NZ Adventure guide Disclaimer

Queenstown is often at the top of the bucket list for anyone whether you are a New Zealand local or a traveller from overseas. The scenery in Queenstown is stunning and there are so many activities suitable for everyone, making it one of the best family friendly destinations to travel to.

Living in Queenstown for a few years allowed me to try out many of different tours and things to do on offer. There are adrenaline filled activities for the adventurous, scenic tours for the nature lovers and plenty exciting eateries for the foodies.

The list could go on forever, however, I have put together a list of just 32 of my recommendations for activities you can do with your family in Queenstown. Trying to decide which ones to do, will be the hardest part.

Beautiful view over Lake Whakatipu

why Are the activities in Queenstown great for a family?

Queenstown is an unforgettable place for a family holiday. There is nothing more fun than getting to scream your lungs out as you swing through the air or enjoying a delicious cookie ice cream with the sun setting over the mountains. Getting to do these things with your family are memories you will cherish forever.

As Queenstown is so popular with families, many businesses have created their tours and experiences with this in mind. Family deals, tandem rides and customisations for young kids are just some of the things these businesses do to attract families to their activity or shop.

Many of the activities your family can choose from are also designed so they can still operate in most weather conditions. For many people, this takes a lot of stress off the family holiday knowing the kids wont get upset because an activity got cancelled due to bad weather.

With more and more new activities being opened and developed each day, Queenstown is increasingly becoming the perfect destination for a family fun holiday.

Jet boating is one of the best family activities to do in Queenstown

What are the best family friendly activities in Queenstown?

Year round family activities in Queenstown

A large number of the activities to do in Queenstown are perfect for any time of year. Generally they are outdoor activities, so are great in summer, however they are still enjoyable even in the cold winters. Just remember to layer up and dress to the activity.

Ziptrek Eco Tours

Ziptrek Eco Tours provide educational zipline tours which have you gliding through the trees with views out over Queenstown. A perfect mix of fun and adrenaline, the three tours offered allow for the whole family to get the most out of the experience.

This is where is use to work, so I can guarantee that anyone who wants a small does of adrenaline will love Zip Trek.

Choose from the Kereru, which has two ziplines and a drop, the Moa, with four ziplines, and the Kea featuring all six of the ziplines on offer. The views from the Moa tour are unforgetible, while Kea tour is perfect for those wanting a bit more adventure, as the last zipline is the steepest of its kind in the world!

Between each zipline the guides provide information on the local area, New Zealand’s history and sustainability in a fun and educational way.

The minimum age for Ziptrek Ecotours is 6 years old and zippers must be at least 30 kilograms to zip by themselves. However, on the Moa tour kids under 30 kilograms can still participate by riding tandem with the guide.

The multiple options for the smallest members of the family, while still being fun for the adults, makes Ziptrek Ecotours one of the best family friendly activities in Queenstown.

Enjoy the view over Queenstown at Ziptrek Ecotours

Aj Hackett – Bungy Jump

Bungy jumping is not the first thing that comes to mind when you mention activities for the family to do in Queenstown. However, it is great for those families that want to go all in on their adventure holiday.

Having worked at AJ Hacket Bungy, I was so impressed with the amount of kids that were so excited to bungy jump.

There are three jumps to choose from in Queenstown, with each one offering different experiences. The Kawarau Bridge, the original, the Ledge, the freestyle jump, and the Nevis, the highest bungy in New Zealand.

The main reason AJ Hackett Bungy is on the list of family friendly activities in Queenstown is that they can cater to a range of different people. The minimum weight to bungy jump is 35 kilograms while the maximum is 235 kilograms, this means family members of all different sizes can join in.

The minimum age is 10 years old, and it may surprise you how confident some of the young ones are. A tandem bungy can also be done at the Kawarau Bridge. This is where two jumpers will bungy together and enable family to enjoy the experience together.

Each bungy is different so make sure you check out my Guide to the Best Bungy Jump in Queenstown to pick the right jump for you and your family.

Bungy jumping is one of the best activities in Queenstown for the adrenaline junkies of the family

AJ hackett – Zipride

Not only does AJ Hackett have bungy jumps, but they also offer a tamer option in the form of a zipline. The 130 meter line gets up to speeds of 600 kilometres an hour and is the perfect amount of adrenaline for those who find the bungy a bit too much.

