15 Things to Do in Queenstown with Kids
15 Things to Do in Queenstown with Kids
Queenstown is a top destination in New Zealand no matter the weather or time of year. It’s a place for every type of holiday-goer, the relaxed, the playful, the adventurous and it is a great place for a family trip. Before moving down to Queenstown, my little family and I headed here as much as possible. Experiencing it in every season, from staying in campervans, RVs, hotels and AirBnBs. Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to play all over town and give recommendations to families heading here.
If you’re heading to Queenstown with your family or know somebody who is, please send them this way.
Coming to Queenstown without kids? Check out my favourite things to do in Queenstown!
Here are 15 things to do in Queenstown with Kids:
1. Play along the waterfront
The city centre of Queenstown swings along the beautiful lakefront of Lake Wakatipu. Its condensed city is a myriad of tourist info shops, cafes, restaurants, rental and retail shops. Park in the Library Parking Lot (only $1/hr) or the Queenstown Gardens lot (free for up to 4hours) to access the city. Your kids will LOVE the playground right near the Gardens and there’s a cafe/bar right next door if you want to enjoy a beverage while they play. Little ones like my son will love the daring ducks who are happy to wander over looking for snacks and head’s up there is a cotton candy (fairy floss) street vendor that makes cloud-like creations that your kids will beg for. Buskers often play music along the waterfront and local artisans sell their crafts, it’s a lovely way to start your Queenstown trip and even better on a clear, sunny day.
Rainy or too cold while you’re there? Check out 16 Queenstown Indoor Activities to do while you wait out the weather.
2. hit the trails
We are a big hiking family and I will always recommend getting on the trails as a family. This is my favourite thing to do in Queenstown with kids and before you worry about coercing your kid to hike, I’m sharing very easy walks that even toddlers can do.
From downtown, you can access a few easy trails. Walk along the outer edge of Queenstown Gardens, enjoying the views of the Remarkables range. Head to the inner loop if you want to see the gardens. Walk along the lake towards Glenorchy and follow the trail to Sunshine Bay. For those who love a climb, hike up Queenstown Hill for what I believe is one of the best views of the entire region. There is a fairy forest halfway up!
Easy hikes outside of town: Morningstar Track and the Oxenbridge Tunnel Walk are great easy options in Arthur’s Point. Moonlight Track is our local fav, but I’d say this is a medium difficulty level. Bob’s Cove is always my #1 recommendation, an easy flat track that only inclines for the last 20 minutes and showcases the stunning blue hues of Lake Wakatipu. Arrowtown has a number of easy trails winding along the river, Sawpit Gully is a medium fitness level hike with a number of views and fun winding trails that cross rivers. Mount Crichton Loop Track is a great trail for kids that includes rock tunnels, waterfalls and old mining huts. My 5yr old and 1yr old walked most of it on their own.
Reach out if you are looking for more suggestions, a hiking blog for Queenstown is in the works!
3. Boat ride
Seeing Queenstown from the water is always a delight and most kids love boats, right? If you want to take a boat ride for just a few bucks, take the local ferry from town to Kelvin Heights. You can get dropped off by the playground and walk along the lake trail or hop out at the Hilton to enjoy a drink and snack with a view. Bikes are available here if you’d like to cruise the paths that line the lake. For a longer boating experience, book a ticket on the TSS Earnslaw, a historic steamship that leisurely cruises around the lake for 90 minutes. If you are after something a bit more thrilling, take a spin on a jetboat. Skip the one in town and choose either Skipper’s Canyon (includes a scenic drive into the canyon - longer experience) or the Shotover Jet based in Arthur’s Point. These crazy fast boats will make you scream, laugh, cry (thanks to the speed and wind) and spin. Kids under 5 with a paying adult are free!
4. visit the remarkable sweet shop
Whether you’re in downtown Queenstown or Arrowtown, a visit to the iconic sweet shop must go on your list for things to do in Queenstown with kids. This old-fashioned, whimsical store will send you down memory lane with sweets from your childhood lined in endless candy bins. They also allow you to try their award-winning fudge. There‘a also one in the airport if you don't have time to visit on your trip.
