One of the best places to visit in New Zealand with the family has to be Queenstown on the South Island. As there are plenty of fun things to do in Queenstown with kids, the tribe will not be bored for a minute.
Another selling point about this family-friendly destination is travel to New Zealand from Australia is now available post-COVID and is only a few hours flight from most capital Australian cities. #WINNING
Famed for being the ‘adventure capital of the world’, Queenstown is a must-do destination to add to your family holiday NZ bucket list and should not be missed on your New Zealand itinerary.
So whether you and the family are up for some adrenaline, sightseeing or some rest and relaxation, Queenstown will deliver.
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Here is a list of five fun things to do in Queenstown with kids:
1. Hit the slopes at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables
During the cooler months (June to early October), Queenstown is the destination for skiers and snowboarders eager to hit nearby ski fields.
One of the main slopes is Coronet Peak, which is located 20 minutes from Queenstown. Offering around 280 hectares of exhilarating terrain suitable for all levels, the peak is extremely family-friendly. They are focused on making it as easy as possible for families to enjoy their time on the mountain and allow kids under seven to ski for free.
TIP: Here is a handy FAQ on family skiing at Coronet Peak and how they can help you make the most of your experience.
How to plan your day at Coronet Peak?
Be sure to start your day early with the Coronet Peak First Tracks opening from 8.00am, otherwise if the evening is more to your families liking then check out the Night Skiing on Fridays and Saturdays until 9.00pm.
Their base area is a great place to retreat/ chill out or if the kids need some refreshments and snacks. It features numerous restaurants, bars and café options and is the best spot to watch the skiers make their way down the slopes.
WATCH BELOW: To see the experiences the young kids can have at Coronet Peak. What a memorable first memory on the snow!
The Remarkables is another great spot for family skiers as it’s located high in The Remarkables mountain range and is approximately 45 minutes from Queenstown.
Their multiple terrain parks are very impressive, and the Burton Stash Park adds to the variety of opportunities for shredders.
Not only is it suited for beginners but also boasts some advanced terrain and steep chutes for extreme skiers who don’t mind going for a hike.
Both ski fields offer private and group lessons for kids and adults and there are storage, repairs and rentals available on-site.
TIP: Here is a handy guide to help get the family on the snow at The Remarkables.
2. AJ Hackett Bungy Jump Experience
Did you know Queenstown is home to the world’s first commercial bungy jump? Yep, kiwi, AJ Hackett is the man responsible.
Therefore, this of course is on our list as one of the amazing things to do in Queenstown. Okay, this one is more suitable for the much older kids sorry! Imagine the memories your family will have – those family reunion dinner conversations will surely bring this experience up for years to come.
So, let’s get you talking and laughing. Here are some of the most heart-stopping, stomach-dropping AJ Hackett bungy jump sites in Queenstown to experience:
Kawarau Bridge Bungy
Kawarau Bridge Bungy is the place where it all began in 1988. And, today it is still one of the most-loved bungy sites in the world.
Attracting thousands of jumpers each year. Thrill-seekers can choose to go tandem (Queenstown’s only tandem bungy) or solo, and then decide if they want to bob above the water, touch it or get dunked into the Kawarau River.
The Ledge Bungy
Next is the Ledge Bungy, which is unique from other bungy sites in Queenstown. But how so? Equipped with its own runway, it allows jumpers to gain some serious speed before propelling themselves 400 metres above Queenstown, where they’ll get one of the best and scariest views in town.
The Nevis
Regarded as the mother of all bungies in New Zealand, it’s one hell of a jump located 134 metres above the Nevis River. Falling for 8.5 seconds from the highwire cable car, it’s definitely not for the timid (leave this for the adult kids), but if you can conquer this then you will earn some serious bragging rights as all pro jumpers know of the Nevis.
*Swings are also available to do at The Ledge Bungy and The Nevis.
Cost: Jumps priced at $143.50 (NZD)
Bookings and transfers: AJ Hackett Bungy, Corner of Camp & Shotover Streets
www.bungy.co.nz
3. Enjoy a burger or two at Fergburger Queenstown
No visit to Queenstown is complete without stopping by renowned burger joint, Fergburger.
