Queenstown Family Activities
Queenstown Family Activities
Parents and kids will love the family-friendly, year round activities on offer in and around Queenstown.
Famous around the world for its winter sports, there’s much more to Queenstown than meets the eye. For a start, there’s world-class dining, award-winning wineries and family friendly activities like hiking, kayaking and guided tours. Whatever you and your little ones love, you’ll find it in Queenstown.
If you’re looking for things to do on your next family holiday to Queenstown, here are a few fun activities we recommend:
Kayaking in Queenstown
Funyaks
Get closer to nature and each other, as you drift deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park. Paddle along crystal clear waters in your inflatable kayak and take in the amazing scenery as it slowly passes you by.
Jet Boating in Queenstown
Shotover Jet
Queenstown's world famous jet boat ride, Shotover Jet has thrilled millions of visitors since 1965. Jump on board the iconic 'big red' for a action packed ride, powering through the spectacular Shotover River Canyons at high speed.
Wilderness Safaris Queenstown - Dart River
Another great way to explore the dramatic the Mt Aspiring National Park is with an exhilarating Dart River Wilderness Jet Safari.
Family Winter Activities In Queenstown
When the snow starts to fall, Queenstown becomes a winter wonderland, packed with fun, family-friendly activities.
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Snowshoeing In Queenstown
This amazing invention lets you explore the snowy terrain like never before. Designed to make snow walking easy, fun and comfortable, kids and parent alike love this winter adventure. Snowshoeing NZ offer a range of guided Snowshoeing walk that are fun for the whole family.
- Skiing And snowboarding In Queenstown
In the winter months Queenstown turns into one of the best ski resorts in the world. Famous for its ideal climate, perfect powder, amazing slopes and astonishing après-ski, Queenstown has everything you need for the perfect family ski holiday.
Eating In Queenstown
Step of the slopes after a hard day’s skiing and into one of Queenstown's many fantastic restaurants. With over 180 restaurants and cafes, you’ll find a range impressive eateries offering everything from fine dining to fast food favourites. Queenstown is quickly becoming one of the world’s top dining destinations thanks to the likes of Fergburger, Pedro’s House of Lamb and The Bunker.
Queenstown Wine Tours
Queenstown will quickly become mum and dad’s favourite holiday destination when they discover the region's famous wineries. Known for their award winning Pinot Noir, the Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn area are home to a number of wineries that offer comprehensive wine tasting tours and delicious dining options and breathtaking views to match.
Here are a few wine tours we recommend:
Cultural Queenstown
Queenstown’s impressive landscape has long been an inspiration to artists, musicians and filmmakers from around the world. Some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters were shot right here, in Queenstown’s valleys and mountain ranges.
Here are a few galleries we recommend:
Middle Earth Tour
Take a voyage of discovery through the land that inspired and brought to life The Lord Of The Rings and Hobbit movies, with a Dart River Wilderness Jet or inflatable kayak Safari.
Historic Arrowtown
Just 20 minutes from Queenstown, alongside the Arrow River, you will find the old gold-mining village of Arrowtown. This enchanting historic village, which was once the epicentre of the New Zealand gold rush, is now a wonderful place to relax, shop, eat and explore the natural surroundings and local heritage.
Queenstown Hiking And Camping
An impressive landscape, variety of walking trails and spectacular wildlife make Queenstown an ideal hiking and camping destination for families.
If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, you’ll be spoiled for options in Queenstown. In the region, you’ll find a huge range of hiking and walking tracks to suit all ages and abilities. From short scenic strolls, that start from Queenstown’s CBD, to epic 3 day hiking adventures along the historical Hollyford Track, and everything in between, Queenstown has it all.
Here are a few family friendly hiking and camping options we recommend:
Hollyford Track 3 Day Guided Walk
A Journey of discovery from the mountains to the sea, through Fiordland National Park. Small groups led by well informed guides traverse this remote landscape, with luxury private lodge accommodation.
Guided Walks
Offering a range of walking options, from short half-day Lakeshore, Forest & Bird, and Miners Forest Retreat walks (3 hour approx.), to full day walks to the Rob Roy Glacier or Famous Routeburn Track, you'll be led through the rugged terrain by a friendly, highly-trained, local guide.
Tour The Magnificent Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier Hikes
Franz Josef Glacier Guides gives you the opportunity to experience the most spectacular glacier environment available to the general public anywhere in the world, offering a range of glacier hiking tours to suit all levels of fitness and ability. The ultimate New Zealand adventure tour.
Glacier Valley Walks
For those who don't want to hike on the ice, but want to get nice and close, Franz Josef Glacier Guides offer personalised glacier valley hikes through rainforest and valley floor.
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
An unforgettable, awe-inspiring helicopter sightseeing trip and guided hike over the pristine ice of the incredible Franz Josef Glacier. Book Now >
Queenstown Helicopter Tours
Heli-Hiking
Explore Queenstown’s incredible landscape by Helicopter. Flying over the rugged terrain, you’ll discover lush valley floors, untouched glacier-blue lakes and breathtaking mountain ranges. You’ll experience unimaginable scenery and hike areas of astounding natural beauty.
Heli-Snowshoeing
In winter months, there’s no better way to explore Queenstown’s extraordinary snow covered landscape, than with a helicopter snowshoeing adventure. With the help of your experienced pilot and knowledgeable guide you’ll reach far and wide, touching down on pristine snow to explore an untouched winter wonderland.
For more family fun and entertainment in New Zealand visit:
Agrodome - The world-famous farm show, featuring a cast of friendly and talented animals, will give you a taste of what life is like on a traditional New Zealand farm.
Hukafalls Jet - Thrills, spills and exciting family fun. This speed boat ride will take you along a beautiful river, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and natural hot springs.
Rainbow Springs - Meet native and exotic animals, and explore your wild side at New Zealand’s premier wildlife park.
More Things To Do On New Zealand’s South Island
For your next visit to New Zealand’s South Island, here are a few articles you might enjoy:
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