Registrations are now open for our inaugural SSAA Ski Summit later this year, taking place in the beautiful alpine city of Queenstown, New Zealand.
While our main program events will be held from 23–25 August, there’s plenty for you to see and do outside of the conference. Partners are welcome, so be sure to add a little extra time to your trip so that you can explore everything Queenstown has to offer.
While skiing is the obvious choice, here is our list of things to do in Queenstown to make the most of your summit experience.
Cruise down Lake Wakatipu with Captain Wayne
Photo courtesy of Million Dollar Cruise
Queenstown is a beautiful river city, which means a boat cruise is an essential part of your New Zealand experience. The family-owned and operated Million Dollar Cruise is one of the best scenic lake cruises in the area, with the friendly and knowledgeable Captain Wayne and his wife Betty – two true locals – at the helm. The boat is small and personal, with a maximum of 60 passengers at a time.
This relaxing journey is a fantastic way to take in and appreciate Queenstown’s magnificent landscape, with great commentary provided by the captain. It’s also one of the more affordable boat options, with a 90-minute journey costing just NZD $49 (about AUD$45). Bonus: there’s a cash bar on board.
Take a jet boat ride to remember
Photo courtesy of Shotover Jet
If you want to add a little adrenaline to your outdoor boating adventure, the Shotover Jet is one of the area’s most iconic attractions. Located on the Shotover River less than 10 minutes from Queenstown, this high-speed jet boat ride will have you whizzing through narrow canyons and taking on rapids in a high performance boat that travels at speeds of up to 90 kph.
It’s fast and furious, but it’s also super safe!
Do the Thrillology: Nevis Bungy Jump, Swing & Catapult
Photo courtesy of AJ Hackett Bungy
If you’d like a side of extreme highs to go along with the beautiful scenery, head out to the Nevis Valley for an action-packed day at New Zealand’s most exhilarating adventure playground.
Experience pure adrenaline as you freefall for 8.5 seconds from the top of the Kawarau Bridge, take on the world’s largest swing at speeds of up to 120 kph, or embrace your inner superhero as you catapult yourself 150 metres over the Nevis Valley. Talk about a way to relieve workplace stress!
The Nevis attractions are located about 40 minutes outside of Queenstown, but all tickets include return transfers – just make your way to the Station Building on Shotover Street in town.
Relax at the Onsen Hot Pools
Photo courtesy of Onsen Hot Pools
Give your inner adrenaline junkie a break and take a relaxing dip at the Onsen Hot Pools. Soak in the spectacular views of the Shotover River Canyon below from your very own private hot tub.
This 60-minute spa experience will have you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, whether you go first thing in the morning or unwind after a big day. Just make sure you book well in advance, because these tubs tend to book out quickly.
Break the Ice at Below Zero
Photo courtesy of Republic Hospitality Group
Put on a woollen coat, slip on warm gloves and step into Below Zero, a novelty bar where literally everything, even the cups, are made of ice. With the bar temperature always at – you guessed it – below zero, the venue supplies all the coats, gloves and boots on arrival.
There are plenty of beautiful ice sculptures to gawk at, and the drinks menu is reasonably priced. Even though it is a bar, there are plenty of non-alcoholic options available.
Located in the centre of Queenstown, this is one place to tick off your bucket list. And if you’ve connected with other delegates from the summit, it’s the perfect place to break the ice.
Take a day trip to Arrowtown
Buckingham St, Arrowtown. Photo courtesy of Arrowtown Promotion & Business Association.
If you have the time, it’s worth venturing outside of Queenstown to the historical township of Arrowtown. Located 30 minutes from Queenstown, Arrowtown is a quaint and charming village filled with heritage buildings, outdoor trails and a surprisingly vibrant restaurant and cafe scene.
Lose yourself amongst the tree-lined streets, explore the local shops (especially the old school sweet shop!) and enjoy the timeless beauty of the living settler history.
To get here, rent a car, or take a bus from Queenstown for just a few dollars.
Ride up – then down – Bob’s Peak
Photo courtesy of Skyline Queenstown
Treat yourself to epic views of Lake Wakatipu from the top of the Skyline Gondola – then take an adventurous ride back down in a three-wheeled luge cart!
The entrance to the Skyline base is about a 10 minute walk from the town center. Enjoy a ride in the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest cable car, which will take you on a 450 metre scenic journey up to Bob’s Peak. From there, you’ll be guided to the start of the Skyline Luge – a kind of hybrid between a go-kart and a toboggan.
There are two luge tracks to choose from, but all riders must use the beginner track at least once before advancing (and if the reviews teach us anything, you’ll want to book at least three luge runs).
Bonus: If you’re feeling a bit peckish, the restaurant at the top of Bob’s Peak has one of the best dining views New Zealand has to offer.
Bike and wine your way through the Queenstown Trail
Photo courtesy of Around the Basin
If you love being active and drinking wine at the same time, join a half or full day biking and winery tour along the Queenstown Trail, a stretch of over 130 kilometres of off-road trails.
As part of the Gibbston Valley Wine Region, Queenstown is home to more than two hundred wineries. Tour operators such as Around the Basin offer bike hire, safety briefings and maps of the trails so you can ride at your own pace and visit as many wineries, cheeseries and breweries as you like.
They’ll even pick up all the wine you order and take it back on the Shuttle Bus – all you have to do is explore and enjoy!
Self storage owners and leaders are invited to join us for the inaugural SSAA Ski Summit in Queenstown from 23-25 August 2022. Start the day with early morning speaker sessions followed by afternoons on the slopes or wining and dining. View the program and register your interest here.