There are many different ways to go go down the lines, superman, backwards and there is even the option to go with a buddy in a tandem. With the added bonus of the three ziplines being in a line, you can have a bit of fun and race the rest of your family and see who makes it to the end first.

The AJ Hackett Zipride allows for 8 and 9 year olds to ride in tandem and 10 years and older can ride by themselves. There are weight restrictions with riders needing to be between 30 and 150 kilograms.

The AJ Hackett Zipride would be one of the softer adrenaline activities in Queenstown, making it a great choice for the whole family to join in.

Skyline Luge

The Skyline Luge is one of the most well known family activities in Queenstown. Located high up on Bob’s Peak, enjoy the epic views of Lake Wakatipu as you race down the twisty luge tracks.

One of the great things about the Luge is that the rider is in control of their own speed, this means you can go as fast or as slow as you like. There is also plenty of space on the tracks for both slower and faster riders to move around each other easily allowing for everyone to feel comfortable and have fun on their ride.

The Luge is perfect for people of all ages as younger children can ride tandem with an adult so they can still join in on the fun. As for the older kids and adults, its all about how fast you can go and racing everyone in your group.

You can purchase tickets which give you multiple turns going down the tracks. Once you get to the bottom you can catch the small chairlift back to the top and go again. This also gives you the opportunity to try both the tracks on offer.

The Luge is a great activity for the family to get involved in while you are in Queenstown, especially for those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition.

Speeding down the Skyline Luge track in Queenstown

Hydro Attack

Hydro attack is probably one of the most unique experiences you can have in Queenstown and is the only one of its type in the world. You will be the passenger in a shark like watercraft that has the ability to dive in and out of the water like a sea creature.

Reaching up to speeds up to 80 kph on top of the water and 40 kph when diving under, this adrenaline filled water ride is like nothing you have done before. Your driver will cater the ride to your preference with as many or as little thrills as you like.

Hydro Attack is a single person activity so only one person can go in a shark at a time, however there are multiple sharks so more than one can be going at a time.

Hydro Attack can be done by anyone 6 years and older. As it is a single rider activity, young children must be comfortable going by without parents. The drivers are aware of this and are very accomodating making the ride as fun and comfortable as possible.

If your family wants to do something different while they are in Queenstown, then Hydro Attack is the way to go.

Jet Boating

Jet boating is a well known adrenaline filled activity that is popular for those visiting Queenstown. There are five jet boating companies to choose from in the Queenstown area, with all five providing slightly different experiences.

Shotover Jet is the most well known, offering a quick 25 minute thrilling ride through the Shotover Canyon. Both Kjet and RealNZ provide 1 hour long rides leaving from the wharf in town and zoom around on Lake Wakatipu the onto the Kawarau River. The final two are Dart River Adventures and Skippers Canyon Jet which are 3 – 5 hour long experiences with an included drive from town taking you to the jet boats in some of the most secluded beautiful areas.

Children as young as 2 years old can participate in a jet boat ride as long as they fit the life jacket. The different companies do have different requirements so please check with them before you book.

The boats can take single bookings as well as large groups so there will always be enough room for everyone in you family group to join in.

The Shotover River Jet in Queenstown

Kiwi Birdlife Park

The Kiwi Birdlife Park is one of the only wildlife activities available in Queenstown and is great for the family to experience native New Zealand animals up close. They have a wide range of native bird and reptile species which guests can enjoy through self guided tours and educational shows.

Kiwi Birdlife Park is all about conservation and helping to grow the numbers of native birds and reptiles in the wild. They run successful breed and release programmes and the money from ticket sales goes towards this project.

The park itself isn’t too large and can be explored fully within 2 hours. Your ticket purchase also gives you 3 days worth of access to the park. This makes Kiwi Birdlife Park a great side experience for the family to enjoy in between other Queenstown activities.

Not only is Kiwi Birdlife Park a fun and educational activity for families, but by visiting, your family is also helping to support the conservation efforts to grow the population of New Zealand’s native species.

Shotover Canyon Swing

The Shotover Canyon Swing is a must do for the adrenaline junkies. This giant swing located over the Shotover river has a massive 60 meter free fall, and is fact the worlds biggest cliff jump. With many epic ways to jump, this experience is great for families with older more confident kids.

The team at Canyon Swing are known to have a bit of fun with their guests. The jump styles reflect this with options such as the Sparta kick, the Trike and the Elvis Cutaway. You can also go in a tandem and do fun jumps like the 7 Count, Gimp Boy or going backwards. The choices are endless.

