Queenstown's fall sees fickle weather. You'll need to pack some T-shirts for days when the temps hover around the mid-60s, plus thick layers for times when they drop into the mid-30s. But once you see the trees alight with fiery colors, you'll think nothing of your suitcase that's loaded down with clothes. You'll also save some coin on airfare and hotels should you decide to visit at the end of autumn.

Key Events:

• SKYCITY Queenstown Gibbston Wine and Food Festival (March)
• Macpac Motatapu (March)
• Merrell Tour de Wakatipu (April)

Wintertime visitors will find perfect skiing and snowboarding conditions on The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. Since the air is crisp and clear, it's also a good time for helicopter tours. Be sure to pack your winter weather gear: Temperatures hover between the upper 20s and the low 50s. 

Key Events:

• LUMA Southern Light Project (June)
• American Express Queenstown Winter Festival (June-July)
• Gay Ski Week QT (August-September)

Spring is all over the place in Queenstown. One day can be bright and sunny, and the next can be rainy or cloudy – even snowy. Temperatures are also erratic, ranging from the mid-30s to the low 60s. The unpredictable weather frustrates adventure seekers as skydiving or bungee jumping excursions can be canceled due to inclement conditions.

Key Events:

• Gay Ski Week QT (August-September)
• Queenstown Jazzfest (October)
• Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon (November)