An Alpine Trekking Adventure with NZ Snowshoe

There are many exciting things to do in Queenstown, New Zealand all year round, and during the wintertime, the surrounding area turns into a snow-covered playground.  While rightly globally renowned for its great snowboarding and skiing, Queenstown also boasts a huge variety of other amazing winter activities. One of these great Queenstown activities is snowshoeing, which can be learned quickly by almost anyone and is becoming one of the most popular Queenstown activities. 

Snowshoes have been used by people living in snowy regions for thousands of years, to make it possible to walk on the snows surface. They provide a large surface area to stop you sinking into the snow and to provide better grip on hard snow or ice. You probably have seen the old fashioned type of snowshoe which looked rather like a tennis racket, but modern technologies have brought a new and more efficient design into use. These new snowshoes are lightweight and can quickly be adjusted to fit almost any size of boot. Most people can get the hang of walking with them after just 10-minutes of practice, so you are quickly ready to head out and enjoy one of the most popular things to do in Queenstown in winter.

Snowshoes are a fantastic way to explore Queenstown’s breathtaking alpine areas (Photo credit: NZ Snowshoes)

With your snowshoes on you can get to many wonderful places which would otherwise be inaccessible unless on skis. NZ Snowshoe will get you kitted out with your MSR Evo Ascent Snowshoes and adjustable poles, and they have two exciting tour options to choose from. The small groups are led by a knowledgeable guide who will point out interesting features and local wildlife and who can adjust the route to accommodate the capacities and desires of the participants. Private trips can also be arranged.

The 3/4 day Snowshoe Adventure, which requires a moderate level of physical fitness, is one of the most popular guided trips, and one of the favourite Queenstown attractions. It starts with a gradual climb up to 200 vertical metres- over about 4-kilometres, to Lake Alta, where you will enjoy some spectacular mountain scenery, and experience breath-taking natural wonders, far away from the crowded ski slopes.

The 1/2 day Snowshoe Play is the trip to choose if you are travelling with children, or if you want to do less walking and more playing! The whole family can enjoy this trip which is one of the most popular things to do in Queenstown during the winter. In the snowy gully, there are many different activities to enjoy, including, building snow caves, igloos, and snowmen, carving animals or tables, practising on your snow shoes and sledging. The four-hour trip leaves in the morning or afternoon and is suitable for children as young as 3-years old. A fantastic first adventure in the snow which will never be forgotten.

 Experience some of New Zealand’s best scenery on a guided snowshoes trek (Photo credit: NZ Snowshoes)

Remember to bring water with you as at the 1500-1800-metre altitude it is easy to become dehydrated. Wear warm clothing with various layers and bring a small backpack for your water bottle, gloves, sunglasses, and camera. Waterproof snow boots, shell jackets, gloves, and pants are available if you don't have anything suitable. Remember, you will still need to come prepared wearing plenty of layers though. Trips run daily during the winter months  of June through  October, and during this period, the days are usually cool, clear, and calm with maybe a couple of overcast days each week and one day of actual snow. Although temperatures can drop to minus 10-degrees centigrade, tracks usually run through sheltered areas, and the experienced guides put safety first at all times.

Enjoy one of the favourite winter activities in Queenstown with a spectacular snowshoe trek you will always remember. With breathtaking surroundings and an almost endless variety of great attractions, a visit to Queenstown is a must on any South Island adventure. Rent your Queenstown hire car from Omega Rental Cars and take in everything the region has to offer.