Last night it lived up to that reputation as thousands of people packed into Earnslaw Park to party the night away during a favourite Queenstown Winter Festival event with locals - The Racket Mardi Gras.
As the temperature dipped and most in the crowd donned every stitch of warm winter clothing they could find, the action started.
The Mardi Gras parade featured an impressive collection of stilt-walkers, fire-eaters and costumed participants writhing through the streets to the beat of a samba band, bringing a touch of Brazil to Queenstown.
From there, the parade moved to the park,where the performers entertained the crowd until the party proper began.
Tahuna Breaks and the Batacuda Sound Machine blasted out the sounds from the main stage, while those who missed dinner nibbled on snacks ranging from doughnuts and hotdogs to Indian cuisine and seafood.
There was plenty of mulled wine - a winter festival staple - to keep hands warm and tummies warmer.
Later, some headed back to the Kawarau Falls Station Pavilion for another night of boundary-pushing laughs at the Lindauer Late Laughs event, featuring Dai Henwood, Irene Pink and Ewen Gilmour.
It marked the end of another successful, sunny day, which earlier featured some of New Zealand's finest skiers battling for top honours in the American Express Invitational ski race.
A handful of celebrities, including TV3 weather man Mike Hall and TVNZ's Dancing With The Stars ballroom dancer Hayley Holt, also risked injury racing on Coronet Peak, while a far more restrained community event was held at the Memorial Hall.
The Mactodd Seniors complimentary luncheon was attended by more than 200 of the resort's wisest citizens who enjoyed a free three-course meal, and a glass of wine, sherry or whisky.
The Queenstown Primary School choir and several talented singers from Wakatipu High School had the crowd's toes tapping as they performed for the senior citizens.
Meanwhile, several women were enjoying a pampering at the Lindauer Powder Room on the Ballarat St car park.
Today, Winter Festival action includes another highlight - the Drag Race in Q92's Downtown Day, from noon.
For one day, the resort's high-flying businessmen, hotel owners, chief executives and generally upstanding members of society will ditch their stuffy suits and don fishnet tights, suspenders, stilettos, dresses, wigs and make-up to race around an obstacle course.
Today's programme
Noon: Q92 The Breeze Downtown Day at Earnslaw Park. Free.
7pm: Crocs Battle of the Sexes at Kawarau Falls Station Pavilion. R18, tickets $69 per person.
