Ah… spring in Queenstown. How we love you!

2023 in Queenstown hasn't seen the regular cold days of winter and many of us are now looking forward to that wonderful season, Spring! In fact, we are already seeing spring bringing early warm weather, long days and new life bursting from all the wildlife and fauna. The Wakatipu is jam-packed with spring clichés everywhere; new-born lambs, daffodils sprouting from green grass and dazzling displays of cherry blossoms.  As recently as last weekend we even had snow which made for stunning travel photography.

This year spring's official dates are Sat, Sep 23, 2023, to Fri, Dec 22, 2023.  Average temperatures vary considerably:

• Daily high temperatures increase by 7°C, from 9°C to 16°C, rarely falling below 6°C or exceeding 20°C.
• Daily low temperatures increase by 5°C, from 2°C to 7°C, rarely falling below -2°C or exceeding 11°C.

What we do know, as locals, is to expect the unexpected, with warm days as possible as fresh spring snow - so we recommend that when coming to visit us at Spinnaker Bay Apartments in Queenstown, that you pack for '4 seasons in one day'!

So why Spring in Queenstown? 

What is so good about it?  Spring is an exciting time of year in Queenstown. Firstly the weather is warm but not hot.  And the scenery, well it's just stunning.  Generally, at the start of Spring, the mountains still have great coverage of snow - which favours the early morning spring skiers, while the days are not too cold. If you’re heading to Queenstown and looking for springtime activities, here are a few of the best things to do in Queenstown over spring.

Al Fresco Dining

On Sun, Sep 24, 2023, daylight savings start and the clocks go back, and we all get one less hour of sleep. But there’s no complaining because spring daylight savings means an extra hour of evening daylight. And long evenings are perfect for al fresco dining. As things warm up and the daylight lingers a little longer, there’s no excuse not to head into town and enjoy a meal overlooking the lake or in the Queenstown Mall.

You’ll find a vast range of restaurants offering outdoor dining, just take a walk down The Mall, Searle Lane or along Steamer Wharf. The temperatures do drop once the sun disappears behind the mountains so wear those layers we recommended. Most restaurants will, however, have blankets or heaters if you find things cool down too much.

Take a Farm Tour

Why not get up close and personal with a spring lamb? Both Real Journeys and Southern Discoveries offer farm tour experiences that give you access to working sheep stations. Real Journeys offer the unique experience of travelling across Lake Wakatipu on the ‘lady of the lake’, the TSS Earnslaw.

Southern Discoveries offer the authentic Mt Nicholas High Country Farm experience. Catch their boat, the Spirit of Queenstown, across the lake before stepping into the heart of a high-country Merino sheep farm. A 4WD tour takes you around this stunning property on the lake’s edge. You’ll learn about the story of Mt Nicholas Station, one of a handful of family-owned high country stations that supply wool exclusively to the world-renowned Icebreaker clothing company.

Skiing

Ok, as locals we consider any skiing in September to be spring skiing.  And Spring skiing is all about the soft snow, the sunshine 'bluebird' days, and the long lunches.  While traditionally this time of year doesn't hold the best snow, the warmer weather means you can après ski in style!  Knock out 10 laps, then enjoy a well-earned wine in the sun at the ice bar!  Remember to pack your sunscreen!

Activities

Because of the longer days, it's a great time to get out and get active.  And as Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world, there is a lot to do and see - get out and enjoy the mountains by foot or by bike!  

Cherry Blossoms

If you see people stopping in the middle of the street to take a picture of the vegetation, there is probably a cherry blossom tree nearby. The stunning blossoms burst into colour at the start of spring and dazzle locals and visitors alike with beautiful displays. On a perfect blue-sky day, the pink and white blossoms are striking and inspire photographers of all abilities. Captured up close up, the cherry blossoms show a subtle mix of colours on each petal.

Just make sure you’re quick. The delicate blossoms don’t last long. Spring weather is fickle and often the wind or rain will put an end to the flourish of colour.

You can find cherry blossoms just about anywhere around Queenstown, but one of the best places to catch them is the Queenstown Gardens, or down Centennial Ave, just as it turns into Bedford Street.

Whatever your reason, we have fabulous apartments for your Queenstown stay.  Contact us for reservations or more information

• Seasons;