Queenstown and Wanaka sit within an hour of each other in the heart of the South Island’s alpine region, and between them they offer access to four ski fields, some of the best après ski in the Southern Hemisphere, and landscapes that look like they were designed specifically to be photographed. A self-contained 4WD setup is ideal for a winter trip here. You are not locked into one base, you can move between fields and towns as conditions dictate, and the Ranger handles the mountain access roads with ease.
Getting there
From Christchurch the drive to Queenstown takes around four and a half hours via SH1 and SH8 through the Mackenzie Basin and Lindis Pass. The Lindis Pass section is stunning but can be icy in winter — check road conditions before you go and carry chains if heading over in poor weather.
From Queenstown to Wanaka is around an hour via the Crown Range Road, which is the highest sealed road in New Zealand and closed during heavy snow. The alternative route via Cromwell adds around 20 minutes but is far more reliable in winter conditions. Check the NZTA journey planner before choosing your route.
Pick up from Christchurch works perfectly for a ski trip — you drive through the Mackenzie Basin and arrive in Queenstown or Wanaka with the camper fully loaded and ready to go.
The ski fields
Coronet Peak: Queenstown’s closest ski field, 18 kilometres from town. The most developed and consistently snow-sure field in the region, with night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays. Good for all levels. The access road is well maintained but steep — the Ranger handles it without issue.
The Remarkables: 28 kilometres from Queenstown, this is the more dramatic of the two Queenstown fields. Three distinct basins with terrain for all levels and views across Lake Wakatipu that are genuinely hard to focus on when you should be skiing. The access road is unsealed in sections — 4WD strongly recommended.
Cardrona: 34 kilometres from Wanaka, Cardrona is consistently rated one of the best ski fields in New Zealand. Excellent terrain park, good beginner areas, and a historic hotel at the base that has been operating since the gold rush era. The access road is sealed but steep and can be icy. Well worth the drive.
Treble Cone: 26 kilometres from Wanaka, this is the most challenging and least crowded of the four fields. The terrain is steep and varied, the views over Lake Wanaka are extraordinary, and on a powder day it is as good as anywhere in the country. The access road is unsealed and rough in places — the Ranger is well suited to it.
Queenstown
Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital and in winter it shifts into ski town mode without losing any of its energy. The lakefront is beautiful in the cold, the restaurant and bar scene is excellent, and the gondola up to Skyline gives you views across the entire Wakatipu Basin regardless of whether you ski.
Arrowtown is worth a half day detour. A beautifully preserved gold rush town 20 minutes from Queenstown, with excellent cafes and an autumn that turns the poplar trees gold. In winter the historic lane is quiet and atmospheric.
Wanaka
Wanaka is smaller and quieter than Queenstown with a more relaxed pace that suits a camper trip well. The town sits on the southern shore of Lake Wanaka and on a clear winter morning with snow on the surrounding ranges it is genuinely one of the most beautiful spots in New Zealand.
Wanaka is home to Puzzling World, a local institution worth an hour of your time, and Cinema Paradiso, one of New Zealand’s most beloved independent cinemas. After a day on the mountain, an evening film in a couch seat with a pizza is hard to beat.
Where to camp
Winter freedom camping in this region requires a properly insulated and heated setup. The 600ATV Hardwall is fully insulated and handles cold temperatures well. Check CamperMate for current sites and always confirm with the relevant council as winter conditions can affect site access.
- Lake Wanaka foreshore: right on the water with views across the lake to the snow-covered ranges. One of the best winter camping spots in the South Island
- Glendhu Bay: 11 kilometres west of Wanaka on the lake, quieter than the town foreshore and beautiful in winter light
- Queenstown area sites: check CamperMate for current freedom camping options around Queenstown and Lake Hayes
- Cromwell foreshore: a good midpoint base if you are splitting time between Queenstown and Wanaka fields
Practical notes
- Snow chains are mandatory on some access roads when conditions require it. Carry a set and know how to fit them before you need to
- The Ranger’s 4WD and GVM upgrade handle alpine access roads well but always check field road reports on the ski area website before heading up
- Queenstown is expensive. Supermarkets in Cromwell or Wanaka are significantly cheaper for stocking up
- Ski hire is available at all four fields and in both towns. Book in advance during peak school holiday periods
- The Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka closes during heavy snow. Always have the Cromwell route as your backup
- Mobile coverage is good in both towns and on most access roads but patchy on the Crown Range. Download offline maps
- Fuel up in Queenstown or Wanaka. Stations on the mountain access roads do not exist
Suggested itinerary — 5 nights
| Day | Route |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Christchurch pickup. Drive via Mackenzie Basin and Lindis Pass to Queenstown. Arrive and settle. Camp Lake Hayes or Queenstown area. |
| Day 2 | Coronet Peak. First day on the mountain. Evening in Queenstown. |
| Day 3 | The Remarkables. Morning ski, afternoon Arrowtown detour. Camp Queenstown area. |
| Day 4 | Drive to Wanaka via Cromwell. Cardrona ski field afternoon. Camp Lake Wanaka foreshore. |
| Day 5 | Treble Cone. Full day on the mountain. Evening in Wanaka. Cinema Paradiso if conditions allow a rest day. |
| Day 6 | Slow drive back to Christchurch via Cromwell, Lindis Pass, and Mackenzie Basin. |
