Inclusion
Snow Machine welcomes everyone and we are constantly working on ways to improve the festival experience for all.
Ahead of your arrival into Queenstown, we have pulled together some useful information to assist with planning your Snow Machine adventure.
TRANSPORT
DEDICATED CAR SPACES:
MAIN ARENA:
We will have a designated accessible parking area for our patrons located at the Main Arena – This parking area is automatically available to any vehicle bearing a standard Mobility Parking Permit – just follow the signs once you enter the car park.
We are aware that some disabilities are of a more temporary nature – so if you don’t have an official sticker and need to use the Accessible Parking area, just approach the parking zone and chat to the team member.
ON THE MOUNTAIN:
Both mountains offer accessible car spaces. Please ensure your Mobility Parking Permit is visible on your car to access these spaces.
ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL WITH QUEENSTOWN AIRPORT:
Queenstown Airport is equipped to support people throughout their travel journey. For more info, click HERE.
CAR RENTALS:
Explore New Zealand with a customised mobility vehicle! Freedom Mobility is New Zealand’s largest mobility vehicle rental company offering an extensive range of modified cars and vans for disabled drivers and disabled passengers. View their website and explore their offering HERE.
ACCESSIBLE TAXIS:
Blue Bubble Taxi’s have wheelchair-accessible vehicles located in Queenstown. If you’re requiring use of this taxi, we recommend getting in touch with them to discuss your travel dates and requirements well in advance as they will require a minimum of 3 days notice. More info HERE.
ACCESSIBLE BUSES:
Accessible buses are available to transport you between Queenstown, Frankton, and the airport. All buses are low-floor and wheelchair-accessible with additional space for wheelchairs. However, it’s always good to check with them in advance via their website or phone (0800 672877) to ensure your desired service is accessible.
TOTAL MOBILITY SCHEME:
Queenstown IS part of the Total Mobility Scheme, which provides discount taxi vouchers to people who live with a disability, entitling users to a discount of 50% off the normal taxi fare. Find out more by visiting their website or call the Regional Total Mobility Coordinator on +64 3 474 0827.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING IN QUEENSTOWN:
To find out the locations of mobility parking spaces in Queenstown, check out the parking maps HERE.
INSIDE THE FESTIVAL – MAIN ARENA
VIEWING PLATFORMS:
We will have a viewing platform available at the Main Arena. The viewing platforms are solely for the use of our accessibility patrons and their plus one. Please note: customers using large scooters will be asked to park these at the bottom of the Viewing Platform ramps when possible to ensure we can accommodate as many access customers on the platforms as we can. To locate the viewing platform, head towards the VIP area and look out for the signs.
CROWD CARE & HYDRATION STATION:
Needing any assistance? You’ll find our crowd care and hydration station located next to each other at the main arena. This will be clearly marked on the patron map and our friendly team will be happy to assist you!
ENTRY LANE:
Upon arrival at the Main Arena, you will find a dedicated wider entry lane at the front gate (combined with VIP).
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS:
Accessible toilets can be found at the Main Arena next to the Medical tent and will be marked clearly on the patron map. There will also be an accessible toilet located in the VIP area.
INSIDE THE FESTIVAL – APRÈS STAGES
At both The Remarkables and Coronet Peak you’ll find our custom built Après stages. Each mountain has one stage located at the Base Station and one stage located up the mountain at the Ice Bars (ski-in, ski-out).
APRÈS CHALET AT CORONET PEAK:
This year, the Après Chalet will be located a short distance from the base station, approx 200 metres. As this route is not wheelchair friendly, if you wish to access to Après Chalet, we will be arranging a vehicle shuttle service that will depart on the hour between 11am-3pm using the Coronet Peak 4WD’s to and from the stage. If you wish to use this service, you will need to advise us in advance so we can secure your seat. To do so, please email the team.
The shuttle service will depart from the drop-off zone as the base station to the base of Kaiser and back, for you and your support person.
DIAMOND DECK AT THE REMARKABLES:
This stage is located on the outdoor deck of the Base Station. Once arriving at the Base Station, catch the lift up to the main floor and then it’s a flat path around the balcony to the stage.
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS:
You’ll find accessible toilets located at the main facilities at the base station of both mountains.
ADAPTIVE SNOW SPORTS
Adaptive Snow Sports is about adapting equipment and lessons and providing accessible support systems to allow people with a wide range of disabilities to take to the snow and experience the freedom of snow sports! Both The Remarkables and Coronet Peak offer adaptive ski programmes for people with access needs – but we recommend booking in your lesson in advance! More information can be found here or you can email the NZski team directly.
ASSISTANCE ANIMALS
We understand that equal access can sometimes mean being accompanied by an Assistance Animal. To help us support you and your Assistance Animal on site, please email the Snow Machine ticketing team
INCLUSIVE ACTIVITIES
Visit Making Trax and explore their Inclusive Activity Directory to see what else you can do in Queenstown while you’re here for Snow Machine.
CONTACT US
We are happy to assist people who require support in making plans for a pleasant and safe festival experience. Please get in touch with the Snow Machine team to ensure that your day is as enjoyable as possible.
Have suggestions on how we can improve? Please get in touch with us via email or DM us on Instagram! We’d love to hear your suggestions.