Event Dates
From: Friday, August 15, 2025
To: Sunday, August 24, 2025
Winter Pride New Zealand 2025
The Southern Hemisphere’s largest gay & lesbian winter festival.
The Biggest & Gayest Winter Alpine Party hits Queenstown
The Winter Pride festival in Queenstown, New Zealand has been an annual pilgrimage for thousands of Gay & Lesbian travelers. Winter Pride is renowned for fun both on and off the mountain activities, with something for avid skiers and professional party goers! Queenstown is a popular year-round resort, so book your hotel advance.
Queenstown Pride
- Next Edition: Friday 15th August – Sunday 24th August, 2025 – Winter Pride has become known as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest gay & lesbian winter festival.
- Hundreds of gay men and women descend upon Queenstown, New Zealand annually for this nine day celebration supported by the local government and the community.
- This fun-filled, whirlwind event is essentially nine days of socialising, dining, live music, partying, general hedonism and of course snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding are also on offer.
Getting to Queenstown
- Queenstown Airport receives daily direct flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and great road access on major New Zealand highways makes driving into Queenstown an easy and beautiful experience.
- The airport is a 4 minute drive from Queenstown CBD.
Where to stay
Stay close to the centre of Queenstown and you are just steps from all the pride activities. The following hotels are highly recommended:
- Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa – perfect location in the heart of town, with large comfortable rooms, spa baths and great breakfast.
- Central Private Hotel by Naumi Hotels – amazing decor, great service, close to all the attractions and pride parties.
- Mi Pad Queenstown – 4 star, quiet location just a short walk from town with great balcony views.
Winter Pride Skiing
- The Winter Pride skiing takes place across different slopes. The festival moves around the mountains to share the love, so plan carefully to ensure you are on the right mountain with PRIDE filled fun on the right day!
- The 8 days are normally: 3 Days at Cardrona, 3 Days at Coronet Peak and 2 days at The Remarkables. Remember, NZSKI (Coronet Peak and The Remarkables) and Cardrona are different companies. You need to buy a ski pass for each of the different mountains you wish to enjoy.
On and Off Mountain
Queenstown designates activity as on and off mountain, so you can plan your week’s activities accordingly, mixing and matching your slope activities with your partying schedule.
- This year’s festival’s ON-MOUNTAIN SERIES will have a designated mountain resort hosting the festival each day so that all the fun is available in one place. Partner mountains have dedicated areas of their bars and restaurants for the pride festival, meaning music, plenty of socialising and a real pride vibe on the slopes.
- The free ski / boarding guides will also be there to show you around. Just like you, they are people who are here on holiday and who want to have the best time yet. They are volunteering to help make your trip even more fun.
Apres Ski
- Queenstown Pride has a free ski / board / boots concierge service where you can leave your gear at the bus at the end of your day and head straight to the Winter Pride Apres Ski in town – Live music / DJs, good drinks and company. No fuss. Just pick your gear back up when you board the bus the next morning.
The Pride Parties
Queenstown Winter pride hosts some superb nightly parties and events including a games night, a comedy night, and a “Shared Table” series, making getting dinner with good company so much easier than it has been at previous events.
- Events kick off with a Kickstart party on Friday followed by an opening Party on Saturday night. Each evening the Apre Ski party takes place at Smiths Bar.
- Sunday sees The Grille Pride dinner followed by Karaoke.
- Wednesday highlights include The Pride Wine Tour followed by the Rooftop At Sundeck Party.
- Other events include a series of theme nights and circuit-style parties.
- Awaiting full schedule of parties and events.
Recommended Hotels
The following hotels are have been the most booked at the previous Winterpride events:
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Crowne Plaza is one of our
favourite hotels offering stunning views
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Winter Pride visit The Website
Gay Map of Queenstown
There is no noticeable gay neighborhood in Queenstown and the gay scene is not clustered around any specific streets or scene. While there is no distinct gayborhood in Queenstown, downtown is the urban hub, much like any other city. Everything is within walking distance, and there are several bars and restaurants in downtown.
377 Frankton Rd Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
The Rees Hotel & Apartments offers lakefront accommodation with private balconies and . It features and a to the centre of Queenstown.
The stylish rooms and apartments at The Rees are equipped with LCD TVs. Some feature floor-to-ceiling windows with of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
88 Frankton Rd Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Copthorne Hotel is located in Queenstown, a 10-minute walk from the resort centre. This 4-star hotel offers accommodation and over Wakatipu and the mountains.