Kids need to be at least 10 years old to do the Canyon Swing, and the company are really encouraging of kids getting involved. They have family deals which give a cheeper rate for kids wanting to do the swing in tandem with another friend or member of the family. The crazy ways to jump are a big hit with the kids.

Grab the whole family and book in for an experience with Canyon Swing. Everyone will be talking about this one for the rest of your trip.

Canyon Swing is one of the high adrenaline family activities in Queenstown

Glenorchy Day Trip

Glenorchy is around a 45 minute drive from Queenstown and is full of activities for the whole family will love. It is recommended to take your own car however there are operators who provide transport and tours out to Glenorchy.

Whether you spend the day taking in the scenery, or you join in on one of the many local activities, this small lakeside town will not disappoint. It is quite easy for everyone in the family to find something they want to do and well worth the trip out.

From farm experiences to Lord of the Rings tours you might find you will want to make the day last as long as possible to be able to get all your activities in. Make sure you leave at a reasonable time in the morning to allow time to see everything you want to.

By taking the day at your own pace the whole family will be saying one of the favourite activities they did while in Queenstown was a trip to Glenorchy.

A Glenorchy day trip from Queenstown will be a hit with your family

Dart River Adventures – Funyaks

Dart River’s Funyak experience is a full day tour from Queenstown which takes you into Mt Aspiring National Park. This fun filled filled day is great for families with confident and adventurous children wanting to get involved in an action packed activity.

Funyaks are the inflatable kayaks which you will be using for most of your journey. This combined with a jet boat ride, a scenic picnic and 4 wheel coach drive make this activity the most diverse in terms of the wide range of inclusions that the whole family will love.

The trip begins with a thrilling jet boat ride which takes you to the river you will be funyaking on. Full of spins and turns the jet boat lets you experience a little bit of adrenaline to start off your day.

After the jet boat, you will start the Funyak experience on the Dart River. Turquoise blue water and stunning snow capped mountains are your backdrop as you make your way to the picnic spot. Eat some food and relax before you jump on the 4 wheel drive coach for the trip back.

The Dart River Adventures Funyak tour is one of the longer more expensive activities on the list, but it is guaranteed to be a family favourite in Queenstown.

Lake Cruise

A lake cruise is an awesome way to explore Lake Wakatipu and take in all the beautiful scenery surrounding it. Watch jet boats zoom past, look for interesting wildlife and take hundreds of photos with the stunning back drop.

With a few different companies to choose from, it is easy to find the perfect lake cruise for your family. The two main companies are RealNZ and Million Dollar Cruise. These cruises are quite similar, however there are differences in locations on the lake the boats go to.

Looking for activities for your family that are a bit more laid back and relaxed in Queenstown? Then a lake cruise is the perfect option. Taking no more than 2 hours, it is a perfect length of time to enjoy your surroundings without the kids getting bored.

The cruises also leave from the lake front in town, making it easily accessible and a great choice for the whole family.

A lake cruise allows the family to see the beauty of Queenstown

Skyline Gondola

A trip up the Skyline Gondola is a great family excursion in Queenstown. Not only is it fun to get a ride in the gondola, but the entertainment at the top is the perfect added bonus.

The base for Skyline Gondola is only a few minutes walk from town so it is nice and easy for everyone to get to. You can pre book you pass or you can purchase. tickets at the front desk in the base building.

Combo packs are very popular as you can combine the gondola ride with optional extras such as the Luge, a AJ Hackett Bungy jump or a delicious buffet dinner all for a discounted price. Families can also purchase a family pass which is available for a family of four or five.

If you are just paying for the gondola and not additional activities, you will still find plenty of things for your family to do while you enjoy the mesmerising view of Queenstown. Watch the luge riders race past, enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate at the cafe. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to spend a few hours up the Skyline Gondola.

Views from the Skyline Luge

Walter Peak Farm Tour

The Walter Peak Farm Tour is an excursion run by Real Journeys that gives you the opportunity to get up and close with the animals and learn more about the farming lifestyle in New Zealand.

The trip is open to people of all ages and gives guests the perfect mix of a guided experience with plenty of free time to explore on their own. The tours takes approximately 3 hours and includes transport to the farm on the TSS Earnslaw and a freshly made morning or afternoon tea.

