12 Things To Do With Kids in Queenstown

Queenstown is famous as an adventure capital, but it's not all bungy jumping and skydiving. The resort town at the foot of the Remarkables mountain range is packed with family-friendly activities that showcase the region's jaw-dropping scenery without the adrenaline overdose. From gentle lake cruises to luge rides and nature walks, here are 12 of the best things to do with kids in Queenstown.

Queenstown Town Centre

1. Skyline Gondola and Luge

The Skyline Gondola whisks you 450 metres above Queenstown to Bob's Peak, where the views across Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables are nothing short of spectacular. At the top, the luge - a gravity-powered cart on a purpose-built track - is the star attraction for families. There are three tracks of increasing difficulty, from the gentle Scenic track to the more thrilling Advanced. Kids as young as 6 can ride solo; younger children ride with an adult.

Best for: Ages 3+ (gondola), ages 6+ solo on luge Facilities: Toilets, cafe, restaurant, gift shop, paid parking in town Tip: Buy a multi-ride luge pass - kids will want to go again and again. The gondola and luge combo is best value. Visit in the afternoon for the best light on the mountains.

2. Kiwi Birdlife Park

Tucked at the base of the Skyline Gondola, this compact wildlife park is dedicated to native New Zealand species. The darkened kiwi house lets visitors observe these shy nocturnal birds, and the twice-daily conservation show features free-flying kea, falcon and other native birds. Tuatara, geckos, weta and native lizards are also on display in naturalistic enclosures.

Best for: Ages 3-14 Facilities: Toilets, small cafe, central location Tip: Time your visit to catch the conservation show - it's genuinely engaging and educational. Allow about 1.5 hours for the full park.

3. Queenstown Gardens

A beautiful lakeside park right in the heart of town, the Queenstown Gardens are perfect for a relaxing family stroll or picnic. The flat, sealed paths wind through mature trees and colourful gardens, with views across the lake to Cecil Peak. There's a disc golf course, a skateboard park, an ice rink (seasonal) and a playground. The frisbee golf course is free and surprisingly fun for kids aged 6+.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets, playground, skate park, free entry Tip: Bring a frisbee and try the 18-hole disc golf course - it's free, well-maintained and a hit with older kids. Hire discs from local sports shops if you don't have your own.

Lake Wakatipu Activities

4. TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship

The century-old TSS Earnslaw is one of the last coal-fired passenger steamships operating anywhere in the world. The 1.5-hour cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm is a magical experience - kids can watch the engine room stokers shovelling coal, explore the historic vessel and enjoy the mountain scenery. At Walter Peak, a farm demonstration includes sheep shearing, working dogs and animal feeding.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets on board, cafe, Walter Peak has toilets and BBQ lunch option Tip: Book the Walter Peak BBQ lunch combo for a full half-day outing. The engine room viewing is a highlight for kids - position yourselves near the lower deck.

5. Queenstown Bay Beach and Playground

Right in the centre of town, the pebbly beach at Queenstown Bay is a lovely spot for kids to throw stones, wade in the shallows (the water is cold but clean) and watch the jet boats and kayaks. The adjacent playground has climbing equipment and swings with lake and mountain views. It's a free activity that kids can enjoy for a surprisingly long time.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets nearby, cafes in town, free Tip: The lake water is genuinely cold, even in summer. A quick paddle is fine but full swimming is only for the hardy. Great for stone-skimming competitions.

6. Hydro Attack - Shark Boat Ride

A unique Queenstown experience - a semi-submersible shark-shaped vessel that dives under the lake surface and leaps out of the water. The 25-minute ride on Lake Wakatipu is thrilling without being terrifying, making it a brilliant option for kids who want a taste of adventure. Passengers ride two-up with the pilot.

Best for: Ages 5+ (minimum age and height requirements apply) Facilities: Town centre departure, life jackets provided Tip: Book in advance during peak season. Waterproof clothing is provided but kids may still get a splash. The shark breach out of the water is the highlight.

