Queenstown is a Remarkable Destination for Families!
Queenstown is a destination that offers a fantastic mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation, making it the perfect getaway for families.
Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown captivates visitors with its breathtaking scenery and an abundance of activities that cater to all ages.
Whether your family seeks outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply some quality time together, Queenstown provides a welcoming environment that ensures a memorable trip for everyone.
Who is this article for?
Jump Ahead in the Article:
This article is written for families with children from 6 years to 13 years old.
The below information is applicable to any holidayer but we’ve tried to call out everything we can think of that’s important for holidaying in Queenstown with a young family.
Where to Stay in Queenstown with your family:
When planning your family trip to Queenstown, choosing the right accommodation can set the tone for a great vacation. Here are some top family-friendly options:
Inner Queenstown:
Easy walking distance to all of the in town attractions and pick up points for activities. <10min walk to the town center from any direction. Expect moderate hills, heaps of restaurant options and lovely views over Queenstown & Lake Wakatipu.
Inner Frankton Rd:
10-20 min walking distance to Queenstown Centre, <5min driving time. Flat along the lake, hilly further back from the shore line. Beautiful views towards the Remarkable mountain range and over Lake Wakatipu & Deer park heights. Numerous buses into town or Frankton. Tour & Ski buses will pick you up for respective activities along Frankton Rd.
Outer Frankton Rd:
30+ Minute Walk, 5-10 minute drive to Queenstown Centre. Big homes on the hill side, beautiful apartments on the lake. The marina is the heart of this area, with a brewery, restaurants and lake access. Buses to Queenstown are common and Tour & Ski buses will pick you up along Frankton Rd. Easy access for Skiing during winter and to groceries at 5 Mile & Remarkables shopping centres.
Fernhill & Sunshine Bay:
Large, quiet family homes & views towards Cecil’s peak and the Lake. Recommended to have a car for travelling in and out of Queenstown. 1 bus per hour or a 20min walk to town edge. Steep hills. Direct access to some walking trails.
Frankton:
Easy access to grocery stores and bus hub. 50-60 min walk to Queenstown centre. 15min car drive. 20 min bus ride to Queenstown centre that leaves every 15 mins during the day. Ski buses and most activities/tours will pick up from the Frankton bus hub. Close to the airport. Often the most economical option for a Queenstown stay. Access to Queenstown’s “beach” on the lake with a lovely park, panoramic views and heaps of sunshine in winter.
Transport Options for Families in Queenstown
Getting around Queenstown is convenient, with several transport options available for families:
- Car Rentals: Renting a car offers flexibility and convenience for families who want to explore beyond the town center. Various car rental companies operate in Queenstown, providing a range of vehicles to suit family needs.
- Public Buses: The Orbus network offers an affordable and easy way to travel around Queenstown. With routes covering popular destinations, buses are a great option for families who prefer public transport. Buses accept cash or a Bee card can be purchased at the airport, at iSite in Queenstown or on a bus (can occasionally be sold out on a bus). Using a Bee card halves the cost of each trip, $4 (cash) to $2 (bee card).
- Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are readily available in Queenstown, providing convenient transportation for families who want quick and direct routes to their destinations.
- Biking: Queenstown is bike-friendly, and many places offer bike rentals, including family-friendly bikes and trailers for young children.
- Walking: The town’s compact size makes walking a pleasant and practical option, especially for exploring local attractions and dining spots.
- Electric Scooters: Beam e-scooters are available for hire around town using the Beam App. They are a quick and convenient way to get around or can be a fun activity in and of themselves!
Best Time of Year for Families to Visit Queenstown
Queenstown is a year-round destination, but different times of the year offer different highlights for families:
- Summer (December to February): This is the best time for families who love outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and lake adventures. The warm weather makes it perfect for exploring Queenstown’s beautiful landscapes.
- Autumn (March to May): Experience the stunning fall foliage in Queenstown’s gardens and parks. This season offers milder weather, making it a great time for family walks and sightseeing.
- Winter (June to August): Queenstown turns into a winter wonderland, ideal for families who love skiing and snowboarding. Though Queenstown’s Coronet Peak & Remarkables ski fields are not to be missed, other snow activities like ice skating and snowshoeing are available.
- Spring (September to November): Enjoy blooming flowers and pleasant weather, perfect for outdoor activities without the crowds. Spring is an excellent time for family hikes and wildlife tours.
Must Do Family Dining Options:
Queenstown offers a variety of dining options that cater to families, ensuring that everyone, from toddlers to adults, will find something they enjoy.
Here are a few examples:
- Fergburger: Known for its legendary burgers, Fergburger is a must-visit spot for families. With a diverse menu, even the pickiest eaters will find something to enjoy.
- The Cow Pizza & Spaghetti House: A family favorite, this cozy restaurant serves up delicious pizzas and pasta in a charming alpine setting.
