This is our guide to the best things to do in Queenstown with kids! We’ve done everything on this list as we lived in Queenstown for 4 years!
Queenstown is such a fun and picturesque town, and it’s known as one of the best places in New Zealand to vacation with kids. That’s because it’s the ‘adventure capital of the world’ – yep, Queenstown was the birthplace of the first commercial bungee jump, and it’s also famous for its speedy jetboat rides. But, there’s also plenty of free (tamer) things to do with kids in Queenstown. Like, there are several playgrounds and kid-friendly hikes that you can try out if you’re keen to keep costs down.
I love visiting Queenstown with my two young daughters because the town is safe, walkable and there’s so much to do here with kids.
So, let’s take a look, shall we? In this blog post, I will share with you all the best things to do in Queenstown with kids as well as the best hotels for children and the most family-friendly restaurants here.
Best Queenstown Activities for Families
Most families visiting Queenstown tend to allow 3 days in Queenstown or a long weekend. As it’s enough time to see the town’s top family attractions like the Skyline Gondola, the TSS Earnslaw, and the Shotover Jet. But, we recommend having 5 days for Queenstown if you can!
1. Skyline Gondola & Luge
One of the best (and most popular) things to do with kids in Queenstown is to ride the world-famous Skyline Gondola, which climbs 450 meters above Queenstown. The views along the ride and from the top are wow-worthy! An adult pass (including 3 luge rides) is $81 NZD per adult and $57 NZD per child.
Check out my favorite Queenstown hotels here:
Once at the top, be sure to take lots of photos/selfies from the viewing platform. And watch the famous AJ Hackett Ledge Bungy in action. You can even give it a go if you’re feeling brave. A combo ticket for this heart-stopping bungy and its exhilarating swing is $295 NZD per person. Please note, children must be over the age of 10 to try this activity, and for children under 14 years, an adult must sign their consent form at check-in.
And if you’re here with kids, you should definitely try out the luge. It is similar to a go-kart but without the engine! And it goes surprisingly fast, believe me! The track is long and winding and is best described as a slightly longer go-kart track. Plus, you’ve got epic mountain views!
Children under 2 years (or under 85 cm) cannot ride in the luge, and children between 2 and 6 years old must go tandem in the luge with an adult.
2. Go skiing (winter activity)
If you’re visiting Queenstown in winter, my top suggestion is to hit the slopes!
There are four ski resorts in Queenstown – Cardrona, Coronet, Remarkables, and Treble Cone- and each one offers a different skiing experience. My top choice for skiing with kids is Cardrona – although it’s a longer drive to get to (around an hour), it offers a great mix of terrain and has lots of gentle slopes for beginners/ kids.
My second choice for skiing as a family would be The Remarkables ski field, which is around a 35-minute drive from the town center. It’s perfect for kids as there are three magic carpets at the base.
I’ll also add that even though skiing in Queenstown is regarded as one of the best places to ski in the Southern Hemisphere, IT IS a different experience from most ski resorts in Canada and Europe. As I said, all of the ski fields in Queenstown are a drive from town. So, you’ll need to drive or catch the bus up to your chosen ski resort each morning.
It makes planning important as you’ll need to get your lift passes, ski lessons, and equipment sorted before you head to the mountain.
3. Snowmobiling (winter activity)
Now, this next suggested activity is definitely bucket-list-worthy.
Combine a scenic helicopter flight from Queenstown to the Garvie Mountain Range with an exhilarating guided snowmobiling tour.
This tour is 2.5 hours long and, as the name suggests, it includes a return scenic helicopter flight from Queenstown to the Garvie Mountains, where you will start your speedy snowmobiling adventure.
On the way there, you’ll soar over the Hector mountains and Nevis River Valley. And when you land, it’s time to suit up for your fast-paced snowmobiling through stunning winter scenery. On your return helicopter flight, you’ll go a different way so that you can fly over the Western face of the Remarkables mountains.
It includes all equipment, including protective clothing, too. As well as pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Queenstown. Now, it is pricey at around $1,1400 NZD per adult and $800 NZD per child aged between 6 and 14 years – but when you think about it, it combines two bucket-list Queenstown activities!
✅ BOOK your snowmobiling tour here!
Please note that snowmobile riders must be 15 years and over. But, children aged between 6-14 years can ride as a pillion passenger with an accompanying adult.
4. Shotover Jet
This activity is for any thrill seekers reading – introducing the heart-stopping Shotover Jet. This famed jetboat ride takes place in the Shotover Canyon, and the specialized jetboat speeds through the narrow twists and turns of the canyon at 85 kph!
When the driver goes slower, you’ll be able to take in the stunning natural beauty of this spot – but when he puts his foot down, you’ll need to hold onto your hat (literally)! The driver will also throw in a couple of 360-degree turns for fun, and just a warning – you likely will get wet!
