Queenstown in January

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Queenstown in January

January in Queenstown brings peak summer energy with long daylight hours, warm temperatures, and clear skies, perfect for hiking Ben Lomond Track, lake cruises on Lake Wakatipu, vineyard visits in Gibbston Valley, and vibrant festivals.

January is one of the most active months in Queenstown, with long daylight hours, warm alpine temperatures, and clear conditions supporting a wide range of outdoor and cultural experiences. In Jan 2026 average people recorded were (385000) which included 39% (150306) from Australia. Average daytime temperatures typically range from 7°C to 20°C in 2026, This year 2027 its been estimated around 6°C to 22°C making it a suitable time for hiking, lake activities, scenic travel, and regional events around Lake Wakatipu and surrounding areas.

Queenstown in January is especially popular among travellers looking to enjoy outdoor adventures.

january-in-quenstown

Events and Festivals in January 2027

Alps Festival

Rhythm & Alps Festival

date-icon 29 December 2026 to 1 January 2027

locatiion-icon Cardrona Valley

A multi day music and camping festival held near Queenstown featuring international and local artists.

The lineup features starlet: Rudimental, Dizzee Rascal, Santigold, Synthony, and Chaos in the CBD, with over 10,000 attendees expected.

Glenorchy Races

date-icon 9 January 2027 (expected annual schedule)

locatiion-icon Glenorchy

A traditional regional horse racing event combining racing, food stalls, and live entertainment, set against alpine scenery at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu. Its been held every 1st Saturday after new year with just a minimal fee of $20 starting at 11 and till event lasts.

Glenorchy Races
Alps Festival

Remarkables Market

date-icon Saturdays throughout January 2027

locatiion-icon Remarkables Market

During the summer, a weekly outdoor market features food vendors, handcrafted goods, local produce, and live music.

Gibbston Valley Summer Concerts

date-icon Various weekends in January 2027

locatiion-icon Gibbston Valley

Open-air concerts with live performances and local cuisine are held in vineyard settings.

Glenorchy Races

Outdoor Activities

Skyline Gondola

Skyline Gondola

locatiion-icon Skyline Queenstown Gondola

An elevated gondola ride up Bob's Peak offers views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and neighboring mountain ranges. January's longer days make it possible to visit in the evening.

Hiking and Walking Tracks

Ben Lomond Track

locatiion-icon Ben Lomond Track

A full day alpine hike accessible during snow free summer conditions.

Queenstown Hill Time Walk

locatiion-icon Queenstown Hill Time Walk

A shorter walking trail through forest and open viewpoints overlooking the township.

Ben-Lomond-Track
Bungy-Jumping

Bungy Jumping

locatiion-icon Kawarau Bridge Bungy Centre

Bungy jumping operates year-round at Queenstown in January providing stable weather conditions and extended daylight hours. The Kawarau Bridge site is recognised as the world’s first commercial bungy jumping location, offering jumps above the Kawarau River with viewing platforms for spectators.

Jet Boating Experiences

locatiion-icon Shotover River

locatiion-icon Kawarau River

locatiion-icon Dart River

Jet boating provides access to remote wilderness areas, braided rivers, and canyon landscapes every day in January.

Jet-Boating-Experiences
Lake-Cruises

Lake Cruises

locatiion-icon Lake Wakatipu

Scenic cruises run regularly throughout January, including sailings aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw.

Cycling and Scenic Trails

locatiion-icon Queenstown Trail

A connected trail network suitable for cycling and walking between Queenstown, Arrowtown, and Gibbston Valley.

Cycling-and-Scenic-Trails

Local Experiences

arrowtown

Local Experiences

locatiion-icon Arrowtown

Historic streets and riverside paths reflecting the region’s gold mining heritage. Evening visits are generally quieter.

Bob’s Cove Walk

locatiion-icon Bob’s Cove

A short lakeside track leading to sheltered picnic areas and elevated viewpoints over Lake Wakatipu.

Bobs-Peak-in-Queenstown
Seasonal-Fruit-Stops

Seasonal Fruit Stops

locatiion-icon Roads between Queenstown and Gibbston Valley

January marks peak cherry and stone fruit season, with roadside honesty box stalls selling locally grown produce.

Winery Visits

locatiion-icon Gibbston Valley

Cellar doors and vineyard tastings showcasing Central Otago Pinot Noir and regional wines.

Winery Visits

Evening and Night Experiences

Lakeside-Sunset-Viewing

Lakeside Sunset Viewing

locatiion-icon Queenstown Bay

Extended evening activity along the waterfront is made possible by late sunsets that occur after 9 p.m.

Night Sky Viewing

locatiion-iconLake edges away from central lighting around Lake Wakatipu

Clear summer skies often allow visibility of the Milky Way on calm nights.

Night-Sky-Viewing