Exploring Queenstown, New Zealand: Top 10 Family-Friendly Attractions

Xperience Team
08 Apr 2024 - 7 min read

Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu amidst the majestic Southern Alps, Queenstown is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and thrilling adventure activities. While often celebrated as a playground for adrenaline junkies, this charming town also offers an array of family-friendly attractions that cater to visitors of all ages.

From scenic cruises and wildlife encounters to exhilarating outdoor adventures, Queenstown has something to delight every member of the family. If you’re looking for inspiration or exciting places to visit, Traveloka has uncovered the top 10 family attractions in Queenstown, ensuring an unforgettable experience for you and the whole family.

1. Skyline Queenstown

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Offering panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, Skyline Queenstown is a must-visit attraction for families seeking adventure and breathtaking vistas. Hop aboard the iconic Skyline Gondola and soar to the top of Bob's Peak, where you'll find a range of family-friendly activities waiting to be enjoyed.

Race down the mountain on the thrilling Luge track, take an evening stroll along the nature trails, or enjoy a scenic meal at the mountaintop restaurant. With its stunning views and exciting activities, Skyline Queenstown promises a memorable experience for you and the whole family.

2. Queenstown Gardens

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Escape the hustle and bustle of the town center with a visit to the tranquil Queenstown Gardens, a picturesque oasis nestled along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Perfect for families seeking outdoor recreation and relaxation, the gardens offer a variety of amenities, including walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The kids sure will love it!

This area offers lush gardens where you can admire the vibrant floral displays, and enjoy sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains. With its peaceful ambiance and family-friendly amenities, Queenstown Gardens provides the perfect retreat for a day of outdoor fun and relaxation.

3. Kiwi Birdlife Park

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Immerse yourself in New Zealand's native wildlife at the Kiwi Birdlife Park, a conservation sanctuary located in the heart of Queenstown. Home to a variety of native bird species, including the iconic kiwi, the park offers visitors the chance to learn about New Zealand's unique ecosystem and conservation efforts. Take a guided tour of the park to meet kiwis, tuataras, and other native animals up close, or attend one of the park's informative feeding sessions and keeper talks. With its focus on education and conservation, the Kiwi Birdlife Park provides a fun and educational experience for families visiting Queenstown.

4. TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise

Step back in time with a scenic cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship, a beloved Queenstown icon that has been ferrying passengers across Lake Wakatipu for over a century. Set sail from Queenstown Bay and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains as you cruise across the crystal-clear waters of the lake.

Explore the ship's historic decks, watch the steam engines in action, and learn about the ship's fascinating history from knowledgeable crew members. With its vintage charm and picturesque setting, a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw is sure to be a highlight of your family's visit to Queenstown.

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour with Gourmet BBQ | New Zealand

USD 112.57

5. Walter Peak High Country Farm

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Experience the rustic charm of New Zealand's high country with a visit to Walter Peak Station, a working sheep and cattle farm located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Accessible via a scenic cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw, Walter Peak offers visitors the chance to experience farm life firsthand with a range of family-friendly activities.

Watch sheepdogs in action as they herd sheep, enjoy a traditional farm tour to learn about sheep shearing and wool spinning, or indulge in a delicious barbecue lunch featuring locally sourced produce. With its stunning lakeside setting and authentic farm experiences, Walter Peak High Country Farm provides a memorable day out for families visiting Queenstown.

6. Arrowtown

Take a step back in time with a visit to Arrowtown, a charming historic town located just a short drive from Queenstown. Known for its quaint streets lined with heritage buildings and colorful autumn foliage, Arrowtown offers families the chance to explore a bygone era and immerse themselves in the region's rich gold rush history.

Wander through the town's picturesque lanes, visit local museums and art galleries, or take a scenic bike ride along the Arrow River Trail. With its relaxed atmosphere and old-world charm, Arrowtown provides a delightful day trip for families looking to explore the cultural heritage of the Queenstown region.

7. Shotover Jet

Hold on tight for an adrenaline-fueled adventure with a thrilling jet boat ride along the Shotover River. Departing from Queenstown's Shotover Jet base, this iconic attraction offers families the chance to experience high-speed thrills as skilled drivers navigate through narrow canyons and rocky outcrops. Feel the rush of wind in your hair as you twist and turn through the river's rapids, and marvel at the stunning natural scenery that surrounds you. With its combination of excitement and natural beauty, a Shotover Jet ride promises an unforgettable experience for families seeking adventure in Queenstown.

Shotover Jet Queenstown | Auckland

USD 255.57

USD 239.36

8. Skyline Luge Queenstown

For families seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills, the Skyline Luge Queenstown offers the ultimate downhill adventure on wheels. Located at the top of Bob's Peak, this gravity-fueled luge track features a series of twists, turns, and dips that promise an exhilarating ride for visitors of all ages.

Flight to Queenstown

Tue, 20 May 2025

Jetstar

Auckland (AKL) to Queenstown (ZQN)

Start from USD 49.39

Sat, 24 May 2025

Air New Zealand

Auckland (AKL) to Queenstown (ZQN)

Start from USD 85.39

Mon, 12 May 2025

Qantas

Jakarta (CGK) to Queenstown (ZQN)

Start from USD 402.56

Choose from multiple track options, including scenic routes for beginners and faster tracks for thrill-seekers, and race against family and friends as you navigate your way down the mountain. With its combination of speed and stunning views, the Skyline Luge Queenstown provides an adrenaline-fueled experience that's sure to be a hit with the whole family.

