Queenstown's reputation as the adventure capital can make it seem like a place built for backpackers and thrill-seekers. It is not. Families are a huge part of the visitor mix, and there is plenty to do with kids of all ages. You just need to know where to look.
This guide is organised by age group because a 3-year-old and a 13-year-old have very different ideas about what counts as fun.
Under 5s
Toddlers and preschoolers are not going bungy jumping. But they will love:
Skyline Gondola
The gondola ride ($49 adult, kids under 5 free with adult) is exciting for little ones. The cabin goes high above the trees and the views keep them pointing and chattering. At the top, there is space to run around and a cafe for parents who need coffee.
Queenstown Gardens
Flat paths, ducks, big trees, and a playground. The loop walk takes 30 minutes at adult pace, longer with small legs. Free, obviously.
TSS Earnslaw
Kids love boats. The Earnslaw is a 1912 steamship with a visible coal-fired engine room - actual furnaces being stoked by actual people. The crossing to Walter Peak takes 40 minutes each way. The Walter Peak farm has sheep, Highland cattle, and a shearing demonstration. From $79 adult, kids from $35.
Kiwi Birdlife Park
Small, walkable, and right in the centre of town. Native birds including kiwi in a darkened nocturnal house. The conservation show is good. Kids under 4 free.
Arrowtown
The Arrow River has shallow spots where kids can paddle and throw rocks. The walk to the old Chinese settlement is short and interesting for curious kids. Gold panning kits are available from the Lakes District Museum.
Ages 5-12
This is the sweet spot for Queenstown family activities.
Skyline Luge
The luge is the single best family activity in Queenstown. Three tracks of increasing difficulty - the scenic track is gentle enough for a 5-year-old in a shared cart, the advanced track is fast enough for a 12-year-old to feel cool. From $59 including gondola. Kids ride it again and again. Budget for more rides than you think.
Shotover Jet
Age 5+. Kids sit in the middle rows. The 360-degree spins get screams every time. 25 minutes on the water, from $179 adult, $99 child.
Jet Ski Queenstown
Passenger from age 5+. Kids ride with an adult. Self-drive on the lake. From $159.
Hydro Attack
Age 6+. A shark-shaped boat that dives underwater. Kids think this is the greatest thing ever invented. From $179.
Ziptrek Ecotours
Age 6+, minimum 30kg. The easier Kea tour is suitable for younger kids. Flying through the forest canopy on ziplines. From $139.
Lord of the Rings Tour
If your kids have seen the films, they will lose their minds at the filming locations. If they have not, they will still enjoy the 4WD drive through wild landscape. From $195 adult, kids from $99. 4 hours.
Walter Peak Farm
The TSS Earnslaw crossing plus a farm experience with animals, garden tours, and a BBQ lunch. Half-day outing that works for the whole family.
Teenagers
Teens in Queenstown have it good. Most adrenaline activities are available from age 10-13 depending on weight restrictions.
Bungy jumping
Age 10+ (with parental consent) at the Kawarau Bridge. Weight must be 35-127kg for most jumps. The Nevis (134m) is 13+. If your teenager jumps the Nevis, they will be insufferable about it for approximately forever. From $235-325.
Canyon Swing
Age 10+, minimum 35kg. 109m drop into the Shotover Canyon. Different from bungy - you swing in an arc rather than bouncing. From $199.
Tandem Skydive
Age 12+ (some operators say 16). From $399. This is the one that goes on the Instagram story.
Paragliding
Age 5+ but teens appreciate it more. Launch from Bob's Peak, land by the lakefront. From $239.
Mountain biking
Queenstown has excellent mountain bike trails. Vertigo Bikes and other shops rent bikes and can recommend trails by ability. The Queenstown Bike Park at Skyline has lift-accessed downhill trails. Skyline Gondola takes bikes up.
Where to eat with kids
Some Queenstown restaurants are clearly adult-focused. Here is where families are welcome:
- Fergburger - Kids burger options. Messy, loud, no one cares if your child drops fries.
- Flame Bar & Grill - Kids menu, high chairs, patient staff. Waterfront tables keep little ones entertained.
- Vudu Cafe - Good for a morning stop. Cabinet food means no waiting for a kitchen.
- Ferg Baker - Pies and pastries. Quick, cheap, kids pick what they want from the cabinet.
- Devil Burger - More relaxed than Fergburger. Counter service so you are not trapped at a table if the toddler melts down.
- Patagonia Chocolates - Hot chocolate and treats. Kids love it. You will too.
For fine dining, most of the upmarket restaurants are best saved for a babysitter evening.
Practical tips
Accommodation
Self-catering apartments are the best value for families. A hotel room with two kids is cramped and expensive. Apartments give you a kitchen (saves on restaurant bills) and usually more space. Frankton and Fernhill are cheaper than the town centre and 5-10 minutes drive.
Getting around
If you have a car, parking in town is limited and often paid. The Frankton car park with the bus into town works well. Most activity operators offer hotel pickup.
Weather contingency
Rain days with kids: the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown (gold panning, small and manageable), Kiwi Birdlife Park (partly covered), Patagonia Chocolates, or the pool at your accommodation.
Booking
Book big activities 2-3 days ahead in summer and school holidays. Most operators have good cancellation policies if weather changes plans.
Budget tip
Combo deals save money. AJ Hackett offers bungy + swing + catapult packages. Skyline does gondola + luge + restaurant combos. The Real Journeys family pass covers the Earnslaw and Walter Peak together.
Updated March 2026. Prices in NZD. Age and weight restrictions are set by operators and may change - check when booking. Ask our AI concierge for personalised family itineraries.
