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The Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Queenstown
Written by Sarah Wilkes
Equal parts beauty and thrills, Queenstown is home to a smorgasbord of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
A pocket of picture-perfect landscapes, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown has long been considered the thrill-seekers’ playground. While a mere name drop elicits feelings of adventure and adrenaline, Queenstown has no shortage of milder entertainment options for the little ones too. Read on to discover our pick of the best family-friendly things to do in Queenstown.
1. Spot native animals at Kiwi Park
Weave your way through five acres of bushland to uncover over 20 native species at this family-owned wildlife centre, including the star of the show and emblem of New Zealand’s conservation efforts, the kiwi. Adorably fuzzy, slightly shy and flightless – these furry friends are the ideal animals for your little ones to encounter in the wild. Watch a conservation show, witness honeybees build comb in real time and escape to the wild.
2. Ride the Shotover Jet
A historical gold-bearing site with turquoise rapids and rugged canyon walls, a ride along the Shotover River is unmissable – and as the only boat permitted to operate in this section of the river, The Shotover Jet is as exclusive as it gets. Dart through narrow valleys and succumb to gravity-defying stunts, all while witnessing a natural wonder like no other.
3. Take a gondola ride up Bob’s Peak …
There’s no better way to see Queenstown’s natural gems than from the soaring heights of Bob’s Peak, with panoramic views along the way. Ascend the mountain in the steepest cable car ride in the Southern Hemisphere – the Skyline Gondola – and enjoy views over the city, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. At the summit, savour a sky-high buffet lunch at the glass-paneled Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar.
4. … and come back down on the Skyline Luge
What goes up must come down. Descend Bob’s Peak on the Skyline Luge, a winding ride somewhere between a go-kart and toboggan. Using gravity as its main motor, there are two tracks with different gradients, catering to every kind of adventurer. With options for every age, this is a turbo-charged experience for the whole family.
5. Board the TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu
Step back in time aboard the iconic century-old coal-fired steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. The oldest passenger-carrying ship in the Southern Hemisphere, this vintage voyage glides through Lake Wakatipu – the turquoise jewel in Queenstown’s crown. The kids will be wonderstruck watching the crew stoke the fireboxes and listening to the engine whistle as it glides through the crystal-clear glacial lake.
6. Ski, snowboard and star gaze
From June to October, the snowy slopes of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone are just waiting to be shredded. With plenty of beginner classes on offer and bus services running from the town centre, there’s no better place for the family to chill out. The cooler months happen to coincide with Queenstown’s star grazing season, and Cornet Peak extends its hours for night skiing as the sky twinkles above.
7. Hike, big or small
With its snow-dusted mountains that frame vibrant blue waters, Queenstown doubles as a cosmopolitan town and convenient hiking destination. Drive just four minutes out of the centre to reach Queenstown Hill Time Walk – a three-hour summit through pine forests to reach Te Tapu-nui’s breathtaking views. If you’re walking with younger children, opt for the Queenstown Gardens Trail to explore the enchanting botanical gardens and take advantage of the playgrounds.
8. Take a day trip to Milford Sound
One of the country’s most awe-inspiring attractions, Milford Sound, is reachable from Queenstown by car or shuttle bus, weaving through mountainous terrain along the way. A treasure within Fiordland National Park, it consists of hilly landscapes, where deep blue waters fill the valleys carved from ancient glacial activity. Book one of the various guided tours in the sound and go chasing waterfalls.
Discover Queenstown
