Queenstown, Family Activities

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  • Lake Dunstan Trail - 1 day self-guided tour

    Pedal your way along the stunning 55km Lake Dunstan Trail on this self-guided 1 day cycling tour from Queenstown or Cromwell. Get fitted to your bike at our Cromwell depot (shuttle ex Queenstown available if you are based there).  You can choose regular or e-bikes, insuring the whole family can ride together! Next, you’ll be transferred to the beginning of the Lake Dunstan Trail that leads riders through Smith’s Way, Kawarau River and Cromwell Gorge.

    The one-day cycling tour will see you learn about New Zealand’s early pioneering history, abundant vineyards and cellar doors in Bannockburn and the historical precinct in Cromwell. A morning tea, lunch and return transfers are included in this 55km bicycle trail that meanders through New Zealand. If you love cycling and the great outdoors, this is the perfect day tour for you.

     

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  • Ages 12+

    Half Day - Canyoning Queenstown - summer only

    A whole lot of adventure is packed into this half day on this Queenstown canyoning tour. Enjoy 2 exhilarating hours of canyoning that will have you zip lining through ancient beech forest, abseiling waterfalls, plunging into natural pools and floating down narrow passageways. First timers are welcome with no prior experience needed and personalised assistance given from two guides on every trip. Choose your level of difficulty with canyoning tours suited for all abilities and explorers aged 12+. And when you are finished, warm up with hot showers and heated change rooms.

     

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  • Ages 3+

    Dart River Fun Yak and Jet Boat Safari

    For a complete Queenstown family wilderness adventure, join us, the only operator on the Dart River, for a unique experience combining breathtaking ‘World Heritage’ scenery, exhilarating wilderness Jet Boating, Maori heritage and inspiring adventure. Travel deep into Mt Aspiring National Park and explore little known areas inaccessible by other means and discover a unique and dramatic environment of both natural and cultural significance. If there is one Queenstown experience that delivers the diversity and essence of what is 'New Zealand' - it is without doubt an adventure with Dart River Wilderness Jet. Experience ‘New Zealand’s Most Sensational Journey.’ RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL

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  • Oxbow Adventure Co. Jet Sprint Boats

    Take a ride on the wild side with Oxbow and learn how it feels to fly across the water on Queenstown’s custom-built Jet Sprint Boats. Hold on tight as you go from 0 to 100km in 2.5 seconds flat racing through a Jet Sprint Boat course comprising of series of islands to navigate around.  At the helm, is an experienced captain, driving a custom-built jet boat with 620 horsepower thanks to the Chevy engine. Feel the 4G forces as you pull around tight corners and islands throughout the exhilarating Queenstown Jet Sprint Boat ride.
    Minimum height for child 1.2m.  Children under 5 must travel in boat with parent or guardian.  Child prices and family deals available.

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  • Queenstown Scenic Lake Cruise

    Departing from Queenstown , this relaxing scenic lake cruise will travel along Lake Wakatipu to view stunning mountain scenery, lakeside homes, islands, historic dams and rare birds. As you cruise the lake marvelling at the sights, listen to commentary from local experts who will share with you the local stories and historical facts of the region. Keep your camera handy as the Remarkables Mountain Range makes for an amazing backdrop to any photograph. On the return, the cruise will travel along the shoreline of Frankton Arm so that you can see the sights of Queenstown from the water. Cruises depart from a central location in Queenstown at 11am, 2pm with an additional 4pm cruise available in summer. This affordable 90-minute cruise is the perfect addition to any Queenstown itinerary and is suitable for families, couples, groups or independent travellers. Plus there is Mandarin audio commentary available for international visitors to enjoy. You may also like to purchase a beer or wine from the bar on board while you take in the sights on this scenic cruise. Book your Queenstown scenic lake cruise online today!