- Cookie Time Cookie Bar: For a sweet treat, visit the Cookie Time Cookie Bar, where kids can indulge in freshly baked cookies and milkshakes.
- Vudu Café & Larder: This café offers a fantastic brunch menu with options for both kids and adults, making it a great spot for family breakfasts.
- Patagonia Chocolates: Treat the family to some of the best chocolate and ice cream in town at Patagonia Chocolates. Their handcrafted chocolates are a delight for both kids and adults.
- Waterfront Food stalls: Daily there are food stall vendors along the water front in Queenstown, a great spot to score some fairy floss, a donut or even a burger!
- Remarkables Sweet Shop: Satisfy your sweet tooth with delightful treats and sweet experiences, perfect for families with a love for candy.
Child Minding Services
Do you want to fit in some adult only time? There are a few options around town:
- ACG Queenstown Early Learning – Casual childcare rates – Their Queenstown early learning centres are dedicated to delivering a respectful, responsive, and peaceful educational program for infants and children. Conveniently located in Queenstown, our purpose-built centres offer beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces with a wealth of resources to support exploration and discovery. Each centre features specialised areas tailored to meet the needs of different age groups.
- Babysitting Queenstown – Whether you need a last-minute babysitter in Queenstown, a weekly nanny, or someone to care for your children while you enjoy a romantic evening, Babysitting Queenstown is here to help. We understand that your child is your most precious treasure, and we are committed to providing top-notch care while you explore all that Queenstown has to offer. Our experienced babysitters ensure your little ones are safe and well-cared for, so you can relax and enjoy your time out.
- Cardrona Ski Field – Cardrona ski field offers a nursery & kindy service during the winter season. 3mths to 4 years old. Fully licensed early childhood education facility. Lunch provided for 2-4yr old childen.
Top Family Activities in Queenstown
And this is why you’re in Queenstown! To do, see, touch, taste and marvel at Queenstown’s offerings. You can find something for the whole family in Queenstown from adventure activities to sightseeing & animal cuddling. Kids & Adults of all ages enjoy these activities!
Many of these activities suit children under 6yrs of age as well.
Here’s a list of must-do activities for families visiting Queenstown:
Activity Recommendations for 6 - 12 year old children
- Skyline Gondola and Luge: Ride the gondola for breathtaking views and race down the two Luge tracks, combining adventure and scenic beauty for families. You can also add on a gourmet buffet lunch/dinner or eat at the cafe. Click here to read more.
- Kiwi Birdlife Park: Explore native wildlife and enjoy interactive experiences with New Zealand’s iconic kiwi birds. Great for kids of all ages.
- Walter Peak High Country Farm Tour: Take a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to a working farm for hands-on activities like sheep shearing and animal encounters, meeting highland cows, sheep, horses, alpaca’s, farm dogs and more, includes afternoon tea! Click here to read more.
- Onsen Hot Pools: Relax in private hot pools with stunning views, offering a unique wellness experience for the whole family. Indoor and outdoor pools available for up to 4 bathers. Family hours, 9am – 4pm, adults only after 4pm. Click here to read more.
- Queenstown Ice Arena: Enjoy indoor ice skating or try out ice bumper cars, providing fun for all ages regardless of the weather.
- Queenstown Gardens: Enjoy a picnic or play frisbee golf amidst beautiful floral displays, perfect for family bonding.
- Ziplining: Experience thrilling zipline adventures, combining excitement with environmental education for older kids and parents. Click here to read more.
- Jet Boating on Shotover River: Experience adrenaline with a jet boat ride, offering thrills and stunning river views for families with older children. Click here to read more.
- Lake Wakatipu Cruises: Embark on scenic cruises and explore the serene beauty of Lake Wakatipu, ideal for a relaxed family outing. You can choose from cruise only, meals included (on the water), visits to Walter Peak for lunch/dinner and more. Click here to read more.
- Skyline Stargazing: Enjoy evening gondola rides and stargazing tours for a magical experience that captures the southern hemisphere’s night sky.
- Ice Bar Experience: Step into a frozen world with ice sculptures and family-friendly drinks, offering a unique experience for kids and adults alike.
- Puzzling World: Engage in intriguing illusions and puzzles, offering an educational and fun experience for curious kids and families. Located in Wanaka.
- Lake Activities (Kayaking, Paddleboarding): Enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Wakatipu, combining adventure and relaxation by the water.
- Outdoor Adventures (Biking, Hiking): Discover biking trails and scenic walks that offer breathtaking views and opportunities for exploration. Explore the natural beauty with easy family hikes like the Queenstown Hill Time Walk, great for outdoor exploration.
- Go Karting- Game Over – If your family enjoys a bit of friendly competition, a visit to Game Over Queenstown is a must. Featuring a 290-metre track renowned as one of the best in the country, it offers an exciting array of features including a bridge, an LED-lit tunnel, challenging curves, and thrilling straightaways. All karts are adjustable to various preset speeds, making it perfect for guests of all skill levels, including kids aged 8 and up.
