Slippery Tails and Snowy Trails. The Coronet Dog Derby is On

Every August, Coronet Peak hands the mountain over to the dogs for an afternoon. Farm dogs, town dogs, dogs with ambition and dogs with none, all charging down a ski slope with their owners doing their best to keep up. The Dog Derby has been running since the 1970s, with the odd gap, and 2025 was the 51st. It is one of the most Queenstown things that happens all winter.

You do not need a dog, or skis, to enjoy it. Coronet Peak is 16 kilometres from town up a sealed alpine road, and with a car from Evolve Rentals you can be at the bottom of the slope for the first race and in Arthurs Point for the barking afterwards.

What is the Coronet Peak Dog Derby?

A downhill race for dogs and their humans, in several divisions. Working farm dogs run the country race, which starts high on Duncan's Dance and comes down Pro Am, finishing with a gate near the base building that the dog has to be sent around. It is a proper test of a working dog, and a very public one.

The townies race on the lower M1 slope, in separate men's and women's divisions, and there is a kids' race for 7 to 13 year olds, with younger children running alongside an adult. Nobody takes it entirely seriously, which is the point. Coronet Peak's ski area manager Nigel Kerr put it best to the Otago Daily Times: "It's a sporting event, but for most of the people taking part, it's about spending time with your dog."

He also noted that the dogs tend to arrive, look at the course, and discover that their owners are the handicap. From the bottom of the slope, that is exactly how it looks.

When is the Dog Derby?

On a Saturday in August, in the heart of the ski season. In 2025 it was Saturday 9 August, with the kids' race at 12.30pm, the town divisions following at ten minute intervals, and the country race at 1pm. Entries could be made online by 4pm the day before or at the Greengates car park from 10am on the day.

Coronet Peak announces each year's date through the winter, so check the Coronet Peak website before you plan around it.

What is the Bark Off?

The second half of the day, and possibly the better half. After the racing, everybody heads down the hill for the Bark Off, where dogs have to bark on command. If a dog will not, or cannot, the owner barks on its behalf, which is every bit as good as it sounds. In 2024 and 2025 it was held at Canyon Brewing in Arthurs Point from 3pm, and our pick of places to eat worth the drive has more on Canyon if you stay for dinner.

Can you go and watch the Dog Derby?

Yes, and you do not need to be entered. The races come down to the lower mountain, so you can see the action without skis, and Coronet Peak's cafes and bars are open to everybody, not just lift pass holders. There are snowplay areas too, which is useful if the children in your group decide they would rather be the dog.

If the Derby is part of a bigger winter trip, our guide to winter family fun in Queenstown and our guide to winter beyond the slopes fill the rest of the week.

How do you get to Coronet Peak?

Coronet Peak is 16 kilometres from central Queenstown, about 20 minutes on a clear day, and the access road is sealed the whole way. It is still an alpine road. You must carry snow chains in winter, and they can become mandatory when it snows or ices, so it is worth adding a set to your booking with us. Snow Chains 101 covers when and how to fit them, and there are staff on the road to help on the days they are needed.

There are seven car parks on the mountain and free shuttles run between them and the base building. On a Derby Saturday in the middle of the season they fill early, so leave town in good time, drop your passengers at the base building, and check the mountain's snow report for the road before you go.

Getting the car sorted

We bring the car to you, which nobody else in Queenstown does and which is the whole reason Evolve exists. Somebody from our team meets you where you are staying, walks you round the car, and you are on your way up the hill. Or collect from us at 153b Glenda Drive in Frankton, close to the airport.

Then book your car with Evolve Rentals, pack something warm, and practise your bark. You may be needed.

FAQs

When is the Coronet Peak Dog Derby?
On a Saturday in August each year. In 2025 it was held on Saturday 9 August, the 51st Dog Derby. Check Coronet Peak's website for the current year's date.

Who can enter the Dog Derby?
There is a country race for working farm dogs, men's and women's town races, and a kids' race for 7 to 13 year olds, with younger children running with an adult.

What is the Bark Off?
A contest after the races where dogs bark on command, and owners bark for any dog that will not. In 2024 and 2025 it was held at Canyon Brewing in Arthurs Point.

Do you need skis to watch the Dog Derby?
No. The races come down to the lower mountain, and Coronet Peak's cafes, bars and snowplay areas are open to everyone.

Do you need snow chains to drive to Coronet Peak?
You must carry chains on the Coronet Peak road in winter, and fitting them can become mandatory in snow or ice. The road is sealed the whole way.