The kids will love seeing all the animals. From sheep to Highland Cattle and alpacas, Walter Peak Farm really is a true New Zealand farm experience. There is even a farm show where you get to see how the famers and sheep dogs worm together to round up the sheep.

The boat ride, farm animals and tasty food all make the Walter Peak Farm Tour one of the must do activities for the family while in Queenstown.

rainy day Indoor activities

There is nothing worse than when you are on holiday and you can’t do an activity you wanted to because of the rainy weather. You might to be surprised at the variety of activities available for a family to do while in Queenstown.

Ifly Indoor skydiving

iFLY Indoor Skydiving is at the top of the list for family activities in Queenstown due to it being perfect for a wide range of ages and confidence levels, as well as being operational in all weather conditions. Located at the on Brecon Street, it is easily accessible only being a few minutes walk from the centre of town.

Indoor skydiving is an exciting activity for those who find regular sky diving too scary but still want to have a similar experience. It is also suited to children who are not heavy enough or old enough for a regular sky dive, with iFLY accepting children 5 years or older.

While a similar look to sky diving, indoor sky diving is achieved by a strong air current that pushes up through the floor. Your instructor will be with you the whole time to guide you through how to have control while you are in the air and teach you some new skills.

The controlled environment makes many people feel more comfortable while they are in the wind tunnel making it perfect for families to get involved with.

Game Over Queenstown

Game Over is perfect as a fun little extra to keep kids entertained on a rainy day. It is located in Frankton, just on the outskirts of Queenstown near the airport and is easy to drive or to catch the bus from the centre of town.

Game Over Queenstown have three activities for the family to choose from, go karting, laser tag and the arcade. The go karting is great for older kids with a minimum age of 13. The epic electric go karts get up to speeds of 45km/ph so even the adults will have a lot of fun on this one.

Race the family at Game Over Queenstown

Laser tag is the best option for younger kids with anyone 4 years and older able to participate. With up to 20 players per game, it allows for a family and large groups to get involved together and not be separated like they would in many other activities in Queenstown.

Game over is not one of the typical family activities to do in Queenstown. However it is a great option for those looking for an indoor activity everyone can get involved in.

Kjet – Time Tripper Underwater Experience

Time tripper is a great budget activity for families to do while in Queenstown. At a low price to $10 for adults and $5 for kids, this 30 minute experience teaches you all about Queenstown and its history as well as giving you a peak into life under the lake.

This is a really popular activity for kids as the epic graphics are displayed in a fun and informative way. Take a journey through time and discover more about Queenstown’s past, including dinosaurs, Māori legends and the geography of Lake Wakatipu. This part of the experience lasts 15 minutes.

See Queentown evolve over time at Time Tripper in Queenstown

The second part of the experience gives you 15 minutes to enjoy the wildlife living in the lake. Whatch and enjoy as the Trout, Eels and diving Ducks put on a show through the underwater viewing area. Feed the fish and watch them swarm around the food and dart back and forth.

Time Tripper Underwater Experience is a family favourite and many kids say this is the best of all the other activities in Queenstown. For such a low price it is no surprise why many families have this on their list of things to do.

Thrill Zone

Located right in the middle of Queenstown, Thrill Zone is a great family activity that the kids will love. This arcade like activity has everything from, escape rooms, virtual reality and even mini golf. With a wide range of fun activities to do Thrill Zone can cater to everyone young and old.

Being an indoor activity, Thrill Zone allows families to still have fun and do something together if other activities are postponed due to bad weather. You can spend as long as you like trying all the games and challenging your family group to a bit of friendly competition.

Thrill zone is one of the best indoor family activities in Queenstown

The virtual reality and escape rooms are the most popular with families with there being nothing else similar in Queenstown. Work in teams or against each other and see if you can beat all the challenges. Once you have done one you wont be able to resist trying the others on offer as well.

Thrill zone have so many different games and activities that it is almost impossible to not find something you like. Pop in and check it out for yourself next time you are in Queenstown.

SITE Indoor Trampoline Park

SITE Trampoline Park is a great place for a family to go on a rainy day. It is located out a bit further out by the airport but easy to get to by catching the bus.

There are many ways to make the most of your trampoline experience at SITE with multiple trampolines with foam pits, air mats and parkour set ups. This place is perfect fro everyone in the family whether they have lots of experience or not.

