Monteith's Dog Derby in Queenstown 2022, New Zealand

The Winter Festival brings lots of fun to Queenstown, yet the most hilarious event within the festivities is the Dog Derby without a doubt. It is difficult to say who is more enthusiastic and more amusing: the dogs or their owners, when both are desperately racing down to the finish line, constantly sliding and falling over the slippery heaps, filling their mugs with snow.

The Monteiths Dog Derby is one of the longest winter traditions in Queenstown being held for over 40 years. Originally it was meant to be a fun activity for farmers. But now a lot of townies also come to take part. The event was initially held at Coronet Peak but later was moved to the slopes of Cardrona.

So you can relax and watch hundreds of people running down a snowy hill with their dogs or bring your own pet and join the race. The area is overwhelmed with wild barking and loud cheers. This spectacle is definitely not to be missed!

If you don't feel like racing, you and your dog can take part in the Monteith's Dog Barking Competition which is also part of the Winter Festival. But keep in mind that if a dog doesn’t bark on cue, the owner has to get down on all fours and bark. Sounds like another fun competition to watch!