9. Ziptrek Ecotours

Soar through the treetops with a thrilling zipline adventure courtesy of Ziptrek Ecotours, located in the scenic Ben Lomond Reserve just minutes from Queenstown. Strap in and zip from platform to platform high above the forest floor, enjoying panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains as you go.

Learn about the region's unique flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides, and keep an eye out for native bird species such as tui and bellbirds. With its combination of adrenaline-fueled excitement and environmental education, Ziptrek Ecotours provides a thrilling and educational experience for families visiting Queenstown.

Ziptrek Moa Tour in Queenstown | New Zealand

USD 95.27

10. Skippers Canyon

Embark on a scenic drive through the rugged terrain of Skippers Canyon, one of Queenstown's most iconic landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Follow the winding road as it hugs the cliffside above the Shotover River, passing through narrow gorges and towering rock formations along the way.

Make sure you and the family take a stop at historic sites such as the Skippers Suspension Bridge and the Old Skippers Schoolhouse, and marvel at the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds you. With its stunning scenery and rich history, Skippers Canyon provides a memorable day trip for families looking to explore the wild beauty of Queenstown's hinterland.

Queenstown offers families an abundance of unforgettable experiences amidst its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. From scenic cruises and wildlife encounters to thrilling outdoor adventures and historic attractions, Queenstown has something to captivate visitors of all ages. To help you have a good stay in Queenstown, Traveloka has a few recommended hotels that are located near the family attractions. Be sure to also reserve the rooms through Traveloka website and app for easier access.

Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride from Queenstown

See Price

1. Crowne Plaza Queenstown

Located in the heart of Queenstown, just steps away from the town's top family attractions, Crowne Plaza Queenstown offers stylish accommodations and convenient access to all the action. Families will appreciate the spacious rooms and suites, many of which offer stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.

With an array of amenities, including an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and outdoor hot tub, Crowne Plaza Queenstown provides the perfect base for families looking to explore the town's attractions, such as Skyline Queenstown and the Queenstown Gardens.

Crowne Plaza Hotel Queenstown, an IHG Hotel

93 Beach Street

USD 395.93

USD 296.96

2. Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside offers comfortable accommodations with breathtaking lake and mountain views. Families will love the hotel's central location, just a short walk from Queenstown Gardens, the TSS Earnslaw Steamship, and the Skyline Queenstown Gondola.

After a day of adventure, guests can unwind in the hotel's heated indoor pool, sauna, or hot tub, or enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant overlooking the lake. With its convenient location and family-friendly amenities, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside provides the perfect home base for exploring Queenstown's family attractions.

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

8.9/10

Corner of Earl and Marine Parade

USD 356.09

USD 267.07

3. Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Boasting panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range, Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview offers comfortable accommodations in a stunning setting. Families will appreciate the spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchens, as well as the hotel's convenient location within walking distance of Queenstown Gardens and the Skyline Queenstown Gondola.

After a day of exploring, you can rellax in the hotel's outdoor hot tub or enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, which offers sweeping views of the lake and mountains. With its picturesque location and family-friendly amenities, Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview provides a memorable stay for families visiting Queenstown.

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

8.5/10

88 Frankton Road

USD 340.63

USD 255.48

4. Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Nestled against a backdrop of majestic mountains and overlooking Lake Wakatipu, Millennium Hotel Queenstown offers luxurious accommodations and easy access to Queenstown's top family attractions. Families will love the hotel's spacious rooms and suites, many of which offer stunning lake views and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.

There is also an outdoor heated pool and hot tub where you can unwind after a long day of exploring the city or enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, which serves tempting local cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. With its convenient location and family-friendly amenities, Millennium Hotel Queenstown provides a memorable stay for families looking to explore Queenstown's attractions.

Millennium Hotel Queenstown

32 Frankton Road

USD 243.67

USD 182.76

5. Rydges Queenstown

Situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Rydges Queenstown offers comfortable accommodations and stunning lake and mountain views. Families will appreciate the hotel's spacious rooms and suites, as well as its convenient location within walking distance of Queenstown Gardens and the Skyline Queenstown Gondola. The hotel has an on-site restaurant which offers panoramic views of the lake and mountains. With its picturesque location and family-friendly amenities, Rydges Queenstown provides a memorable stay for families visiting Queenstown.

Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown

8.7/10

38-54 Lake Esplanade

USD 240.37

USD 180.29

Whether you're soaring through the treetops on a zipline, exploring the region's rich gold rush history in Arrowtown, or taking a leisurely cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, Queenstown promises an unforgettable family vacation filled with adventure. Supported by remarkable options of accommodation nearby, Queenstown is definitely a place where your family can create unforgettable memories. Don’t forget to book your flight ticket to Queenstown using promotions and great deals only in Traveloka!

In This Article

• 1. Skyline Queenstown
• 2. Queenstown Gardens
• 3. Kiwi Birdlife Park
• 4. TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise
• 5. Walter Peak High Country Farm
• 6. Arrowtown
• 7. Shotover Jet
• 8. Skyline Luge Queenstown
• 9. Ziptrek Ecotours
• 10. Skippers Canyon
• Recommended Hotels in Queenstown Near Family Attractions

Flights Featured in This Article

Tue, 20 May 2025
Jetstar
Auckland (AKL) to Queenstown (ZQN)
Start from USD 49.39
Book Now
Sat, 24 May 2025
Air New Zealand
Auckland (AKL) to Queenstown (ZQN)
Start from USD 85.39
Book Now
Mon, 12 May 2025
Qantas
Jakarta (CGK) to Queenstown (ZQN)
Start from USD 402.56
Book Now

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