Overview
Coronet Peak is Queenstown's closest ski field, just 25 minutes' drive from the town centre. Rising to 1,649 metres, it offers wide-open terrain, night skiing, and panoramic views across the Wakatipu Basin.
Highlights
- Night Skiing: The only ski field in the South Island offering night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays during peak season, with runs lit until 9 PM.
- Varied Terrain: A mix of groomed trails, natural halfpipes, and off-piste opportunities across 280 hectares of skiable terrain.
- Summer Views: In summer, the access road leads to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Queenstown, Arrowtown, and the surrounding ranges.
History
Coronet Peak opened in 1947, making it one of New Zealand's oldest commercial ski fields. It pioneered snowmaking in the Southern Hemisphere in the 1990s, ensuring reliable cover throughout the season.
Visitor Tips
- Night Sessions: Friday night skiing with DJs and mountain-bar parties is a uniquely Queenstown experience.
- Early Season: Coronet typically opens earlier and stays open later than the Remarkables due to its snowmaking infrastructure.
- Duration: Full day for skiing.