Surrounding Area

7. Glenorchy and Paradise Valley

A stunning 45-minute drive from Queenstown along the shore of Lake Wakatipu leads to the tiny settlement of Glenorchy, gateway to some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand. The drive itself is the attraction - towering mountains reflected in the lake, with Lord of the Rings filming locations along the route. At Glenorchy, the lagoon boardwalk is an easy, pram-friendly stroll with mountain views.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets and cafe in Glenorchy, limited facilities beyond Tip: The drive is the experience - stop at the lookout points along the road for photos. The Glenorchy Lagoon boardwalk takes about 30 minutes and is flat and easy.

8. Arrowtown - Historic Gold Mining Village

Just 20 minutes from Queenstown, the charming village of Arrowtown is built around a former gold mining settlement. Kids love panning for gold in the Arrow River (pans available from the Lakes District Museum for a small fee), exploring the restored Chinese miners' settlement and wandering the heritage main street lined with cafes and boutiques.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets, cafes, museum, free parking, playground Tip: The gold panning is surprisingly addictive - you can still find genuine specks of gold in the river. The Bush Creek track alongside the river is an easy family walk.

9. AJ Hackett Bungy Centre - Kawarau Bridge (Spectators)

Even if your kids are too young to bungy jump (minimum age 10 with parental consent), the Kawarau Bridge Bungy Centre is worth visiting as a spectator. Watching jumpers leap from the historic 43-metre bridge above the turquoise Kawarau River is exciting and free. The centre has a cafe, viewing platforms and a small exhibition about bungy history.

Best for: All ages (spectating), ages 10+ (jumping) Facilities: Toilets, cafe, free parking, free spectator access Tip: Drive out for a free morning of spectating and combine with a coffee at the cafe. The viewing platforms offer excellent vantage points.

Winter Activities

10. Coronet Peak or The Remarkables - Ski Fields

Queenstown's two ski fields are both within 30 minutes of town and offer excellent facilities for families. Coronet Peak is closer and has a dedicated learner area, while The Remarkables has a more sheltered, south-facing aspect. Both offer ski school programmes for children from age 5, with equipment hire and lift passes included. Snow play areas let younger kids enjoy the snow without skiing.

Best for: Ages 3+ (snow play), ages 5+ (ski school) Facilities: Toilets, cafes, ski hire, ski school, parking Tip: Book ski school in advance during school holidays. The half-day programmes are ideal for first-timers. Dress kids in layers and bring spare dry clothes for the car.

11. Onsen Hot Pools

Private cedar-lined hot tubs perched on a cliff edge above the Shotover River, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing mountain views. While the late-night sessions are aimed at couples, the daytime family sessions are a magical experience for kids - soaking in hot mineral water while watching the river below. Bookings are essential.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets, changing rooms, towels provided Tip: Book the earliest daytime session for the quietest experience. The pools are spectacular in rain or snow - don't cancel for bad weather, as it enhances the atmosphere.

Year-Round

12. Queenstown Trail - Family Cycling

The Queenstown Trail network includes several family-friendly sections that are flat, sealed and suitable for young riders. The lakeside trail from Frankton to Queenstown (7 km) follows the shore of Lake Wakatipu with mountain views the entire way. Bike hire is available from multiple operators in Queenstown, including kids' bikes, tagalongs and bike trailers for little ones.

Best for: Ages 4+ (on their own bikes), all ages (in trailers) Facilities: Bike hire in town, toilets at access points Tip: The Frankton Track is the easiest family section - flat and sealed with lake views throughout. Hire bikes with helmets from one of the operators in town and ride one way, returning via the water taxi.

Tips for Families in Queenstown

• Budget: Queenstown can be expensive. Balance paid activities with free ones - the gardens, beach, Arrowtown gold panning and bungy spectating are all free or very cheap.
• Weather: Mountain weather changes fast. Pack layers and rain gear even on sunny days. Winter temperatures drop below zero.
• Booking: Peak season (December to February and July school holidays) means popular activities sell out. Book the gondola, luge, Earnslaw and Onsen in advance.
• Driving: If you have a car, the day trips to Glenorchy and Arrowtown are unmissable. Roads are good but winding - allow extra time.
• Altitude: Queenstown sits at 310m but the ski fields are over 1,600m. Watch for altitude effects on younger children - headaches and tiredness are common.

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