Inside New Zealand’s quirkiest winter festival

Just a few hours from Sydney, this popular resort puts on a hell of a show to celebrate winter — and it has something for everyone.

Every winter, hordes of Aussies make the pilgrimage to New Zealand.

The stunning ski village of Queenstown has established itself as one of our favourite destinations, and it’s just a short hop from most of our east coast ports — around three hours.

There are plenty of reasons for its popularity — besides the four ski resorts in proximity to Queenstown (Coronet Peak is just a 25 minute drive away), there are also seemingly endless dining options, famous wineries right around the corner, and of course, snow sports.

I timed my first visit to the picturesque alpine town to coincide with the quirky annual Real Journeys Winter Festival this year — and it didn’t disappoint.

Whether or not you’re a keen skier or more of an apres-ski enthusiast (I land somewhere in the middle), it’s a great time to make the quick jump overseas. The entire town is swollen and buzzing with tourists — but with so much to do, it never feels too crammed.

The festival itself is spread across various locations throughout the region, all the way up to the Cardrona ski fields (about an hours’ drive from Queenstown).

The winter festival attracts visitors from all over the world.

There’s live music, comedy shows, fireworks and plenty of family-friendly events — some of which are absolutely bonkers.

Here are the highlights:

DOG DERBY

I thought I’d experienced joy in my life, but that was until I caught sight of dozens of ecstatic dogs, each with its own racing bib, lining up to board the “Chondola” (that’s a chairlift/gondola, FYI) at the base of Cardrona’s beginner slope.

The Monteith Dog Derby attracted huge numbers of onlookers, who gathered around the finish line to watch dogs of all shapes and sizes race down the hill, their owners holding their leashes and desperately trying to keep up.

It was complete mayhem — and absolutely hilarious.

Absolute mayhem on the slopes.

One proud contestant.

SUITCASE RACING

This one’s pretty self-explanatory.

Suitcases: not just for carrying clothes (apparently).

THE ICY UNDIES RACE

I felt brave for walking around outside in thermals and a ski jacket while it was 1 degree celsius — until I saw dozens of people diving into Queenstown Bay for the Jucy Undy 500 race.

It’s exactly what it sounds like — loads of people stripping down to their undies and plunging into the icy depths of the water while people cheer them on from the sidelines.

It was so, so cold.

“HOSPO” RACE

The “Hospo Race” has been held since the ’70s and showcases the skills of the town’s top hospitality staff with challenges including bed setting, cocktail shaking and a suitcase run.

Here’s what that looks like:

The events attract huge crowds of onlookers.

In the breaks between skiing and festival events, Queenstown offers plenty more to keep you busy. Among the most popular activities is jet boating and the town’s famous Skyline Gondola, which provides sweeping views of the entire region.

The stunning perspective from the top of the gondola.

The KJet is one of the more exhilarating ways to check out the area.

WHERE TO STAY:

I stayed at The Rees Hotel, which is just a five-minute drive from the centre of town (there’s a free shuttle) or a pleasant 45-minute walk along the lake.

The Rees Hotel is situated right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Rooms have sweeping views of the lake and mountains.

It boasts spectacular views of the snow-capped mountain ranges and bay — and with a cosy fireplace and your own balcony, it’s easy to just stay inside and curl up with a glass of local pinot.

WHERE TO EAT:

Pier Restaurant, Madam Woo’s, Hudu, Aosta (Arrowtown)

Aussies are spoiled for choice in the high-quality seafood stakes, so I was more surprised than anyone to be served up the best bowl of mussels I’ve ever had while dining at Pier Restaurant.

It’s a must-do — the restaurant is a cosy, warmly-lit spot right on the waterfront with an excellent wine list and menu.

Pier Restaurant provided a great vantage spot to watch the Real Journeys fireworks show.

If you decide to venture out of town to the historical little haven of Arrowtown, then new eatery Aosta (it opened its doors in June) offers sensational traditional Italian fare.

Meanwhile, the Chinese-Malaysian street food on the menu at Madam Woo’s was perfect for a more relaxed lunch — make sure you try the sticky pork and marinated eggplant hawker rolls.

Try the sticky pork hawker roll at Madame Woo’s.

Without a doubt, Vudu’s is one of the best breakfast spots in town (and there’s plenty of competition) — and has the added appeal of providing only free-range and farm-free ingredients.

The writer visited Queenstown as a guest of Destination Queenstown.