American Express Queenstown Winter Festival

Winter starts here. The Southern Hemisphere's biggest winter party is the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival and this year it runs from 26 June to 5 July. The festival is celebrating its 35th birthday with 10 days of totally outrageous and uniquely Queenstown events.

Thirty five years ago a bunch of snow-crazed Queenstown locals with bad 70s hair decided that the arrival of winter was a great excuse for a party. They organised races on the mountain, lolly scrambles for the kids, beer for the grown-ups, a couple of loud concerts and a town-wide ball to give everyone a reason to get dolled up.

winners are grinning on the snow

There's plenty to get excited about with loads of mountain action, street parties, fireworks, live concerts, comedy, theatre, family fun, and a great mix of internationally acclaimed performers and home-grown acts. The 35 year milestone also heralds the return of many Festival favourites as well as injection of fresh new events sure to get everyone in the party mood.

The festival gets underway in style on Friday 26 June at the free American Express Opening Party with a spectacular fireworks display, live music, mulled wine, and plenty of laughs.

Before and after activities

When the festival's over, or before it begins, you'll find plenty to do in the Queenstown region. Enjoy a round of golf - there are four courses in the area, including world famous Millbrook; book yourself a day of luxury and pampering at a day spa; go jet boating, lake cruising or canyon swinging; or visit the vineyards in Gibbston Valley. Scenic drives around the area will reveal gold rush history and spectacular alpine views. You could also take the opportunity to visit Milford Sound in Fiordland - it’s picture-book perfect in winter.

Qualmark promises you a sure thing

When you’re planning your Queenstown Winter Festival experience, look for the Qualmark© logo - it’s your sign that accommodation, activities, services and transport have been independently quality assessed.