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  • TSS Earnslaw Cruise

    A Lake Wakatipu cruise on the TSS Earnslaw is akin to stepping back in time - the steam-driven vessel dubbed "The Lady of the Lake" provides the venue for a one and a half hour cruise that showcases some of the best of New Zealand's alpine scenery. You'll have ample time to explore the decks and bridge of this historical cruise ship, visit the engine room and view the historical collection of photos in its gallery. With such facilities on board as a licensed cafe and bar that serves both a selection of cafe-style food, beer, wine and spirits, you'll have access to everything you need to enjoy the cruise on these scenic waters in comfort while soaking in the natural majesty that surrounds you in every direction. The cruises depart regularly throughout the day and are suitable for all ages.

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  • Queenstown Paraflights

    Ever wanted to go parasailing? Experience Queenstown from a whole new perspective on an unforgettable solo paraflight. Take in the spectacular scenery as you parasail up to 200 metres in the air over Lake Wakatipu. Departing from the Main Jetty in Queenstown, paraflights are a wonderful addition to your itinerary with flights available every hour on the hour.

    Solo paraflights offer maximum thrills with a flight of 10 to 12 minutes in the air. Following your paraflight, take a moment to catch your breath and enjoy the wind in your hair as you admire your fellow travellers and the local Queenstown scenery from the jet boat. The total duration of this experience is approximately 1 hour and is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Queenstown.

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  • Ages 5+

    Onsen Hot Pools

    The ultimate in water-fuelled relaxation, visit Queenstown's Onsen Hot Pools and immerse yourself in pools overlooking the iconic Shotover River! Heal your body and mind with the soothing benefits of pure water all while surrounded by some wonderful scenery at this essential attraction featuring a range of exclusive pools indoors and outdoors that can accommodate a family of up to four. This flexibility makes the pools ideal either for romantic getaways and pampering, or for a group of friends looking to take things in Queenstown down a notch and unwind in this magical part of New Zealand. 

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  • Ages 10+

    Kawarau Bridge Bungy

    Visit the world's home of Bungy Jumping - the Kawarau Bridge in New Zealand - for an adrenaline-pumping bungee jumping adventure at a great price! Available both as a solo and a tandem jump, the Kawarau Bridge Bungy is an essential experience in NZ for thrill seekers of all ages - situated 43 metres above the iconic Kawarau River, you'll get harnessed up and then plummet at high velocity before the elasticity of the Bungy cord kicks in and you're pulled back up again.

    Bungy jumping is often mentioned as one of the true "bucket list" items on people's to-do lists, and there are few better places to take part than this visually stunning area of New Zealand - you'll get not only thrills but be surrounded by some truly impressive scenery while doing so. With everyone above the age of 10 years welcome to embrace the thrill, there's few limits on who's welcome to take the plunge - if you're game, book your Kawarau Bridge Bungy experience online here today!

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  • Ages 5+

    Shotover Jet

    Get on board ‘Big Red’ the ultimate Queenstown Shotover Jet boat experience that has been thrilling over 3 million people since 1970! If its not the super-charged jet boat ride that scares you it will be the danger of heading straight for overhanging cliff faces and jagged rocks of the Shotover Canyon before pulling away at the VERY last second! This is why this Queenstown jet boat ride takes the cake – combining the epic thrills of high-speed, seemingly impossible manoeuvres, coming perilously close to narrow impending canyon walls and of course the overwhelming scenic location!

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  • TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak High Country Farm

    Follow up your wonderfully enjoyable TSS Earnslaw cruise on Lake Wakatipu with a warm kiwi welcome and a taste of New Zealand's traditional farming lifestyle with this experience at Walter Peak High Country Farm, that is situated in an idyllic location on the lake's southern shores. Upon arriving at the farm, you'll be greeted by your rural host as you disembark and take you on a guided walking tour of the farmyard. You'll be able to visit the holding pens to feed the sheep and deer, and also get up close to the authentic Scottish Highland Cattle before strolling through the lakeside gardens headed towards the Wool Shed for a traditional high country afternoon tea of scones, cakes and slices that are freshly baked at the farm.

    Later, follow the farmer to the shearing shed where you'll be able to observe the trained farm dogs as they round up sheep on the paddocks of the hills, before hopping back on board the TSS Earnslaw and heading back to Queenstown to cap off an authentic and wholesome colonial-style day!

