Winter has arrived!

Queenstown is looking great today! A storm has rolled through and glimpsing through the clouds some decent snow can now be seen coating the hills. A much needed kick start to the ski season and always a beautiful view.

The feeling around town is very much still in transition phase, with the summer crows gone and the winter arrivals still on the way. I’m sure people will be watching the forecast carefully and planing holidays for when there is consistent skiing. They do always say… “snow in June, still too soon”.
If you are still in the planning phase and making the decision on when to visit New Zealand’s’ Adventure Capital, bear in mind the dates of the NZ and Australian school holidays;

NZ school holidays 8-23 July
AU Capital Territory 1-16 July

Avoiding these dates generally means less people on the ski fields. The Australian and NZ holiday overlap is often the busiest time.

Queenstown Winter Festival is on again from the 22 – 25th of June and this really does launch us into winter mode proper! It’s exciting feeling the buzz grow as the snow accumulates. Winter Fest has some fun activities and shows. It is worth taking a look at all the information and schedule to ensure you maximise your experience:  WinterFest.
When planning your trip to Queenstown be sure to look into doing some activities that aren’t up the mountains, just in case there is bad weather, or snow is unfavourable. You will probably also want to mix it up to ensure you see a bit more of what Queenstown has to offer. Many people fall into a nice repeating pattern of 2 days skiing followed by 1 day off the mountains.
Take this opportunity to come out on a ride with us at Around The Basin Bike Tours.

We operate right through the winter due to demand. The winter crowd are outdoorsy people who like to get out and about. Whether riding for fitness, or for wine! We have trips to suit all. So lets hope fore more snow and some great skiing this winter, while also resting easy knowing that Queenstown is a destination with activities for all conditions. This ski town has so much to offer, on and off the slopes.

Written by Hamish Fleming

Around The Basin Tour Guide (and avid skier!)

Don’t miss it! from June 24th – July 3rd. The American Express Queenstown Winter Festival celebrations liven up the town during this 10 day extravaganza!

Experience Queenstown’s unique culture and community with street parties, fireworks, international and local acts, comedy, family fun, and plenty of Mountain Mayhem.

Ticketed events are on sale now, plus there’s ample free events and sporting events to keep everyone entertained.

A great time to be in Queenstown and plenty of activities on offer for your aprés ride!

The historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown is right on the Queenstown Trail. Just 20 minutes drive from Queenstown. This year the Arrowtown Autumn Festival is on from 21 – 25 April, perfectly timed during the school holidays and ANZAC long weekend. Join us to shuttle out there and experience part of this five day festival of entertainment. Explore the magnificient colours biking along the Arrow River Trail out toward Gibbston wine country or even further afield by biking back to Queenstown. Anyway you decide we’ve got you covered to experience Arrowtown’s spectacular display of flaming reds and golds – a sight not to be missed!

The Queenstown Trail has made it to the finals of NZ’s Favourite Places to Cycle 2016. That’s no surprise – these bike trails are truly awesome. We’re up against some stiff competition though from the Hauraki Rail Trail, Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trails, Great Lake Cycle Trail, and Otago Central Rail Trail so hopefully we will manage to scoop the coveted title! The overall winner is announced on 2nd March!

It’s been a huge biking summer for Around The Basin to date and we are looking forward to continued great weather through to April. The trails have been in primo condition throughout the summer and a bit of rain during the past week has settled the dust nicely. Motatapu in coming up in a couple of weeks so lots of people are out riding the trails in preparation – once again we’re looking forward to the spectacle!

Winter has arrived and skiers are abound. The Queenstown Trails are in awesome condition, so for a change of scenery get yourself on a bike with us and explore some of that beautiful countryside you look down over while skiing the slopes. Try our Winter Ride starting daily at 11am and giving you a great overview of the trails or explore the Gibbston River Trail and do our Bike The Wineries self-guided tour. Or if your keen on a ‘do it yourself’ ride, grab a bike from us and ride to Arrowtown or Jacks Point and we can pick you up – once you’ve re-fueled and shuttle you back to town…too easy!!

Winter has arrived and skiers are abound. The Queenstown Trails are in awesome condition, so for a change of scenery get yourself on a bike with us and explore some of that beautiful countryside you look down over while skiing the slopes. Try our Winter Ride starting daily at 11am and giving you a great overview of the trails or explore the Gibbston River Trail and do our Bike The Wineries self-guided tour. Or if your keen on a ‘do it yourself’ ride, grab a bike from us and ride to Arrowtown or Jacks Point and we can pick you up – once you’ve re-fueled and shuttle you back to town…too easy!!

Autumn is one of our favourite seasons on the Queenstown Trails. The changing colours are certainly a spectacle to see as you meander by bike through the Wakatipu Basin. The often clear blue sky in contrast to the changing golds and reds of the trees makes for some fabulous photographs. Come out biking with us and experience it for yourself.

Summer is well and truly here and with most of the snow gone from the skifields it’s time to get out on your bike and enjoy our fantastic Queenstown Trails. With the upgrade of the Gibbston River Trail we have launched our new self-guided Bike The Wineries Tour…which you can enjoy over a full day or a half day if your on a limited schedule. Our 9am Queenstown Trails Full Day Supported Tour also starts on 1 October and both our morning and afternoon Arrow River Trail Half Day Supported Tour. We look forward to taking you out to explore more of Queenstown.

Queenstown enjoys many crisp, clear, sunny winter days. So why not make the most of them and come on our winter cycling trip. Take a break from the skiing and get amongst that spectacular countryside you look down on while on the ski slopes! Bike through the Wakatipu Basin surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains toward Gibbston Valley wine country a great way to spend a satisfying day in the fresh air!

The shorts are out and so are the bikes. We’ve been loving getting people out on the trails enjoying the great weather we’ve been having. Hopefully we’re in for a long, hot, riding summer!!!