- I-fly – Experience the ultimate thrill at New Zealand’s only indoor skydiving centre, located in the heart of Queenstown. Feel the adrenaline rush as you float, soar, and defy gravity in our state-of-the-art wind tunnel.
- Escape Room – Escape Quest – Can you escape in time? Try our Escape Rooms—either physical or virtual reality! In our physical Escape Rooms, dive into Queenstown’s 1860s gold rush, crack codes, solve puzzles, and escape within 60 minutes. Experience local history with authentic props and immersive technology.
- Canyon Swing – When it comes to adrenaline-pumping, heart-stopping adventure activities in Queenstown, we don’t hold back. Our Canyon Swing boasts a staggering 60 meters of freefall, making it the world’s highest cliff jump. It offers an unparalleled rush and a leap that stands unrivalled in its excitement. Click here to read more.
- Around the Basin Biking Tours – The Queenstown Trail winds through the breathtaking Whakatipu Basin, linking Queenstown with Arrowtown and the Gibbston Wine Valley. Explore this stunning glacial landscape on gentle gravel paths, riding alongside rivers and lakes while enjoying spectacular mountain views. Click here to read more.
- Disc Golf – While you’re at Queenstown Gardens, bring the kids for a fun round of Frisbee (disc) golf! This free course, nestled under towering pine trees, provides a fantastic setting for the whole family. Kids will love running around the course.
- Beekeeping Experience – Honey Spinning and Beekeeping- October to April. This 75-minute tour, you’ll put on your bee suit and gloves, open a working beehive and extract the honey!
- Time Tripper Queenstown – Dive beneath the surface of Lake Wakatipu with Queenstown’s exclusive dry underwater experience. Be transported back to the age of dinosaurs, offering a captivating journey through 90 million years of history and mythology—all in under 30 minutes. Sit back and watch your children’s eyes widen with wonder as they walk among dinosaurs, explore the origins of the Southern Alps, and hear enchanting stories of forbidden love in Maori mythology. After the immersive video experience, continue to the underwater viewing area where you can observe diving ducks, native eels, and the trout and salmon that inhabit the lake. The kids can even join in the fun by feeding the fish!
- Glenorchy Animal Experience – At Glenorchy Animal Experience, enjoy a family-friendly farm adventure set amidst breathtaking scenery. Meet and interact with a diverse range of friendly farm animals, from playful lambs and majestic Clydesdales to cuddly guinea pigs and charming llamas. Visitors can pet, feed, and observe these delightful animals up close, making for a memorable and enjoyable outing.
- Winter Season – Head to the mountains for a snowy family adventure with options like Cardrona, The Remarkables, and Coronet Peak. Enjoy breathtaking winter landscapes and a range of activities suited for all ages.
- 4X4 Tour – Nomads Safari – Nomad Safaris provides guided 4WD tours including visits to iconic *Lord of the Rings* filming locations, allowing you to immerse yourself in the magic of Middle-earth. We also offer exciting excursions to Skippers Canyon and Macetown, where you can explore historic gold mining ghost towns, learn about New Zealand’s pioneering history, and try your hand at gold panning. Click here to read more.
- Odyssey Sensory Maze – As you navigate through Odyssey, you’ll encounter incredible illusions, captivating lights, immersive sound effects, quirky obstacles, and intriguing sensations that will awaken and delight your senses!
- The Playground – Give yourself permission to play at The Playground, Queenstown’s premier outdoor activity arena. From Paintball and Archery Tag to Bubble Soccer and Rope Challenges, The Playground promises one of the most memorable kids experiences in Queenstown.
Site Trampoline – Learn, Play, and Have Fun in Our Open Freestyle Sessions – Our trampoline sessions offer the ideal setting to master new tricks in a safe environment, enjoy quality time with friends or family, and simply let loose and bounce around. Our skilled coaches are on hand to teach new tricks, offer helpful tips, and suggest games and ways to make the most of the facility. Open to all ages and abilities.
Pre-Planned Family Itineraries:
Want to skip the research and just get on with your holiday?
We’ve created some great ready to go activity packages to get your family holiday in Queenstown sorted!
If you’d like to plan something more custom made for your family, send us a message today and we can help you build the perfect Queenstown holiday fully customised for your family.
All of our packages & bookings include full instructions on how to travel to and from your activities, timing and more. One booking and your holiday is sorted, no more research required!
Conclusion
Queenstown offers an enchanting blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, making it the perfect destination for a family vacation. With its stunning landscapes, diverse activities, and family-friendly amenities, Queenstown promises to create unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures or serene moments with your loved ones, Queenstown delivers a welcoming and vibrant environment that will leave your family wanting to return for more.
Plan your family getaway to Queenstown today, and embark on a journey filled with discovery, excitement, and unforgettable family moments!