Whilst Queenstown is known as a lively après-ski destination, there is plenty to do with families here, and this is an area where Queenstown has been excelling with new developments over the last several years. Whether you are looking for something to do outside of the skiing, or you want a rest day from the mountain and something completely different, this guide has you covered.
We will work through the full range of options, from classic adventure activities and outdoor experiences through to indoor entertainment, treats, and a few genuinely special experiences worth saving up for.
On the Mountain with the Family
Skiing and snowboarding are obviously the main event in winter, and Queenstown is a great place for families to get started on the snow. If you are new to snow sports, our beginner's guide to skiing and snowboarding in Queenstown covers everything you need to know, and our ski hire guide covers gear options for all ages.
Classic Adventure Activities
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand, and there is no shortage of options for families who want a taste of the action.
Some of the classic experiences:
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Shotover Jet — the iconic jet boat ride through the Shotover Canyons at Arthurs Point. A thrill for all ages and one of the most recognisable Queenstown experiences
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TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruise — a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the historic 1912 steamship. A classic and very child-friendly way to see the lake
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Million Dollar Cruise — a more affordable 90-minute scenic cruise around Frankton Arm with great views of The Remarkables. Good value for families
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Quad bikes — two great operators in Queenstown: Nomad Safaris and Off Road Adventures, both offering guided experiences suitable for families
There are many more adventure activities available in Queenstown. Destination Queenstown's website has a full directory if you want to explore further.
Skyline Gondola and Luge
No family trip to Queenstown is complete without a ride on the Skyline Gondola. The gondola climbs to Bob's Peak for panoramic views over the lake, The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. Once you are up there, the Luge is a must for kids of all ages, with 1,600 metres of banked corners, tunnels and dippers. Beginners and advanced tracks mean everyone can join in. There are also dining options at the top, making it a great half-day out.
Getting Out on Two Wheels
One thing many visitors do not think of in winter is mountain biking, but there is very little snow in Queenstown at town level. Only a handful of days each winter see snow actually settle in town.
The Frankton Arm Track is a great option for families, with very flat and child-friendly trails along the water. Bikes can be hired locally. For a full overview of cycle trails in the area, the Queenstown Trails website is the best starting point.
Kiwi Park
Right in the centre of town, just before you reach the Skyline Gondola, is Kiwi Birdlife Park. This is a genuinely unique thing to do in Queenstown, and if you visit at the right time you might even glimpse a live Kiwi. A lovely option for younger kids and a real New Zealand experience.
Indoor Activities in Town
Queenstown has built up a strong collection of indoor activities in recent years, making it a great destination regardless of the weather.
Thrill Zone is a suite of experiences in the centre of town:
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Omni VR arena — one of New Zealand's first omni arenas, where you compete in gaming missions with fellow players including tactical shooting and zombie apocalypse scenarios
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VR escape rooms — a newer addition to the Thrill Zone lineup
The Dreamery is a genuinely unique and relatively new venue in town, where you walk through multiple dreamy sanctuary rooms and take part in an interactive experience across different immersive installations. A great option for kids and adults alike.
Queenstown Ice Arena is worth knowing about, especially in winter. Located in the Queenstown Gardens, it offers public skating sessions and is the only place in New Zealand with ice bumper cars. A fun rainy day option for all ages.
The Frankton Activity Cluster
Out in Frankton, there is a fantastic cluster of family activities all very close to each other, making it easy to combine a few in one trip:
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Game Over — indoor go-karting
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Site Trampoline — indoor trampoline park with drop-in sessions, coaching, and school holiday programmes
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Base Camp Adventures — clip and climb plus indoor climbing walls, great for older kids
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Chipmunks — indoor playground right next door, perfect for younger kids up to 11 years old and a great party venue
Upper Village, Brecon Street
A family-friendly entertainment complex that has made a real difference to Queenstown over the last several years is Upper Village on Brecon Street, on the walk up towards the Skyline Gondola. Inside you will find:
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Kingpin — Ten pin bowling lanes with a family friendly open dining space with table tennis, pool tables and a bar with many arcade game and virtual reality options downstairs
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Anita Gelato — one of the world's best gelato chains with a Queenstown outpost. A seriously good treat after a day on the mountain
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Other eating and drinking options for the whole group
Worth a Stop for a Sweet Treat
Queenstown has a few spots that are worth going to if your kids (or the grown up ones!) demand a sweet treat:
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Patagonia Chocolates — handmade chocolates and award-winning ice cream right in the heart of town. A Queenstown institution
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Mrs Ferg — the ice cream store from the team behind Fergburger, and just as good
Family-friendly Aluume Wellness also offers hot pools right in the centre of town if you fancy a soak after a big day out. More options are covered in our après-ski guide.
Something Extra Special
If you want to push the boat out for a memorable family experience, there are a couple of options that are hard to beat:
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iFly Queenstown — indoor skydiving just off Brecon Street, suitable for ages 5 and up and an absolute thrill for kids
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Scenic flights — ranging from short helicopter tours over the Queenstown basin right through to a full Milford Sound return trip, which is very feasible as a day out if your wallet can handle it. On a clear winter day, this is one of the great experiences New Zealand has to offer
Ski and Snowboard Hire for the Whole Family
If skiing or snowboarding is on the agenda for any part of your trip, do not forget that Snowbiz offers rental options for the whole family. We carry gear starting at very young child sizing for skis, boots and clothing, through to sport and performance packages for more experienced adults in the group.
Find out more about our Queenstown ski hire or Queenstown snowboard hire options.
