to explore the vibrant spring landscape than hiking through it. And trust us, we’ve got some seriously scenic trails. It also doesn’t matter whether you’re a couch potato trying something new or a gym bunny trying to conquer another physical challenge – Queenstown has got hiking trails for everyone. A few local favorites include:
The Ben Lomond Track
This trail is not just considered a challenging hike for the more experienced hiker, but also as a demanding climb that takes you up to an elevation of 1438 meters (4865 feet) at the summit of Ben Lomond!
Needless to say, hikers are well rewarded with breathtaking views once there: 360-degree views over Queenstown, to be exact. This is an out-and-back trail that will take between 6 and 8 hours (depending on your pace). Well worth it if you've got what it takes.
The Queenstown Hill Walk
The Queenstown Hill Walk is considered a moderate trail, mainly because of the steep incline in the beginning, so even though it’s short and makes an ideal family outing, it’s not suitable for smaller children.
The name is very descriptive of what the hike is all about. It’s an out-and-back trail of 4.8 kilometers (3 miles), with an elevation of 400 meters (1312 feet), that teaches you all about Queenstown via placards and plates along the way till you reach panoramic views over the city and Lake Wakatipu. The entire hike takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours (depending on your pace).
The Lake Hayes Loop
The Lake Hayes loop trail is perfect if you’re just looking for a leisurely stroll while soaking up the beautiful surroundings. The path is level and smooth, so the entire family (including babies in prams!) can join in the fun.
Just keep in mind that the trail isn’t a short one, so you’ll need a hiking carrier for any smaller tots. The trail is 7.9 kilometers (4.9 miles) long, and will take roughly 2 to 2.5 hours (depending on pace).
Ride the Skyline Gondola and Luge
Take the Skyline Gondola 480 meters up, where you can enjoy a meal and spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu and the surroundings. For the ultimate fun, you can mix it up, and instead of gliding down with the Gondola again, you can zoom down via Luge. Needless to say, this is an outing suitable for the whole family.
Take a Stroll Through the Queenstown Gardens
Whether you’re an avid gardener or just a lover of nature, the Queenstown Gardens is a must-visit – especially in spring. This botanical garden, filled with all sorts of both exotic and native flora, absolutely explodes into life during spring. It’s quite a relaxing and rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of a jam-packed trip itinerary.
Go On a Milford Sound Cruise
Departing from Queenstown and traveling all the way to the Tasman Sea, Milford Sound Cruises has become a trademark excursion here in Queenstown.
Exploring Queenstown and its surroundings from the water gives you an entirely different and unique perspective on this breathtaking landscape. You’ll have the option of choosing between a day trip that takes about 3.5 hours or an overnight cruise.
Be Wined and Dined
We get it: compared to the Bordeaux vineyards, New Zealand is probably not the first place you think about when someone mentions “wine country,” but Queenstown is actually the place to go if you’re looking to be wined and dined.
From wineries serving up delicious Pinots alongside tasty meals at the restaurant to wine tastings accompanied by cheese platters or tapas – you’ll find it all here in Queenstown. There are many ways for you to immerse yourself in our NZ wineworld.
You can book a spot on a tour, do the hop-on-hop-off thing, or rent a bike (the latter might not be such a great idea if you plan on a self-drive wine tour that resembles a pub crawl more than a sophisticated exploration of the Queenstown wine scene).
Go Mountain Biking and Cycling
Queenstown is an absolute mountain biking and cycling mecca! Whether you’re in the mood to take on a few trails with stunning views or just explore the town and its immediate surroundings, there’s a rental bike somewhere in town with your name on it!
If you choose to traverse our trails, you’ll be looking at roughly 150 kilometers of discovery all around town. Of course, you’ll also have the option between renting a bike and DIYing your own biking adventure, or you can book a spot on a group biking tour. These can range from half days and full days to multi-day treks.
The fact that spring doesn’t hit those extreme temperature highs as in summer also means that you can go biking for longer periods at a time without getting too uncomfortable or fearing heat exhaustion.
Discover the Magic of Glenorchy
Okay, so this one might be a little bit of a cheat since it’s not technically in Queenstown, but Queenstown is where most choose to depart from on this epic outing. And if you’re a fantasy fan, Glenorchy is not to be missed.
This quaint little country town sits about 45 minutes from Queenstown, and the town and its surroundings have been the locations for many a movie scene, including those of The Lord of the Rings and Narnia.
