The Remarkables
Jagged alpine peaks that define Queenstown's skyline and deliver world-class skiing.
The Remarkables are a dramatic range of glacially carved mountains rising sharply to the southeast of Queenstown, reaching elevations above 2,300 metres. They're one of only a handful of mountain ranges in the world that run almost perfectly north-south, and their sheer, serrated ridgeline is visible from virtually everywhere in town — looming over Lake Wakatipu like a postcard that never gets old. In winter they host one of the Southern Hemisphere's most popular ski areas; in summer they open up to hikers, climbers, and photographers chasing some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in New Zealand.
In winter, the Remarkables Ski Area — operated by NZSki, the same company that runs Coronet Peak — offers runs suited to every level, from gentle beginner slopes near the base to demanding off-piste terrain. The resort sits inside a natural rock amphitheatre at around 1,600 metres, which creates a sheltered bowl effect that holds snow well. Summer visits are a different kind of magic: the access road climbs 12 kilometres from the valley floor to a car park at Lake Alta, a high-alpine tarn ringed by rocky peaks. From there, trails push further into the range toward Shadow Lake and beyond, with panoramic views of the Wakatipu basin that stop you mid-step.
The drive up the access road alone is worth doing even if you don't ski or hike — it's free to drive up in summer and the viewpoints along the way are genuinely jaw-dropping. For skiers, Coronet Peak tends to get more attention for its convenience, but The Remarkables has a cult following among intermediate riders who prefer its sheltered setting and slightly longer queues at base than at the top. Come early on powder days; the access road can back up badly after a big overnight snowfall.