A ticket for the Shotover Jet costs from $173 NZD per adult, and $97 NZD per child aged between 5 and 15 years. This activity has a minimum height requirement of 1 meter (3 ft). There are various departure times throughout the day.
5. TSS Earnslaw & Farm Tour
This activity is suitable for all ages. The TSS Earnslaw is a historic steamship that was built way back in 1912. It chugs across Lake Wakatipu a couple of times a day to Walter Peak Farm (where you can have lunch and join a farm tour).
During the boat journey, you can watch the giant steam engines at work (which the kids will likely love). You will then hop off at Walter Peak for a delicious lunch and watch a farm tour. The food is honestly amazing (my husband said it’s the best meal he’s had in Queenstown), and the farm tour is so interesting. You’ll get to witness a sheep-shearing demonstration and watch the sheepdogs round up the sheep.
The lunch and farm tour option, is 3.5 hours long. It includes everything I’ve listed above – an awesome lunch, a farm tour, and the return boat journey.
Prices for the TSS Earnslaw cost from $149 NZD per adult, $75 NZD per child aged between 5 – 15 years, and infants (aged under 4 years) are free.
✅ BOOK your TSS Earnslaw farm and lunch tour here!
6. Lord of the Rings Tour
If you have a Lord of the Rings lover in your family, you can sign up for a Lord of the Rings Locations Tour during your time in Queenstown. As you may know, a lot of the scenes in this famed movie franchise were filmed near Queenstown.
This tour picks up from Queenstown and stops in Glenorchy before heading out to Paradise, where you can see the famed filming locations like Isengard Lookout, Lothlorien Forest, and Ithilien, as well as get dressed up as your favorite LOTR character for a fun photo opp. The tour costs from $179 NZD per adult and $99 NZD per child (under 15 years) and is 4-5 hours long.
✅ BOOK your Lord of the Rings tour here!
7. Shotover Canyon Swing
Possibly the scariest thing I’ve done in Queenstown was completing the Shotover Canyon Swing tied to a plastic garden chair! Yup, I was harnessed to a chair and pushed off a cliff. All completely safe, of course!
The Canyon Swing is the world’s highest cliff jump at 60 meters tall, and the unique thing about this activity is that you can choose how you want to jump. You can go backwards, do a backflip off, or be tied to a chair (like me). You can also do tandem jumps (tied to a friend)!
Minimum age for this is 10 years and under 15 year old’s must be accompanied by a guardian (spectating or swinging).
8. Kawarau Bridge Bungee jump
Another adrenaline-pumping activity in Queenstown is the Kawarau Bridge bungee jump, which is the oldest commercial bungee jump in the world. Operated by AJ Hackett, this bungy is 43 meters tall, and you can even ask your jump instructor to lengthen the bungy rope so that your head will touch the freezing-cold water below.
The minimum age for this bungee is 10 years old. Children 14 and under require an adult to sign consent at check-in. Spectating is free of charge.
9. Puzzling World in Wanaka
If you have a car while in Queenstown, be sure to check out Puzzling World in Wanaka (around an hour’s drive from Queenstown). It has a multi-level outdoor maze, optical illusion rooms, and more.
Kick off your visit here with a photo opp at the famous Leaning Tower of Wanaka – a gravity-defying tower. As I said, inside, there are Illusion Rooms that mess with your eyes and perceptions, like a room where water flows uphill and a hall where faces seem to follow you. The Great Maze is an outdoor adventure that’s both frustrating and fun as you try to find your way through.
10. Check out Moke Lake
The Lord of the Rings-esque scenery of Moke Lake is unforgettable, and we spend many Queenstown summer days here biking or kayaking in the small-ish lake. It’s the perfect spot to spend a day with the family; however, you will need a car or take a taxi here. It’s around a 20-minute drive from Queenstown.
Worth noting is that it’s a gravel road into Moke Lake, so drive slowly, plus there are lots of lambs and rolling green hills on your drive in that I’m sure you’ll want to photograph.
If you want to hike around Moke Lake, it will take you about an hour and a half. It’s one of the best & thankfully easiest hikes in Queenstown.
11. Go hiking and swimming at Lake Hayes
About a 15-minute drive from Queenstown is the popular local hangout spot of Lake Hayes. Here, you’ll find a large, deep blue lake surrounded by native forest and backdropped by mountains. There’s an easy loop trail around the lake that will take around two hours to complete.
But my favorite thing to do at Lake Hayes is to relax at the small beach here. The beach can be found by Lake Hayes Pavilion (there’s a small car park here), and there’s a rope swing and a small wooden platform in the water that you can swim out to. The kids are sure to love it.
12. Go panning for gold in Arrowtown
You can go panning for gold in the Arrow River, which is a family-favorite Arrowtown activity! Several stores here, like the Lakes District Museum, hire gold pans. And you can then walk down to the Arrow River to go panning for gold!
