5night/6day Family Itinerary | Travel Trade

Day 1 - Take it all in

Arrive in Queenstown and stretch your legs down on the Queenstown lake front. Let the kids run free around the playground while sipping on a strong coffee from one of the many local cafes.

Once the kids have blown off some steam, wander up to the Queenstown gardens and try your hand at a game of Frisbee golf – great family bonding time. If Frisbee golf is not your thing, the gardens are the perfect spot to take a picnic and enjoy the views of Lake Whakatipu.

Family sitting by the waterfront looking out to lake and mountains — Family Bonding at Queenstown Lakefront

Day 2 - Biking for the whole family

Take to the tracks with over 120km of local, purpose built, easy riding trails. Local bike hire companies are well equipped with tandem options, e-bikes, child seats, helmets and child trailers. Most companies offer a taxi service to bring you back to town which allows you to roam as far as your family can go.

Ride around Queenstown’s rivers, lakes, vineyards and back country on a half or full day adventure, there are plenty of hire options and dedicated tours to suit you and your family. Be sure to stop off at Lake Hayes Estate playground, cycle track and bike pump track, near Queenstown, for a bit of adrenalin-fuelled fun.

A family biking in the Queenstown Gardens

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Aerial view of lake and mountains in the distance

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(1) Queenstown Gardens Family Biking, (2) Biking the Lake Hayes Trail

Day 3 - Indoor fun

You may not be ready to throw your family out of a plane but you can push the limits with an indoor skydive experience at iFLY. If skydiving isn’t your cup of tea then choose from one of many other indoor activities including sensory mazes, swimming pools, mini golf, go karting, ten pen bowling and trampolines!

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(1) iFLY Queenstown, (2) Site Trampoline

Day 4 - Glenorchy

Spend the day out in Glenorchy and explore the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway, a 3.2km flat track that navigates the wetlands north of Glenorchy for birdlife and beautiful mountain views. Make sure you head down to the iconic Glenorchy Waterfront and check out the red shed and treat yourself to a treat from a few local cafes – an icecream from Mrs Woolly's General store is a must or a slice of carrot cake from Akin.

Take the kids to the Glenorchy Animal Experience. They will love this fun encounter with a wide variety of friendly farm animals in an amazing setting. Feed, pat and watch the friendly goats, miniature horses, alpacas, llamas, sheep, donkey, cows, bunnies, and guinea pigs – get really close for a great photo opportunity!

Mum and daughter sitting by lake with view of mountains in the background

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Visiting the Glenorchy Animal Experience with Queenstown Expeditions

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(1) Glenorchy Lagoon Track, (2) Glenorchy Animal Experience

Day 5 - Mountains or Lake?

Winter & Spring

If you are here in winter or spring and there is a good dusting of snow on the mountains, your family can hit the slopes. Don’t be afraid to start the kids young – there are plenty of options for gear hire, kids lift passes and lessons that cater for practically every age and ability level. One of the most rewarding things as a parent is to see your kids take to something at a young age, you never know what your three-year-old is capable of! If you have had enough of skiing there is always tobogganing, viewing platforms, and cafes to sit at while you sip on a hot chocolate.

Summer & Autumn

When you arrive in the warmer months you can take to the water with many lake activities including kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming or aqua biking. Spend the day enjoying the sun at Queenstown Bay, followed by a family dinner of Fish and Chips on the lake edge for the ultimate Kiwi summer experience.

You may want to cool down and head for a refreshing drink at one of our ice bars where you’ll be enchanted with a world crafted purely of ice. A Winter Wonderland where the kids dress like an Eskimo and experience life like a penguin in extreme temperatures. Whether you’re in the mood for mocktails or cocktails, our local ice bars make for a frozen adventure for the whole family.

Family in ski gear sitting on a chair lift at Cardrona Ski Resort

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Group of people sightseeing at viewpoint atop of a mountain

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(1) Cardrona Alpine Resort, (2) Coronet Peak Sightseeing

Day 6 - End with an adventure

Take a trip out of town to swing, bungy or catapult yourself through the air at great speeds. For something a little less impact and child-friendly, ride a tandem at the Kawarau Zipride or admire the beautiful Lake Whakatipu as you zipline through the trees at the top of Bobs Peak.