Snow on Pause, Adventure on Screen

June usually has everyone itching to get up the mountain. The skis are out, the group chat is full of weather updates, and nobody will admit how often they are checking the webcams.

This year, winter is taking its time. Warm temperatures and rain through June have pushed back opening day at several South Island ski fields, including Cardrona, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt. So while the snow sorts itself out, here is the next best thing: a festival full of mountain films, adventure stories and a very good excuse for a Queenstown or Wānaka weekend, with your car from Evolve Rentals doing the driving between the two.

What is the NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival?

It is New Zealand's festival of adventure films and mountain storytelling, held every June in Wānaka and Queenstown. Now in its 24th year, it brings together films, books, guest speakers and outdoor inspiration for anyone who loves big landscapes and the people who explore them.

The 2026 programme features 63 films chosen from 266 entries, including 17 world premieres and 18 New Zealand made films, along with 13 speakers. Around the screenings there is an outdoor expo, an art display, a youth programme and adventure film and writing schools.

You do not have to be a mountaineer to enjoy it. If you like travel, scenery or stories about people doing brave and slightly mad things outdoors, you will find plenty to get into.

When and where is the festival in 2026?

The festival runs in Wānaka from 19 to 23 June 2026 and in Queenstown on 25 and 26 June 2026. An online festival runs from 24 June to 31 July 2026 for viewers in New Zealand and Australia.

You can see the full line up and book tickets on the NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival 2026 programme page. If you are planning ahead, the festival has already announced its 2027 dates: Wānaka from 18 to 22 June 2027 and Queenstown on 24 and 25 June 2027.

Which films are the highlights this year?

Two award winners lead the programme. The Grand Prize went to K2: Chasing Shadows, by French directors David Arnaud and Hugo Clouzeau, which follows alpinist Benjamin Védrines on his record breaking K2 ascent in under 11 hours without supplemental oxygen.

The award for best New Zealand made film went to Dan Sutherland's 100 Days in Fiordland, about three adventurers on a winter expedition through the national park. Keynote speaker Matheson Brown brings RedLine, the story of his record breaking challenge to summit the highest peak in all 50 US states.

How far is Wānaka from Queenstown?

About an hour's drive over the Crown Range Road, or around an hour and 15 minutes via Cromwell on State Highway 6. The Crown Range is New Zealand's highest sealed alpine pass, at 1,076 metres, and it is one of the most spectacular drives in the region.

In winter, from May to October, you must carry snow chains on the Crown Range, whatever you are driving. If the forecast looks rough, the Cromwell route is the gentler option. Ask us for chains when you book, and have a look at our snow chains guide before you set off.

How do you make a weekend of it?

Split it between the two towns. Spend a day or two in Wānaka around the first screenings, with a lakefront walk, a long lunch and a festival session in the evening, then drive back over the Crown Range for the Queenstown nights.

Between sessions, you will not be short of things to do, even without a lift pass:

• Take one of our scenic winter drives from Queenstown, all on sealed roads
• Warm up at one of Queenstown's best hot chocolate stops
• Wander the Wānaka lakefront while the mountains are still waiting for snow
• Check the snow reports each morning and head up the moment your mountain opens

For more ideas on the days the snow is not playing ball, our guide to winter in Queenstown without skis is full of them.

Why is a rental car useful when the ski season starts late?

Because early winter is all about staying flexible. When opening dates move, the people with their own car simply move with them.

If a mountain opens, you can be there on day one. If the weather turns, you can swap a ski morning for a drive to Wānaka and an afternoon of films. And you are never working around a shuttle timetable when the best part of the day turns out to be the evening session.

We bring the car to your accommodation in Queenstown and walk you through it, so you can start the trip without a counter queue. Mileage is unlimited, which matters when you are driving between two towns, and additional drivers are free, so you can share the Crown Range between you. Our hybrids are a good fit for this kind of trip too, with plenty of town driving mixed in with longer runs.

Get in the mood for winter

The snow will come. It always does. Until then, watch the films, hear the stories, take the long way round and let the excitement build for your first proper day on the mountain. Book your winter car with Evolve Rentals and enjoy Queenstown, Wānaka and every road between them at your own pace.

FAQs

When is the NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival in 2026?
It runs in Wānaka from 19 to 23 June 2026 and in Queenstown on 25 and 26 June 2026, with an online festival from 24 June to 31 July 2026.

When is the NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival in 2027?
The festival has announced Wānaka dates of 18 to 22 June 2027 and Queenstown dates of 24 and 25 June 2027.

How long is the drive from Queenstown to Wānaka?
About one hour via the Crown Range Road, or about one hour and 15 minutes via Cromwell on State Highway 6.

Do you need snow chains on the Crown Range in winter?
Yes. From May to October, all vehicles must carry snow chains on the Crown Range, including 2WD, AWD and 4WD vehicles.

Can you add extra drivers to an Evolve Rentals car?
Yes. Additional drivers are free with Evolve Rentals, and mileage is unlimited on every rental.