Your family can have fun at SITE Trampoline park, Queenstown as a rainy day activity

SITE also offer lessons for those wanting to learn a few skills. There are plenty of different options whether you are just wanting a quick lesson or you want to go more in depth and really spend some time mastering that back flip.

While SITE Trampoline Park might not be your first choice of activities while you are in Queenstown, it is one the whole family can get involved in for a fun additional extra.

Summer Family Activities in Queenstown

The summer months are without a doubt the best month to do most of the activities in Queenstown. While most can still be done in winter as well, there are a select few that are only available in summer due to them being water based.

Paraflights Parasailing

Paraflights Queenstown is one of the great summer activities to do with the family. While it is available to book during winter, it is not a popular choice due to the cold weather. You do not get wet on your flight but the wind temperature can be cold being high up in the air.

Flying high in the sky while parasailing

Paraflights leaves from the wharf on Queenstown lakefront and takes you out onto the beautiful Lake Wakatipu. For your flight you can choose to go solo, in a pair or in a group of three allowing for flexibility in family groups.

As you slowly float into the air off the back of the boat you will get to experience a birds eye view of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Getting to a height of 600 feet, take in the views and relax as you peacefully glide through the air.

One of the best summer family activities in Queenstown

Children of any age are more than welcome to participate by going in a pair or a triple with an adult, as long as they are at least 20 kilograms. No one in the family will want to miss out on this epic family activity in Queenstown.

Queenstown Gardens

Exploring the Queenstown Gardens is a great free activity for the family to enjoy. Easily accessible from town, the Queenstown Gardens has a wide range of features that enable you to escape the business of the centre of town.

There are many pathways to explore that take you to all the different areas of the park. Enjoy a walk around along the edge of the lake or wander up the the duck pond and relax in the peaceful surroundings.

Views from the Queenstow Gardens

There is also a skate park and playground to have a bit of fun with. The playground is still quite new and is definitely one of the more epic playgrounds a lot of kids have come across. Family members can join in on the fun or sit back, relax and watch the kids have the time of their lives.

The Queenstown Gardens is one of the best places for a family to come and enjoy between other activities. Its free and close to everything else in the middle of town.

Frisbee Golf

Queenstown’s frisbee golf course is located in the Queenstown Gardens with easy access from town. This is one of the cheeper family friendly activities on offer in Queenstown. All you need is a frisbee, which can be hired from the ice rink as well as many other shops in town if you don’t have one.

The course has 18 baskets and is free for the publics use. Each basket is in numbered order, but you can start from anywhere on the course which is great if it is a bit busy.

Frisbee Golf is a great free family activity in Queenstown

The goal of frisbee golf is to get your frisbee into the basket in as little attempts as possible. It is suitable for people of all ages and abilities and perfect for a little bit of friendly competition.

Frisbee golf is a great low cost option to have a bit of fun while you are on a budget and can be done at anytime that suits you.

Cardrona Alpine Resort – Mountain Carting

Cardrona Alpine Resort might be the top ski mountain in winter, but in the summer when the snow disappears the slopes turn into an epic mountain carting track. Mountain Carting at Cardrona is one of the best up and coming activities for a family to do in Queenstown.

Cardona’s Mountain Carting is one of a kind and the only place you can do this activity in New Zealand. The carts are 3 wheel trikes and are purpose-built for the alpine terrain, allowing to make the sharp turns at any speed. You are given a 2 hour time slot to make the most of your time on the cart so can go down the tracks as many times as you like.

Beautiful views from Cardona

The minimum age to drive your own cart is 8 years old and kids must be at least 100cm tall so they can correctly drive the carts. Any children that do not meet these requirements can still participate by riding tandem with an adult for a cheeper price.

Mountain Carting is becoming an increasingly popular activity in Queenstown and is an activity you should get the whole family involved in.

Aqua bikes

Aqua biking is the perfects summers day activity for those interested in having a bit of fun out on Lake Whakatipu. These bikes are very similar to trikes, but as the name indicates are water based.

Paddle Queenstown set up on the lake front beach in the middle of town. From here you can take your aqua bike out and explore nearby areas of the lake. While there is always a lot going on with other boats on the lake, when you are out on the aqua bike, it is almost more peaceful as you are not surrounded by lots of people.

Be spontaneous and go on the aqua bikes for some family fun

The bikes are designed for two people but is is possible for just one person to participate. Because of this, the aqua bikes are a great family activity, however children must be at least 10 years old to participate.