There are 85 modern guest rooms in total at the Copthorne Hotel. Choose between superior rooms with courtyards or private balconies or the large 2-bedroom apartments, which have a spacious living area. Apartments have a lounge and a full kitchen.
27 Stanley St Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Scenic Suites Queenstown is located in the resort of Queenstown. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the centre, yet its quiet, hillside location offers great views over the lake and mountains. Free on-site parking is available, subject to availability.
Guests can choose between the spacious superior rooms or the large suites which offer a separate living room and kitchen facilities.
Marine Parade Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Novotel Queenstowns’ contemporary rooms offer a selection of spectacular alpine, garden and lake views. Each air-conditioned room features a private balcony and a flat-screen TV.
Novotel offers ski storage facilities, a spa pool, guest laundry and valet car parking. Guests can enjoy 30-minutes free WiFi in the lobby. In-room WiFi is available at an additional charge.
62 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Located in the heart of Queenstown, close to shops, restaurants and bars, these self-catered apartments feature stunning lake and mountain views from private balconies. Each apartment at Heart of Queenstown has a fully equipped kitchen, air-conditioning, heating and a separate lounge area.
9A Earl Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Most Central Accommodation in Queenstown!!! No Hills! features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. This apartment features 1 bedroom, a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom fitted with a bath or shower.
53 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Accommodation will provide you with a balcony, BBQ facilities, and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave. There are private en suite bathrooms and laundry facilities. You can enjoy stunning lake and mountain views. Free WiFi access boasts barbecue facilities and a terrace
50 Stanley Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Offering modern furnishings and stylish interiors, the penthouse apartment features a full kitchen with a double dishwasher, a fridge and a stove. It also comes with 3 separate bedrooms and a cosy lounge area with a fireplace. One private car park is located on the ground floor.
Eureka Arcade, Searle Lane 11 Ballarat St Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Mixed cocktail bar nice place with good drinks
28 Marine Parade Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
The Bathhouse is always a favourite spot to visit. Views are amazing, MIXED, Staff can be a bit hit or miss
Recommended Hotels in Queenstown By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Queenstown that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
The Rees Hotel
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-Star, Lakefront, Private Balconies
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- LCD TVs, mountain views
- Offers lakefront accommodation with stunning views, free shuttle to Queenstown, a luxurious stay
Novotel Lakeside
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4-Star, Alpine, Lake Views
- Close to the gay bars
- Private balcony, flat-screen TV
- Contemporary rooms, beautiful views, ski storage, spa pool, ideal for an adventurous & relaxing stay
Scenic Suites
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-Star, Hillside Location, Lake Views
- Close to the gay bars
- Spacious rooms, mountain views
- Quiet hillside location with lake and mountain views, close to centre, great for a tranquil retreat
Holiday Inn Express
4 Star, Location
- 4-Star, Lake Views, Fire Pit Terrace
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Suites, lounge area, kitchenette
- Overlooks Lake Wakatipu, offers breakfast, gym, sauna, ideal for a comfortable & scenic experience
Winter Pride New Zealand
Winter Pride
Other Events in August
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dollywood-Summer-Celebration-6-1.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2021-04-28 12:53:292024-12-23 12:55:50Dollywood Summer Celebration
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/LInternational-des-Feux-Loto-Quebec-6.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2021-03-26 19:54:442024-08-11 20:58:47L’International des Feux Loto-Québec
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/vancouver-gay-pride-6.jpg
370
800
admin
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
admin2014-11-01 19:32:202024-12-03 12:06:32Vancouver Gay Pride
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/amsterdam-pride-6.jpg
370
800
admin
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
admin2014-11-01 18:13:222024-12-10 11:38:37Amsterdam Gay Pride
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Prague-Bear-Summer-5.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2020-12-07 17:58:472025-01-11 12:16:25Prague Bear SummerLatest Gay Travel News
Gay Easter EventsSaturday, Mar 1st, 2025 - 6:42 pmCelebrate the arrival or Spring with chickens, some chocolate eggs and a few confessions!
- The Top Gay Parties to attend This Memorial Day WeekendWednesday, Feb 5th, 2025 - 2:48 pm
Gay Memorial Day Weekend brings with it the start of the Summer season. From Dallas to Pensacola, Puerto Vallarta and beyond. Where next?
- Gay Carnival EventsSaturday, Feb 1st, 2025 - 5:32 pm
There’s nothing quite like a Carnival. After a long Winter, it’s the perfect excuse to party! From Cologne to Rio, discover the top Carnivals with significant gay events as part of their celebrations.
Follow us on Facebook