While there are guided tours available that depart from Queenstown, it’s always better to have your own transport. This way, you’ll have full control and the final say over your time and itinerary.
Canoe or Kayak the Queenstown Rivers and Lake
If a larger cruise like Milford Sound is not for you, there are other ways of exploring the tranquil waters and beautiful scenery surrounding Queenstown. Whether in a group tour setting or via private rentals, you can go canoeing or kayaking out on the lake or rivers such as the Dart River and Kawarau River.
Attend One of Our Local Events
As we already mentioned, in spring, it's also our social calendars that begin to bloom again. You’ll find plenty of local events to spice up your trip itinerary with. These are just a few to consider:
The Snow Machine Festival
The Snow Machine Festival is what you’d get if a ski trip and a music festival had a baby. This festival, generally lasting for 4 days, interestingly has a Japanese counterpart that also takes place every year.
The Queenstown Marathon
Whether a running fanatic or the fun-run type, the scenic Queenstown Marathon should be on your books! This marathon draws crowds from all across the world, with runners being able to choose from a 42-kilometer run, a 21-kilometer run, a 10-kilometer run, or a 2.2-kilometer kids run.
The Queenstown Bike Festival
The Queenstown Bike Festival is the brainchild of the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club and consists of a wide variety of events and activities all over Queenstown. The main goal is to raise funds for the club, so not only will you get to enjoy bikes, beers, and barbecues, but you will also do something good for the local community.
The Remarkables Market
If you’re planning on visiting in October or November and you’ve got some money to burn, you need to make a stop at The Remarkables Market. The market is only open on Saturdays and is stocked with all sorts of interesting and essential local products and fresh produce.
Unlike at the big retailers, you can rest assured that any money spent here supports our local community and economy.
A Few Helpful Tips for Visiting Queenstown in Spring
If this will be your first time visiting Queenstown in Spring, the following tips and advice might be helpful:
- Have a few backup indoor replacement activities ready if you hit some bad weather, and outdoor activities for the day are no-goes. There’s still plenty to do in Queenstown, so don’t let a little rain completely derail your trip.
- If you are planning on participating in some of our adrenaline-pumping activities, please remember to chat with your insurance provider to ensure that you’re sufficiently covered by your travel insurance policy.
- If you plan on getting your own transport, you’ll be glad to know that you won’t need an International Driver’s Permit (as long as your license is in English). Just keep in mind that we drive on the left here (so things can get tricky for our American friends).
FAQs About Queenstown in Spring
Below you will find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we received about visiting Queenstown in Spring:
Is Spring a Good Time to Visit Queenstown?
Absolutely! Spring is a great time to visit Queenstown for a variety of reasons. You can look forward to better weather, plenty to do, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices, to name a few springtime perks.
What Kind of Weather Can I Expect in Queenstown in Spring?
The weather has turned for the better, but you’ll still find an eclectic winter/spring mix when you visit early September, and it only feels like spring has truly settled in by October.
From November, the tide is turning again, and you slowly move towards that stereotypical summer weather. Although you might get some rainfall during your stay, spring is not considered our wettest season.
Are Ski Fields Open in Queenstown During Spring?
If you’re visiting Queenstown in early spring, you’ll still be able to go skiing (depending on the conditions, of course). Many ski slopes remain open till early October since the snow tends to stick around at those higher elevations.
What Outdoor Activities are Available in Queenstown in Spring?
There’s a wide variety of activities to choose from if you visit Queenstown in spring. This includes hiking, canoeing, biking, bungee jumping, cruising, wine tasting, and much, much more.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Queenstown to Make the Most of My Spring Stay?
With so much to see and do in Queenstown in spring, we highly recommend that you stay for at least 5 to 7 days. This way, you can explore the area, experience the culture, and participate in many fun activities and events.
A Few Final Thoughts on Visiting Queenstown in Spring
With so many perks to visiting Queenstown in Spring, planning a trip during the season is an absolute no-brainer. With so many exciting things to see and do, promising a whole lot of fun for the entire family, the best way to stay in control of your time and itinerary is to have your own transport.
And to maximize savings and convenience, you can rent a campervan (taking care of both your accommodation and transport in one clean swoop). So, book your trip, rent your campervan in New Zealand, and head out on your springtime adventure in Queenstown!
