Family Activities

Kiwi Park is the perfect family-friendly destination for a fun and educational day out. Set in a lush, natural environment, the park offers a rare opportunity to see New Zealand’s iconic kiwi birds up close. Kids will love the interactive wildlife encounters and exploring the safe, stroller-friendly trails, making it a great experience for the whole family. If exploring wildlife wonders and picnics under native trees sounds like your idea of fun, Kiwi Park is a must.

Coronet Peak is the perfect destination for families seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure in the great outdoors, with a variety of activities all year round. In the Winter season, enjoy family-friendly skiing and snow day packages tailored for every age and skill level. The warmer months bring mountain biking, scenic gondola rides, and hiking trails. If you’re looking for a place to create unforgettable family memories together – Coronet Peak has it all.

The Skyline Gondola and Luge packs excitement and relaxation into one location. Start with a gondola ride featuring breathtaking views over Queenstown. Then, race down the thrilling luge tracks that are sure to entertain kids and adults alike. Who can get to the bottom first? There’s one way to find out! To complete the experience, try out the scenic walking trails, or exquisite dining with panoramic vistas. A great spot for a whole day of family fun in Queenstown!

Exploring Queenstown by bike is a fantastic family-friendly activity that everyone can enjoy! Queenstown Bike Hire provides a wide selection of bikes for all ages and abilities. Their expert team can suggest routes ranging from serene lakeside rides to scenic trails with breathtaking views, or even more adventurous paths. They even offer a convenient and hassle-free pickup and drop-off service! Queenstown Bike Hire can set your family on the right pace for a day packed with fun.

Step aboard the iconic TSS Earnslaw for an unforgettable family adventure on Queenstown’s stunning Lake Wakatipu. This historic steamship cruise blends nostalgia with breathtaking alpine scenery as you glide across the water. Perfect for families, it’s a unique way to experience the region’s rich heritage while enjoying spectacular views and a touch of adventure. A must-do for history and boating enthusiasts alike!

If you’re after a free family activity, a walk through the stunning Queenstown Gardens is a must visit! Your stroll will take you along the lakefront, through towering trees, past beautiful flowers, and over the picturesque stream. It’s a relaxed and laid back way to take in the best of Queenstown’s stunning scenery. There is also a disc golf course which winds its way through the gardens. Discs ban be hired from the nearby Ice Arena.

Just 15 minutes from Queenstown TOP 10, Arrowtown is a magical little village perfect for a family day trip. It’s absolutely beautiful every season of the year, but particularly in the Autumn. Explore heritage buildings and shops on the main street, enjoy an ice cream under the trees, or enjoy a relaxing lunch at a top-class local eatery. You can also head down to the river to skip stones or go for a scenic family walk.

The Remarkable Sweet Shop is about the closest you can get to a child’s dream! Watch their eyes widen as they see all the lollies and treats lining the shelves from all over the world. They can even try whatever lollies they like for free! Another big highlight is the free fudge tasting, with all sorts of flavours to treat your tastebuds. The Remarkable Sweet Shop has three locations, one in central Queenstown, one in Arrowtown, and one at Queenstown Airport.

Stop by Erik’s Fish & Chips on Earl Street for some good old kiwi takeaways! If you don’t feel like cooking, but also want a more affordable meal, this is a great option. Once you’ve got your fish and chips, wander down to the lakefront just 100m away. Whether you sit under a tree or down on the beach, it’s got to be one of New Zealand’s most beautiful takeaway spots!

The quiet beauty of Lake Hayes is a great place to escape the crowds. Pack up a picnic and take the family down to enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the water. Lake Hayes is also just 15 minutes from Queenstown TOP 10, so it’s another good option if you don’t want too much travel. After your picnic, you can also stretch your legs on the easy walking trail around the lake.

Sometimes, a good playground is all kids need to have the time of their lives. The playground down at the lakefront has got to be one of the coolest around, not to mention the most scenic! Located at the entrance to Queenstown Gardens, there are slides, climbing frames, rope swings, interactive musical features, and more. Parents can grab a well-deserved coffee from the Bathhouse Cafe nearby as you watch the kids play.

If you’re after more of a day trip, Glenorchy is a wonderful place to visit. The 50 minute drive is beautifully scenic, with fantastic lookout points along the way. Once you arrive, you can’t miss the iconic Red Shed and the nearby wharf for some great photo opportunities. Other family activities in Glenorchy include the Animal Experience, Paradise Ziplines, and Glenorchy Lagoon.