Arrowtown is one of our favorite towns close to Queenstown – it’s so quaint and historic.
You see, Arrowtown was at the center of the mining boom in the South Island in the late 1800s, and its mining past is evident on a stroll around town. First, you have the Chinese Settlement built along the banks of the Arrow River, this is where Chinese miners lived at the height of the boom. You should take the kids for a stroll along here for a glimpse into the town’s fascinating history.
While here, you should also take a walk along the town’s main street – Buckingham Street. It looks like something from a movie set, and many of the storefronts here have been maintained from the town’s gold rush days.
13. Visit a playground
I don’t know about you, but my daughters just love a good playground. And I’m all for it as it’s the perfect free activity for us to do together.
And in Queenstown, there are a few playgrounds. The most popular one is the Bathhouse Playground, nestled within the beautiful Queenstown Gardens. This playground features a variety of equipment, including swings, slides, and climbing structures, all set amidst lush greenery and with views of Lake Wakatipu.
Another great option is the Remarkables Park playground, which provides a safe and engaging environment for kids to explore and enjoy.
Additionally, the nearby Lake Hayes Pavilion Playground offers a scenic setting for family picnics and play, surrounded by the picturesque backdrop of the lake and mountains.
14. Day trip to Milford Sound
One of the most popular things to do in Queenstown is go on a tour to Milford Sound. And visiting Milford Sound is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
The easiest way to get to Milford Sound from Queenstown is on a guided tour (as it’s a 4-hour drive each way).
We did this small group tour twice and loved it. It involves getting a luxury minibus there and back and a boat cruise of Milford Sound. It costs from $329 NZD per adult, $239 per child (aged 4-14 years), and $175 for an infant (under 4 years). However, keep in mind that if you’re traveling with kids, it will be a long day for them – it’s 13 hours long!
On the drive to Milford, you’ll pass by the best sights along the drive into Milford Sound, including the Homer Tunnel and Eglinton Valley, where you’ll make a quick pitstop to snap some photos. It even includes a short guided walk into Mirror Lakes.
The Milford cruise takes place on a smaller boat, which means it can get up close and personal with the waterfalls as well as Milford’s famous seal residents.
📖 Your next read: If you have the time, I highly recommend visiting Doubtful Sound, too. It’s a long day (over 13 hours) but I find it so peaceful here!
15. Play frisbee golf
What is that? I hear you asking! Well, frisbee golf (aka disc golf) involves you throwing a frisbee at metal baskets around an outdoor course. The object of the game is to finish the course with the fewest possible throws.
The frisbee golf course in Queenstown Gardens is a scenic 18-hole course that winds through lush greenery, tall trees, and around beautiful lakes. And as you stroll through the gardens, the amazing views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains are a real treat.
If you don’t have your own frisbee, you can rent one from the Queenstown Ice Arena nearby for $6 NZD.
Best places to eat in Queenstown with kids
- Fergburger, I’m sure you’ve heard of it – this delicious hole-in-the-wall burger joint is always jam-packed and has attracted many celebrities over the years. In my years living in Queenstown, I’ve tried Fergburger countless times and never been disappointed. That’s the sign of a good spot, isn’t it? Even the locals eat here despite the queues.
- A casual eatery on the pedestrianized Queenstown Mall, Caribe Latin Kitchen is my favorite ‘cheap eat’ in Queenstown. I just love Mexican cuisine and this small restaurant serves up Latin American and Mexican dishes. My go-to orders here are their excellent quesadillas & burritos.
- Slow Cuts in Arrowtown specializes in juicy burgers and slow-roasted meat and is a great option for kids.
Where to stay in Queenstown with kids
Sherwood Queenstown
Situated in Frankton, around a 20-minute walk into Queenstown, is the very cool Sherwood Queenstown. We actually stayed here twice and loved its cozy boho decor. And it’s actually one of the most sustainable hotels in the world! Again, it boasts spectacular lake views and the rooms are spacious, stylish, and comfortable. The on-site restaurant is excellent and is a local favorite! A room here costs around $240 NZD per night.
Ramada Queenstown Central
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced hotel in downtown Queenstown, look no further than the Ramada Queenstown Central, which has rooms starting from $200 NZD. The rooms here are stylish and sleek and some offer views of the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, and Kelvin Heights Peninsula. The hotel only opened in 2020 so it’s very modern both inside and outside. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar.
Glebe Apartments
Centrally located (next to Queenstown Gardens in the CBD) the stylish Glebe Apartments are a great option if you want to cook in as they offer kitchens in all units. You can choose from Studio, One; Two or Three bedroom apartments.
Thanks for Reading!
Tell me – what did you think of our guide to things to do in Queenstown with kids? Is there anything we have missed? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.
While you’re here, why not check out some of my most popular family travel blog posts –
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Last Updated on October 4, 2025 by snaphappytravel