Set up in 2001 for the late-night revellers with the munchies, it wasn’t long before its popularity exploded creating a cult following and becoming a dining favourite for all tourists and locals.
No matter what time it is, Fergburger opening hours are no issue as they are open 21 hours a day and is always abuzz with fergaddicts getting their fix.
Serving up a delicious range of gourmet burgers, the Fergburger menu items are made with fresh ingredients and possess quirky names such as Bun Laden, Holier than Thou, Sweet Bambi and The Codfather. The family and kids will love it!
Cost: Burgers from $12 (NZD)
Where: Fergburger, 42 Shotover Street
www.fergburger.com
4. Shotover Canyon Swing
Known as the “world’s highest cliff jump”, the Canyon Swing is an exhilarating ride that is sure to give your stomach butterflies. The minimum age to jump is from 10 years old – so parents be warned you will be dragged along to join!
Once standing on the cliff platform raised 109m above the Shotover River, thrill-seekers freefall 60m into the canyon taking in the stunning scenery before swinging like a pendulum at 150kpm for 200m across the gorge.
As you wait in line you notice there are over 10 different jump styles on offer ranging from scary to very very very scary.
For those nervous folk, the Cutaway is the option for you, being one of the easiest, you’re suspended over the canyon in the sitting position which you will remain in for the whole swing.
But for those fearless jumpers then Gimp Boy Goes to Hollywood, The Chair or Jumpmaster’s Choice is more up your alley.
Let’s just say the first option you’re hanging upside down staring directly at the canyon floor, the second you’re strapped into a chair and the third leaves it up to the jumpmaster to decide – be warned these will see the jumpers at the mercy of those cheeky kiwis, so prepare to be messed with.
Cost: From $249 (NZD) a swing, additional swings available
5. Sky Dive Queenstown Experience
Okay, this is another one for the older kids and adults (the minimum age is 12 years old).
If you’re game enough to jump out of an aircraft at 15,000ft, travelling at 200kph, then a Sky Dive Queenstown experience might be right for you and the tribe.
Home of the tandem skydive, jumpers will be partnered up with a qualified Nzone jumpmaster who guide them through the whole adrenaline pumping, face rippling experience.
As you arrive at the drop zone, you’ll immediately see skydivers in the air and making their landings, and it’s this very moment you realise what you’ve truly got yourself into. After the training, it’s into the plane all geared up where you can choose to accent to an altitude and freefall of 9,000ft, 12,000ft or 15,000ft.
Soaring high above the Wakatipu basin, skydivers exit the plane, freefalling for up to 60 seconds before the tandem master deploys the parachute. It’s during the canopy ride where you’ll really take in and enjoy the bird’s eye view of the crystal clear lakes and rocky mountain ranges below.
The whole mind-blowing experience lasts for 5-7 minutes and as your feet touch the ground, you’ll be on a high, feeling fearless and wanting to do it all over again or not.
Can you imagine the video and photo footage from this sky dive Queenstown experience? It’s sure to serve up a few laughs when watching it back with your family.
TIP: Book this Queenstown sky dive experience early during your stay to allow for cancellations and rescheduling as it’s highly weather dependent.
Cost: Skydives start from $299 (NZD)
www.nzoneskydive.co.nz
Family Accommodation Queenstown Options
As it’s a tourist hotspot, there is a range of family accommodation Queenstown options available. Our top picks are those situated somewhere overlooking the beautifully scenic Lake Wakatipu.
Some of the properties that provide stunning lake views include Oaks Resort Queenstown, Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa, Crowne Plaza Queenstown and Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa.
There’s also a number of great hotels in Queenstown City Centre, Queenstown Campervan Park and Queenstown Chalet and Lodge options available to book for your family’s stay as well. A few key ones to look at are:
- Heritage Hotel Queenstown
- Ridge Resort Queenstown
- Nugget Point Hotel Queenstown
- Lakeview Holiday Park Queenstown
- Matakauri Lodge Queenstown
- Bella Vista Motel Queenstown
- Coronation Lodge Queenstown
- Queenstown Holiday Park
What are your top fun things to do in Queenstown with kids?
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