Fresh ski runs, cycle trails and luxury accommodation: New Zealand’s Queenstown is limbering up for your next visit.

Image credit: Peter Luo

Wake to the beauty of Lake Wakatipu

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For an action-packed long weekend, it’s difficult to go past the South Island (Te Waipounamu) jewel of Queenstown (Tāhuna). Found at the base of snow-capped alps alongside Lake Wakatipu, it’s a springboard for adventure… or not. And with new terrain both on and off the slopes, there’s much to explore. Start by immersing yourself in the town’s stunning surrounds without leaving the comfort of your king-size bed. Luxury hotel Roki, pronounced “ro-kee” and the te reo Māori word for tranquil, is set to open its doors in late August to reveal 15 spacious suites overlooking the lake, as well as fine-dining restaurant Essence from British-born chef Paul Froggatt, formerly of Huka Lodge on the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui). Land and air transfers allow fast access to alpine playgrounds like Cardrona and Coronet Peak, with heli-skiing tours available. The hotel’s state-of-the-art drying room has your snow gear covered while tired bodies can gravitate to the jacuzzi, sauna or heated indoor pool. Relax with an après-ski apéritif by your private fireplace or head to The Terrace eatery and bar for unrivalled views of The Remarkables.

Image credit: Geoff Marks

Cycle the Shotover Gorge

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Queenstown’s eagerly awaited new Shotover Gorge Trail is a must-do for thrillseekers who prefer dirt trails over snow. The 5.5 kilometre stretch follows the famous Shotover River and includes the historic Hugo Tunnel, as well as the 90-metre-long Kimi-ākau suspension bridge, with heart-pumping views over the canyon and the spinning jet boats below. Start your adventure from Queenstown on the 130-kilometre network of dedicated cycling and walking paths. “It’s a beautiful ride and one of the most challenging sections on the Queenstown Trail,” says Izzy Norton from Around the Basin, which offers mountain and e-bikes for a 25-kilometre ride that includes the new trail and ends with a 2pm pick-up from goldrush-era Gantley’s Tavern at Arthurs Point. Here you can fuel up on a classic Kiwi burger or housemade lentil and mushroom pie while you wait for your ride back to town.

Carve Cardrona’s new trails

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Winter fun is a whole lot bigger (in fact, 150 hectares so) at Cardrona with the opening of the freshly minted Soho Basin, a playful snow bowl boasting two groomed runs, off-piste terrain and 380 metres of vertical descent serviced by a high-speed chairlift. With Cardrona now New Zealand’s largest ski resort, season passes are hot property. Arrive at 8.30am to beat the crowds or stick around for “power hour” (3pm to 4pm) when lift lines are a lot shorter. Travel from Queenstown is easy with a twice-daily bookable bus service, free shuttles from car parks at the base of the mountain and private transfers. Ski and board hire is available in Queenstown and on the mountain.

Pick your dining experience at Ayrburn

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Sheep station turned multi-venue dining hub, historic homestead Ayrburn has new culinary additions to entice this winter. Joining the much-loved Woolshed restaurant, Burr Bar and Barrel Room is Billy’s Cantonese fine-diner and the all-day Bakehouse, which will dish up family favourites such as brekkie waffles, woodfired pizzas and sizzling rotisserie chicken on a sun-drenched terrace. Don’t miss the happy hour “handles” of craft beer from 4 to 6pm and regular live music on weekends. Located in Arrowtown, just 20 minutes from Queenstown, Ayrburn can be reached by bike, bus, car and taxi.

Meet the wine whisperers

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There are more than 175 wineries in the Central Otago region, all within an hour’s drive of Queenstown. But how to choose which ones to visit? Operating out of Queenstown, Southern Discoveries’ small-group tours take in family-owned cellar doors and award-winning wineries across the Gibbston Valley, showcasing the region’s renowned pinot noirs and cool-climate varietals. Sip on the South Island’s finest drops as you soak in the dramatic slopes around Chard Farm winery and the snow-capped mountains that dwarf Mt Rosa.

Warm up in a wine bar

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After an action-packed day, cosy European-vibe Toast & Oak in the heart of town is the ideal nook in which to wind down and relive alpine adventures. Bag a booth on the glassed-in upstairs balcony for magic mountain views and savour the finest global vintages while nibbling on chef Giulio Barducci’s cappellacci with paua, New Zealand’s prized black foot abalone. Ten minutes from downtown at Frankton’s Queenstown Marina, lakeside bar Fino is open for lunch and dinner, offering a range of more than 40 wines sourced mainly from local boutique vineyards by co-owner and sommelier Eugene Kliushneu and paired with share-style plates, such as slow-braised lamb and hearty risotto. Social hour (3 to 5pm) sees the price of selected cocktails and wines compete with the dipping mercury outside.

Make like a local at Sherwood

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Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, just 45 minutes from the ski fields of Cardrona, this sustainable retro hotel has been a base for serious snow buffs since 1985. Powered by the sun (supplemented by renewable resources), Sherwood is working its way towards zero waste under new owners and there’s also a planned revamp of its 78 rooms. Tuck into a delicious seasonal dinner of Big Glory Bay salmon or Stewart Island mussels with greens straight from the veggie patch at the award-winning restaurant helmed by executive chef Chris Scott. Regular Fireside Friends events invite local luminaries to bring their own flavours to the ever-changing menu.

Image credit: Tataki Auckland Unlimited