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Travel to Coronet Peak with ski insurance from Essential Travel

Coronet Peak is conveniently situated a 25-minute drive from Queenstown and is easily accessible via a number of transportation options. Coronet Peak ski resort is known for its sizeable area of extremely varied terrain, offering ski trails for all levels of ability and hosting a number of prestigious sports events annually.

One of New Zealand’s most esteemed ski areas, Coronet Peak is made up of 690 acres of wide open, undulating ski routes. The resort is also famed for its fabulous night skiing, offered between mid-July and mid-September on Friday and Saturday nights.

Ski trails at Coronet Peak are broken down into beginner routes (20 per cent), intermediate routes (45 per cent) and advanced routes (35 per cent). The slopes are serviced by a system of six ski lifts including a high speed six-seater, express quad chair, double chair, T-bar, magic carpet and a beginner tow. The ski resort’s base elevation is 5,410 feet above sea level, the longest run comes in at one mile and the vertical at Coronet Peak is 1,378 feet. A terrain park and two half-pipes provide additional riding thrills at the ski resort.

Facilities at Coronet Peak ski resort are good, with a first-class ski school offering tuition in a variety of languages, rental shop, ski accessories store, storage facility, childcare centre, snowboard repair shop and a first aid centre. There are also two dining and drinks venues that provide sustenance and a measure of après-ski entertainment.

Queenstown is an excellent place for alternative entertainment and leisure, boasting a host of adventure activities in pristine natural surroundings. The town is set against an exquisite backdrop of Lake Wakatipu and towering, snow-blanketed mountain peaks, while it is also home to one of the world’s best bungy jumps, loads of local wineries, superb golf courses and a great selection of night haunts.

The ski season at Coronet Peak runs roughly between early June and early October, with snow-making machines on hand to supplement natural snow if necessary. Queenstown is easily accessible via air transportation from Christchurch and certain international destinations, and visitors can reach Coronet Peak easily from the airport by hire car or shuttle services.

Skiing in Coronet Peak

Just a short drive from breathtaking Queenstown, Coronet Peak is one of the longest-standing skiing areas in the region, playing host to several high profile winter sports events and covering 690 acres of outstanding terrain. Coronet Peak is ideal for skiers of all abilities and family groups, offering skiing for novices, intermediates and advanced riders.

Perched almost 5,577 feet above sea level, Coronet Peak’s abundant snowfall ensures excellent skiing conditions, with snowmaking machines on hand to provide any extra coverage needed. Intermediates have the lion’s share of runs, with 45 per cent of trails devoted to this level, while beginners’ routes make up 20 per cent of trails and advanced routes, 35 per cent. A varied system of six ski lifts consisting of a high speed six-seater, express quad chair, double chair, T-bar, magic carpet and a beginner tow are available. A commendable ski school is located at the resort, offering tuition for all levels of experience. Night skiing is offered at Coronet Peak on Fridays and Saturdays from mid-July to mid-September.

The Coronet Brasserie and West End Café provide meals, beverages and entertainment, but for more extensive après-ski options, visitors should travel the short distance (15 miles) between Coronet Peak and Queenstown, where they can choose from a great selection of evening venues. Likewise, for alternative leisure activities, Queenstown is the place to go, offering a fabulous range of adventure sports and recreational possibilities.

In addition to its skiing trails, Coronet Peak incorporates a comprehensive array of on-site facilities including a first aid centre, sports retail store, repair shop, rental shop, storage space and excellent childcare amenities.

Skiing is offered at Coronet Peak between early June and early October, with the best conditions being in the middle of the season. The resort can be accessed from Queenstown by means of hire car or shuttle bus.

Transportation to Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak is part of the Southern Lakes ski region and is located a quick and easy 11 miles from Queenstown, making transportation to the resort speedy. Queenstown can be reached by air from Christchurch or direct from Australia and once in the town, connections to the resort are plentiful. Self-drive, from either Christchurch or Queenstown, is another convenient transportation option for reaching Coronet Peak.

If you are arriving by air transportation at Christchurch and you wish to experience some of New Zealand’s spectacular scenery, you might consider hiring a car and driving to Coronet Peak. The drive to Queenstown from Christchurch covers approximately 280 miles of breathtaking landscape and takes between 5 and 6 hours. From Queenstown, the drive to the ski resort only takes 25 minutes.

If you aren’t keen on driving on unfamiliar roads, Queenstown can easily be accessed by air. There are several daily flights connecting Christchurch with Queenstown, as well as weekly trans-Tasman flights direct from Australia to Queenstown. Once at the airport, taxis and shuttle buses are available to transport you to your accommodation or the ski fields.

Shuttle buses run by various tour operators travel regularly to Coronet Peak from various pick-up points in Queenstown; accommodation pick-ups are also available. Transportation from Coronet Peak ski resort to the town is provided by shuttle buses leaving at scheduled times.

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