Paddle Queenstown do hire the bikes out by online bookings, however they also encourage walk ins and are great for a spontaneous family activity.

The Beach

Queenstown might be known for its stunning winter scenery, but in the summer the temperatures can get very high and many people struggle with the heat. A favourite summer activity for the Queenstown locals is to relax at the lakefront beach and enjoy the refreshing water.

With a large beach area as well as grassy spots further back there is always space to sit down and take a break. There is plenty to keep the kids entertained with the massive park and a pontoon to jump into the water from.

Your family can jump off the pontoon at the lake in Queenstown

Wants to see Queenstown’s best sunset? Grab some food and set up a picnic surrounded by the amazing views as you watch the sun go down. The Queenstown lakefront beach is the perfect place for a family to end a day that was full with epic activities.

Queenstown Hill Walk

If you are looking for an easily accessible walk for your family to do as one of your activities while in Queenstown, then the Queenstown hill walk is what you want to do. The start of the hike is just a few minutes from town and offers great views over Lake Wakatipu.

Stunning views from Queenstown Hill walk

The walk itself is quite step so it is not recommended for young children, however older kids would be okay with it. The first part of the walk is a steep climb up and can put people off doing it, but the track flattens out a bit as you get further along.

Once you make it to the top you will be treated to a panoramic view that looks out over the town and lake with the beautiful backdrop of the the Remarkables Mountain range. Make it all the way to the Basket of Dreams where you will get the best views.

The basket of dreams up Queenstown Hill

The walk will take around 2 to 3 hours depending on how long you spend at the top taking photos and enjoying the view. Do this walk at sunrise or sunset for the most unforgettable experience.

Another Great walk is the track up to the Wye Creek Lookout. It is a little tougher than Queenstown Hill but the views are amazing and the clim is well worth it.

White Water Rafting

Another one of the popular activities for a family in Queenstown is white water rafting. This is mostly recommended for families with older children who have some confidence in the water, however there is a softer younger child friendly option as well.

Coming down the rapids while white water rafting in Queenstown

Challenge Rafting and Go Orange are the two biggest white water rafting providers in Queenstown. Both companies offer trips on the Shotover River and the Kawarau river ranging from grade 2 right up to grade 5 rapids. Guests must be at least 13 years old join in on the fun due to the fast moving water and strength needed to paddle through the rapids.

Family Adventures Rafting is an option for families who have younger children that want to go white water rafting. The rapids on this trip only has grade one and two rapids making it safe for children 3 years and older. This raft trip is more of a float with a few faster bits so is great for anyone who isn’t very confident on the water.

Family having fun while doing one of the white water activities while in Queenstown

White water rafting is perfect for any family visiting Queenstown that are looking for activities where they can get more involved and hands on. With each company catering to different ages, everyone is able to get involved.

Lake Front Entertainment

Wandering along the lakefront in Queenstown you will find plenty of things to keep you entertained. Being such a lively, busy place, there is always something going on along the main waterfront strip that will catch your attention.

Buskers and entertainers are often one of the highlights along the water front, encouraging people to slow down and enjoy their surroundings. Singers, musicians and interactive shows are among the most common form of entertainment you will come across.

Views over Lake Wakatipu

There are often markets that are set up along the water front as well. Have a wander through all the stalls and check out all there is on offer. New Zealand themed stalls are everywhere, so if you want something to remember your trip this is the place to look.

Late afternoon is the best time to head down to the lake front. With the sun setting and the music playing, Queenstown becomes almost magical and is something your family is sure to love.

Winter family activities in Queenstown

Almost all of the visitors to Queenstown in the winter are there for one thing, the snow. Other activities are still popular as well, but the fun to be had in the snow is not to be missed.

Ski Resorts

The ski season is one of the biggest draw cards for tourists to Queenstown in winter. The Remarkables and Coronet Peak are the two closest mountains to Queenstown and Cardrona is just over an hour away. With three nearby mountains there is something for people of all different ages and abilities to enjoy.

Queenstown is the best place to visit the snow

Skiing and snowboarding are both popular activities for the family to try while on a winter holiday in Queenstown. Experienced riders can enjoys the mountain of their choice after purchasing a lift pass. For those who aren’t so confident, lesson are available and catered to all skill levels. Queenstown is the perfect place to try skiing or snow boarding for the first time.

