Queenstown is compact, easy to get around and has plenty for every age. In one trip you can ride the gondola, walk lakeside trails, pan for gold in Arrowtown and eat fish and chips by the water. This guide covers the planning side: where to stay, how to get around, things to do together and tips for travelling with kids.

Looking for zip lines, bungy and jet boats? See our guide to adventure activities for kids, with minimum ages for each.

Where to stay with kids

Queenstown has accommodation to suit most families and budgets. Holiday parks and campgrounds give kids space to run around. Self-catering apartments and holiday homes mean you can cook your own meals and spread out. Hotels and resorts close to town put you within walking distance of the lakefront, playgrounds and places to eat.

If you're staying a week or more, Frankton and Arrowtown are good bases too. Both have shops, cafés and easy bus links into Queenstown.

Family friendly accomodation at Driftaway Holiday Park in Frankton
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People walking down a side street in Arrowtown with stone buildings and greenery surrounding them
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(1) Driftaway Holiday Park Frankton, (2) Arrowtown with Kids

Getting around with kids

Queenstown's town centre is small and easy to walk, even with little legs. Orbus public buses connect Queenstown, Frankton and Arrowtown, and a Bee Card makes fares cheaper. Many tours also include pick-ups from your accommodation.

For Glenorchy, Gibbston and further afield, you'll need to hire a car or book a tour. If you're hiring a car, book child seats when you book the car.

A family looking out from Bennetts Bluff Viewpoint Walk towards Glenorchy on a blue bird day with Altitude Tours
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Cars and taxi in Arrowtown main street
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(1) Bennets Bluff Viewpoint Walk, (2) Arrowtown

Things to do together

Some of Queenstown's most iconic experiences work for the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents.

Gondola and luge

Ride the Skyline Gondola up Bob's Peak for views over town and the lake, then race each other on the luge.

A lake cruise and farm visit

Cross Lake Whakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak, where a farm tour shows kids sheep shearing and sheepdogs at work. There are plenty of other scenic cruises on the lake too.

Meet native wildlife

At Kiwi Park, kids can see kiwi and other native birds and wildlife up close.

Ice skating, bowling and mini golf

Lace up at the Queenstown Ice Arena in the Queenstown Gardens, or try indoor karting, tenpin bowling or glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Putt n Glow.

Segway tours

Take a guided Segway tour along the lakefront and through the Queenstown Gardens.

Bigger adventures for older kids

Queenstown's adventure activities are often more family-friendly than you'd expect. Older kids and teens can try a jet boat ride, a tandem paraglide, quad biking or an off-road buggy tour. Age, height and weight limits apply, so check with the operator before you book.

For ziplines, the luge, bungy and indoor skydiving, plus minimum ages for each, see our guide to adventure activities for kids.

Kids having fun at the Queenstown Ice Arena Bumper Cars
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Game Over Queenstown Go Karting Circuit
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(1) Queenstown Arena Ice Bumper Cars, (2) Game Over Queenstown Go Karting

Day trips: Arrowtown and Glenorchy

Arrowtown (about 20 minutes' drive)

Arrowtown is a historic gold-mining village with tree-lined streets and old miners' cottages. Visit the Lakes District Museum, then hire a gold pan and try your luck in the Arrow River. Walk through the restored Chinese Settlement, or ride the flat Arrow River Bridges Trail with older kids.

Glenorchy (about 45 minutes' drive)

The drive to Glenorchy follows the lake the whole way. Once you're there, try horse riding, jet boating or kayaking, take a short walk to a picnic spot, or join a movie location tour to see where Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed.

Lakes District Museum
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Horse riding in Glenorchy, Lighthorse Adventures
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(1) Lakes District Museum, Arrowtown, (2) Horse Riding in Glenorchy

Walking and biking as a family

The Queenstown Trail has over 150km of trails, with flat, easy sections that suit families. Hire bikes for the day, and ask about kids' bikes, tag-alongs and trailers for younger riders.

For easy walks, try the Queenstown Gardens loop or the Lake Hayes loop. Our short walks ranked by difficulty can help you choose. Teenagers into mountain biking can ride the gondola-assisted Ben Lomond Trails, which range from beginner to advanced.

Family biking around Queenstown Gardens
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Family in front of the historic Arrowtown Police Hut
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(1) Biking in the Queenstown Gardens, (2) Arrowtown Police Hut

Family fun in every season

Summer: Swim at Queenstown Bay or Frankton Beach, picnic by Lake Hayes, and browse the Saturday Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market on the waterfront.

Autumn: Walk or bike through golden trees around Arrowtown and Lake Hayes, and kick through the leaves in the Queenstown Gardens.

Winter: Learn to ski or snowboard at Coronet Peak or The Remarkables, where ski schools run lessons for kids. Or just build a snowman and go sledding or try a Yooner.

Spring: Spot lambs on farm tours, see the blossoms in Arrowtown, and get out on longer walks and bike rides as the days get longer.

Family skiing at Cardrona Alpine Resort
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Yooner Ski Luge
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(1) Skiing at Cardrona Alpine Resort, (2) Yooner Ski Luge

Eating out with kids

Queenstown has plenty of family-friendly cafés and restaurants, and many have kids' menus, high chairs and colouring-in. For an easy dinner, grab fish and chips and eat them by the lake. Start the day with ideas from our guide to the best breakfasts in Queenstown.

A family enjoy breakfast at Eatery by Franks in Frankton, Image: Miho Taru
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Family enjoying fish and chips by Queenstown waterfront with mountains in the background
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(1) Eatery by Franks, Image: Miho Taru, (2) Erik's Fish and Chips at the Queenstown Lakefront

Shopping and treats

The town centre is compact and easy to explore with kids. Watch the buskers and the jet boats on the waterfront, then stop for an ice cream or a sweet treat. You'll find outdoor gear, local boutiques and gifts and souvenirs to take home.

Tips for a family trip to Queenstown

  • Book ahead: Popular activities, child seats and family rooms can book out, so lock them in early.
  • Pack layers: Mountain weather changes fast. Bring warm layers and a rain jacket in every season.
  • Be sun smart: UV levels in New Zealand are high, so pack sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.
  • Mix big days with slow ones: Balance a busy adventure day with a playground, a lake walk or a quiet afternoon.
  • Look after this place: Stick to marked tracks, take your rubbish with you and check the Tiaki Promise.
Queenstown Bay from the water
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Family sitting by the waterfront looking out to lake and mountains
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(1) Queenstown Town Centre, (2) Queenstown Lakefront

Plan your next family adventure

Find more ideas on our family fun page, plan your days with the 6-day slow travel itinerary, or explore Queenstown like a local. For more tips from a local family travel guide, see Kidz Go Queenstown.

Share your family adventures on Instagram with #QueenstownLive.

Plan Your Next Family Adventure

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