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Map of New Zealand
  • Central Otago
  • Auckland
  • Bay of Plenty
  • Christchurch
  • Dunedin
  • Coromandel
  • Gisborne
  • Fiordland
  • Marlborough Sounds
  • Manawatu
  • Northland
  • North Canterbury
  • Queenstown
  • South Canterbury
  • Taranaki
  • Southland
  • Taupo
  • Wanaka
  • Waikato
  • Wellington
  • West Coast
  • Whangarei
  • Bay of Islands
  • Tauranga
  • Gisborne
  • Hamilton
  • Napier
  • Kapiti
  • Palmerston North
  • Whanganui
  • New Plymouth
  • Arrowtown
  • Te Anau
  • Akaroa
  • Ashburton
  • Hanmer
  • Kaikoura
  • Methven
  • Mt Cook
  • Oamaru
  • Tekapo
  • Timaru
  • Abel Tasman
  • Motueka
  • Nelson Lakes
  • Blenheim
  • Picton
  • Catlins
  • Gore
  • Stewart Island
  • Central Plateau
  • Invercargill
  • Cromwell
  • Greymouth
  • Hokitika
  • Westport
  • Glenorchy

Our favourite destinations…

Auckland

New Zealand’s economic heart and biggest city is also an exciting family visitor destination, situated on a sunny harbour with city beaches just minutes away from the CBD. Orientate yourself by heading down to Viaduct Harbour, wandering the waterfront, checking out the super yachts or enjoying the waterfront restaurants. Nearby is the must-visit Sky Tower along with excellent and kid-friendly museums and tons of exciting activities!

Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital. Here you will find New Zealand's parliament buildings, including the 'Executive Wing', more well-known as 'The Beehive' due to its distinctive shape. Another icon to look out for is the Wellington Tram, which was the main means of public transport between 1878 and 1964.

Christchurch

With a population of around 400,000 Christchurch, in Canterbury, is the South Island ’s largest city, yet much of it has the feel of a small town. Perhaps that’s why it’s known as the Garden City but with the expansive Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens, Port Hills, River Avon and numerous beaches the city certainly has an open, relaxed feel that’s hard to beat.

Queenstown

With its well-deserved reputation as New Zealand’s activity adventure capital you’ll never run out of activities and things to do in Queenstown, but you may run out of time! With breathtaking scenery, activities and festivals, cafes and restaurants, skiing and snowboarding, shopping and wineries, this lakeside alpine resort rates as one of the world’s top vacation destinations for all ages and seasons.

Rotorua

Rotorua sits on the shore of Lake Rotorua, one of sixteen lakes in the area formed by hundreds of thousands of years of eruptions from the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The area is renowned for its geothermal activity and top of any activity list is to see the bubbling mud pools that are around the region for yourself. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley offers a first hand insight into the devastation caused by the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera and is a great place to discover steaming volcanic craters and bubbling, spitting  pools of mud!

Nelson and Golden Bay

The Nelson and Golden Bay regions, at the top of the South Island, boast enviable sunshine hours, glorious sandy beaches, safe swimming spots, lots of wildlife to look out for, and Abel Tasman National Park - an absolute must to explore, on foot, by kayak, your own craft or watertaxi.  Nelson is home to a vibrant arts and crafts community with a fabulous Saturday market, and is close to award-winning wineries and family-friendly bike tracks to take you around the coast.

Hawkes Bay

Napier was rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake and is now known as NZ's Art Deco City.  The Art Deco influence has created a unique city – nowhere else can you see such a varied concentration of art deco style. With over 2,200 sunshine hours a year, Napier is a year-round holiday destination with countless activities to entertain the kids – there's days of entertainment on Marine Parade alone, plus numerous other family-friendly trips and activities.  Add to that the beaches, walks and flat cycle paths, outdoor cafes and entertainment, and you have a perfect holiday destination!

Northland

Beautiful, unspoiled beaches, fishing, historic gum fields, kauri forests – the Far North has it all. With subtropical temperatures, it's often known as ‘the Winterless north', with warm, humid summers and mild winters.
Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Paihia is a pretty, lively beachside town and a perfect base for your family holiday. It’s your start point for Bay of Island adventures including day cruises, sailing, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and reef or wreck diving.