Snow Machine is back in Queenstown from 8–13 September 2026, bringing five days of skiing, live music, mountain stages, après sessions and late nights to the Southern Alps.

It is a massive week—but you do not have to spend every waking hour on the mountain or in a bar.

If your crew wants to see another side of Queenstown, step aboard for a couple of hours on Lake Wakatipu. You will still have snow-covered mountains in every direction, but instead of lift queues and packed venues, you will have open water, fresh alpine air and the chance to hook a wild trout or landlocked Chinook salmon.

Snow Machine by night. Lake Wakatipu by day.

The official Snow Machine Queenstown programme runs across Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Queenstown, with on-mountain stages, après events, the Main Arena and after-parties.

A short fishing charter is easy to fit around the action. It works particularly well:

• On Tuesday before the main festival programme gets underway
• On a morning when your crew wants a break from the mountain
• On Sunday as a final Queenstown mission
• On Monday for guests staying on the seven-night package
• Whenever tired legs need a rest from skiing or boarding

Our 2-hour fishing experience is the easiest option for a packed itinerary.

If you have a little more time, our 3-hour fishing experience gives us more time to explore Lake Wakatipu and find the fish.

A proper Queenstown experience—without another adrenaline ride

Queenstown has no shortage of bungy jumps, jet boats and big-ticket adventures. Fishing offers something different.

Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s longest lake, surrounded by the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, Walter Peak and the wider Southern Alps. In September, the mountains are still white while spring begins to arrive around the shoreline.

It is one of the best times to experience the contrast that makes Queenstown special.

You do not need any fishing experience. We provide the rods, tackle and guidance, and our crew will show you what to do.

Some guests come determined to catch their first trout. Others simply want to get out on the lake, take in the scenery and enjoy a couple of hours with their mates.

Both are perfectly acceptable.

What can you catch in September?

Lake Wakatipu is open to fishing year-round. Depending on the day and conditions, we may target:

• Rainbow trout
• Brown trout
• Landlocked Chinook salmon

This is wild fishing, so no catch is guaranteed—and that is part of the experience. Every trip is shaped around the weather, lake conditions and where the fish have been moving.

Shared trip or private charter?

If there are only one or two of you, a shared fishing experience is a straightforward way to get on the water and meet a few other festival travellers.

For a group of mates, a private fishing charter is the better fit. You get the boat to yourselves, more flexibility and a relaxed experience built around your crew.

Our main charter boat can take groups of up to six, and larger groups may be possible across multiple boats with advance notice.

It is also one of the few Snow Machine activities where the non-skier, injured mate or person taking a day off the mountain can still be part of the same mission.

What should you bring?

September in Queenstown can deliver blue skies, cold mornings and fast-changing alpine weather—sometimes all on the same day.

Bring:

• Warm layers
• A waterproof jacket
• Sunglasses
• A beanie
• Sunscreen
• Your phone or camera

We provide the fishing equipment, safety gear, snacks and refreshments.

A New Zealand freshwater fishing licence is required for anyone actively fishing. You can purchase your fishing licence online, or we can help arrange one onboard.

All trips are weather-dependent, and the skipper makes the final call when conditions are unsuitable.

Make this your Snow Machine side mission

The festival crowds will see Queenstown from the mountain. Come and see it from the water.

Queenstown Fishing has been guiding on Lake Wakatipu since 1995. We are a local, family-run team specialising in teaching beginners, hosting groups and tailoring each trip to the people onboard.

If you are coming to Snow Machine 2026, we still have limited availability during Snow Machine week. Check our live calendar or contact us with your group size, preferred day and whether you want a shared experience or private boat.

explore. fish. repeat.