5. Ride the luge
I had never seen nor heard of a luge ride until arriving in New Zealand and it wasn’t until 2022 that I finally got the chance to do it. Purchase a package to take the gondola up to the top of the Skyline where you access this crazy, fun ride or if you feel like a leg-burner, hike up the Tiki Trail to the top. Fair warning, there is an age/height minimum.
6. sign up for an adventure activity
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand so if you are up for getting your blood pumping, I highly encourage it. Depending on your kid’s age and bravery, there are a number of things to do. Canyon Swing is epic and less scary than a full-on bungee jump. Take them ziplining in the forest with Ziptrek Ecotours. Parasail on the lake or experience a shark’s perspective in the crazy semisubmersible Hydro Attack.
7. Family bike ride
Queenstown Trails have created a haven for cyclists with trails for all levels as well as insane mountain biking trails for those with a death wish (kidding, sorta). Hire bikes (electronic and non) from one of the many suppliers. Baby seats and trailers are also available for hire. Ride the most popular trail along Lake Wakatipu into Frankton via the River Trail. Or start from Arrowtown and head to Gibbston Valley for lunch and wine tastings. It’s a great way to enjoy the views and release some energy for the young ones!
8. scenic flight
While this is going to be on the expensive side, there is just nothing better than seeing Queenstown and the surrounding region from the sky. Glenorchy Air offers a range of experiences including a flight to and from magical Milford Sound where you can cruise amongst Fiordland’s waterfalls. Heli rides are a popular option and ideal if you want to land in the Alps.
9.deer park heights
Ok, this is a place I didn’t know existed until I move to Queenstown. It’s perfect for families who can’t or don’t want to hike for views, plus it has a slew of friendly animals ready to greet you on the way up. It’s a $55 entrance fee (book here), but it’s worth it! Snap some family photos from the top, pack a lunch to enjoy from one of the picnic viewpoints and let the kids run around the trails. You can feed the furry friends (bring some $2 coins) and don’t be too alarmed when they come right up to your car window.
Lake Hayes
10. Gold mining in arrowtown
Learn about gold mining history and let the kids search for their own gold along the Arrow River. Hire a pan from the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown and head to the river!
11. Hanley’s Farm Playground
Hands down THE BEST PLAYGROUND in Otago. Ok, that is a pretty bold statement, but with stunning views of the Remarkables, a pump track, hidden trampolines, a circle of swings, a giant sandpit and more, this playground wins every kid’s heart. Located outside of town on the road to Te Anau, it’s a must-do thing to do in Queenstown with kids.
12. gelato is a must
Yes, we’ve mentioned the sweet shop already, but I can hardly ever walk through town without one of my kids begging for ice cream. While Patagonia is a tourist fav, situated right on the water, I’ll always choose Ferg’s Gelato: more unique options, better vegan choices, and never crazy queues. Grab your cone and head to the waterfront to enjoy the view.
13. Lake hayes hang
We love the Lake Hayes recreation area and think you will too! Pack a lunch and pull into the main lot (by the Lake Hayes Lookout). Spread a blanket next to the lake and let the kids run around chasing geese and ducks. There is a walking/biking track that goes around the entire lake taking 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your speed. It’s an easy trail with only a few inclines and gives breathtaking views from every end. There are swings, boardwalks and places to play in the water. It’s also the best place to see the autumn foliage that Otago is so famous for.
14. Remarkables Market
Every Saturday from 9am to 2pm in the “summer” months. It usually kicks off around the beginning of October and wraps up in April. They also offer Twilight Market days during the week and Winter Markets occasionally in the colder months. Check their FB page for details. At the market, you’ll find live music, dogs to pat, coffee carts, fresh ice cream, a mix of food trucks, and local artesian crafts. The market is located on a playground premise so your kids can play while you wander around. They also have a big sand pit and picnic area — it’s a great way to spend the afternoon.
15. Clip ‘n climb
Since the last 14 things to do in Queenstown with kids are all outdoor activities, I decided to throw in our favourite rainy day activity. Clip ‘n Climb is a part of Basecamp Adventures, an indoor climbing and bouldering space in Frankton. From as young as preschool age, kids can be suited up in a harness and given a chance to clip in and climb a range of unique and colourful options including ladders, a stairway to heaven, and a racing wall.
And there you go 15 things to do in Queenstown with Kids! If you have any questions, feel free to comment below and make sure to add your favourite Queenstown family-friendly activities!