Visiting south with the family and searching for things to do in Queenstown? With kids coming along, you might think your choices are limited, but as a matter of fact, you have countless options to choose from!
From a sweet gondola ride to sweet treats, the sky’s the limit here at Queenstown. Family activities of all kinds like educational tours, nature trips, and exciting adventures are available and perfectly paired with Queenstown’s majestic landscape. You and your kids will surely have great memories during this trip!
Look no further because we already curated a list of the best things to do in Queenstown with kids:
- Ride on the Skyline gondola, the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere
- Travel aboard the 107-year-old steamship TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu
- Tour around Walter Peak Farm with the family
- Jet skiing on Lake Wakatipu
- Let your kids try something new without fearing for their safety at this indoor flying experience with iFly
- Hop on a thunder jet boat and sail down Kawarau River to Lake Wakatipu past a lush tree-lined path in this exciting jet boat experience, one of the best things to do in Queenstown with kids
- Have a lovely family day at one of the most recommended nearby Queenstown attractions, the Te Anau Glowworm Cave
- Make wonderful memories with the family when you visit Milford Sound!
- Join an indoor mini-golf game in Queenstown
- Indulge your sweet tooth at Cookie Time Cookiebar
- Stroll along Queenstown Gardens
- Visit Arrowtown with the kids
- Experience virtual reality while in Queenstown
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1. Ride on the Skyline gondola, the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere!
Zoom down a small hill as you race with your kids in this Skyline luge ride! Credits: @skylinequeenstown
Let the gondola take you up to Bob’s Peak. You and your kids will surely enjoy the majestic view of Queenstown 450 metres from the ground! Don’t forget to take photos of the stunning landscape of iconic Queenstown landmarks such as Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. Afterwards, you and your family can enjoy a thrilling Skyline luge ride across 1600 metres of banked corners, tunnels and dippers, which will surely leave your kids up and about! Take this amazing experience to another level by adding a lunch or dinner buffet at the Stratosfare Restaurant.
2. Learn important historical facts as you travel on this 90-minute cruise aboard the 107-year-old steamship TSS Earnslaw across the serene Lake Wakatipu!
Enjoy the magnificent alpine scenery of The Remarkables aboard TSS Earnslaw! Credits: @realjourneys
Set your eyes on the surrounding famous Queenstown attractions such as the peaks of The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak and breathe in the crisp fresh air as you marvel at the astonishing scenery around you. Inside the steamship, you and your family can access its mini-museum and engine room to know more about the only operating hand-fired steamship in the Southern Hemisphere! You can add in a Walter Peak High Country Farm tour or BBQ lunch to enjoy more family time during this Queenstown must-do.
Please note that the TSS Earnslaw undergoes maintenance each year (3 May - 24 June 2021) and does not operate during this time.
3. Tour around Walter Peak Farm with the family!
Tours are the quintessential Queenstown family activities as they provide you with an enjoyable experience whilst learning something new about your destination, and a tour around Walter Peak Farm is one of the best things to do in Queenstown with kids! Walk around the farmyard and let your kids learn about the farming lifestyle. They will absolutely enjoy feeding farm animals like sheep, deer, cattle, and alpacas.
4. Jet skiing on Lake Wakatipu!
Ride around Lake Wakatipu with your kid on a jet ski! Credits: @jetskiqueenstown
Hire a jet ski for 2-3 people and ride with your kids up to Bob’s Cave or check out the tranquil Pigeon Island. You’ll surely have fun exploring more of the lake’s hidden treasures for 30 minutes or 60 minutes on this self-guided jet ski rental. No need to worry about safety because the rental is complete with wetsuits, life jackets, fuel, and proper basic instruction, and you are also given the freedom to turn this activity into a thrilling adventure or a calm journey across one of Queenstown’s famous attractions.
5. Let your kids try something new without fearing for their safety at this indoor flying experience with iFly!
One of this list’s most thrilling family activities in Queenstown, experience the thrill of gliding through the air inside a state-of-the-art tunnel by iFly. You totally don’t have to worry about safety because it comes with one-on-one training to help you maximise the experience. Plus, you get a personalised flight certificate to immortalise this unforgettable experience giving your kids a sense of accomplishment during your trip.
6. Hop on a thunder jet boat and sail down Kawarau River to Lake Wakatipu past a lush tree-lined path in this exciting jet boat experience, one of the best things to do in Queenstown with kids!
Zoom through Kawarau River in a thunder jet boat! Credits: @thunderjetqueenstown
The fam will surely enjoy the thrill of zooming through the waters! Choose between a 25-minute or 60-minute trip. All packages include a local guide that tours you around the area as well as the necessary safety equipment you’ll need such as a spray jacket, life vest, and goggles.
7. Have a lovely family day at one of the most recommended nearby Queenstown attractions, the Te Anau Glowworm Cave.
Learning doesn’t have to be boring! Get to know more about rock formations and glow worms at Te Anau!
Take the kids on an unforgettable tour as you board a cruise vessel for a scenic half-day tour that lets you explore the cave’s limestone passages. Be mesmerized by the whirlpools you pass along, the majestic underground waterfall located inside the cave, and the hidden grotto that contains a magnificent view of the thousands of glow worms that inhabit there.
8. Make wonderful memories with the family when you visit Milford Sound!
Be amazed by the stunning views of Milford Sound!
If your kids enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure, you should definitely try out this Fjord Day Cruise at Milford Sound that takes you past scenic views of the area’s picturesque peaks, marvellous glacial water, and unique wildlife. Cast your eyes upon Mitre Peak. Your kids can have a taste of nature with the pure glacial waters fresh from Milford Sound’s cascading waterfalls. This nature trip is complete with live commentary on board as well as free coffee and tea.
9. Join an indoor mini-golf game in Queenstown
Visit Queenstown’s lone indoor mini-golf course with a twist—everything is neon lit! The kids won’t be able to hide their excitement as you putt your way through the course with Queenstown landmarks-inspired holes. Enjoy a 30-minute session inside the golf course and make memories that last a lifetime with your family.
10. Indulge your sweet tooth at Cookie Time Cookiebar
Kids and kids-at-heart can’t resist Cookie Time’s sweet treats! Credits: @cookietime.nz
Have your fill of freshly-baked cookies, cookie dough ice cream, shakes, sandwiches, and so much more when you visit the Cookiebar! Shop hours start at 8 am during the weekdays and at 10 am on the weekends. Did you know you can buy a giant cookie birthday cake here, too?
11. Stroll along Queenstown Gardens
If you’re on the search for relaxing things to do in Queenstown with kids, then you’ll enjoy this walking activity through Queenstown Gardens. You don’t have to go far to escape the city when you can enjoy hectares of stunning landscaped gardens with an amazing view of Lake Wakatipu, just a few minutes from central Queenstown. Family activities such as picnics, golfing, bowling and tennis can be enjoyed inside the park.
12.Visit Arrowtown with the kids
A few minutes away from Queenstown is the quaint town of Arrowtown. Explore the historic town and walk past the picturesque main street lined with heritage houses. The kids will for sure enjoy local treats such as Arrowtown Bakery’s delectable pies and sausage rolls as well as sweets and chocolates.
13. Experience virtual reality while in Queenstown
Grab your kids and escape a zombie attack with the family! With Hologate VR, you get to see the future with virtual reality. Kids will absolutely enjoy the thrilling roller coaster rides and massive snowball fights. Explore more possibilities like walking through a haunted house, discovering the land of dinosaurs and interacting with aliens!
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