For families more interested in just playing around in the snow you are able to sled and have fun in the snow without the price of the lift pass, at the base of the resorts. Each resort base also has a cafe where everyone can escape the snow and warm up for a bit.

Family can enjoy the snow in Queenstown

If transport is an issue, bus passes can be purchased to take you to the mountains. Parking can be an issue due to the large number of people wanting to enjoy the snow, so getting a ride on the bus can also be a good option during peak times when there may not be many parks available.

Foodie family activities in Queenstown

Not all the family friendly activities in Queenstown need to be adrenaline filled or time consuming. Checking out some of the best places in Queenstown for food and drinks is a highlight for many families.

Remarkable Sweet Shop

The Remarkable Sweet Shop is a favourite amongst children and adults alike. The whole family will want to come along to one of these cute little sweet shops located in Arrowtown, the Queenstown Airport and in the heart of Queenstown on Beach Street.

Sweets, chocolate and the unforgettable fudge this place has it all making it very well known in the Queenstown area. There are so many options to choose from you might end up walking out with more than you planned, but when the products taste this good there will be no regrets.

So many treats to choose from at the Remarkable Sweet shop

The whole experience in The Remarkable Sweet Shop is something worth visiting for, with the traditional sweet shop design and friendly service the it feels like its own little world that you do not want to leave.

Take a little time out of your day and make sure a stop at The Remarkable Sweet Shop is on the list of activities for your family to do in Queenstown.

Cookie Time Cookie Bar

If you are looking for the perfect sweet treat while you are in Queenstown then Cookie Time Cookie Bar is the place to go. With a large variety of treats and flavours there is no doubt this place will be a family favourite.

Cookie time use their freshly baked cookies to make unique edible creations such a shakes, sundaes and cookie sandwiches. You can go big and extravagant with a Rainbow Shake or grab a chocolate chip cookie to have with a coffee.

Yummy treats for the family at Cookie Time in Queenstown

The Cookie Bar is an experience in itself. The fun filled shop has a lively environment great for photos and enjoying your treat. There is also a retail section where you can buy Cookie Time themed merchandise and gifts to take home with you.

Cookie Time Cookie Bar is perfect for a quick family stop at the start or end of a fun filled day of activities in Queenstown.

Mrs Ferg

Everyone has heard of Ferg Burger, and I’m sure most people will want to try is at least once while they are in Queenstown. People don’t tend to mention Mrs Ferg, however it should definitely be one of the places your family visits while in Queenstown.

Mrs Ferg is a gelateria with over 50 different flavours of gelato and sorbet. They also sell coffees, smoothies and cafe like snacks. The hardest thing is trying to decide what favour to choose from with options ranging from a simple chocolate flavour to apple pie and coconut lammington.

Which Queenstown gelato flavour will you pick?

Right in the middle of town, Mrs Ferg is easily accessible and is great on a hot summers day or as an after dinner treat. There is space to sit down inside the shop or you can stroll down to the lakefront and enjoy your delicious treat with a view.

With such a large variety, Mrs Ferg make it pretty easy for the whole family to find a flavour they will love. After having one, you might find yourself coming back another night to try another flavour.

Minus 5 Ice Bar

A bar might not seem like the best place for a family to go, however the Minus 5 Ice Bar is no ordinary bar. almost everything in the bar is made of ice. The furniture, entertainment and even the drinking glasses are made of ice.

Enjoy a cold cocktail at Queenstowns Ice Bar

Minus 5 Ice Bar welcomes people of all ages and serves a cocktail or mocktail (non-alcoholic) with your entry purchase. Stay as little or as long as you like, enjoy your surroundings and try a few of the different flavoured drinks.

There is no need to worry about being cold as staff provide you with jackets, boots and gloves to keep you warm. Staff also take professional photos that you can buy on your exit.

Minus 5 Ice Bar is a great option as a before or after dinner treat as the whole family is welcome. A unique experience everyone will be talking about for the rest of your time in Queenstown.

Which will you choose?

Queenstown is the ultimate destination for a family holiday due to the endless activities on offer. Everyone from the most confident adults in you group to the littlest kids will be able to get in on all the fun.

With so many amazing options to choose from, it wont be hard to find something to do in every situation. Summer or winter, rain or shine there will always be a new activity to enjoy.

Family time watching the sun set in Queenstown