August 25, 2025
Queenstown: The Ultimate Destination for Family Adventures
Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, is the perfect place for thrill seekers chasing heart-pounding, one-of-a-kind experiences. But beyond the adrenaline fuelled action, this stunning lakeside resort is also packed with family friendly activities that cater to all ages, and at affordable prices too! Whether you’re after outdoor adventures, interactive experiences, or relaxed sightseeing, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best family friendly activities to enjoy in Queenstown.
Time Tripper Queenstown – Underwater Observatory
Learn about the history of Queenstown and witness the secrets hidden under Lake Wakatipu!
Step beneath Lake Wakatipu into New Zealand’s ONLY underwater cinema and observatory. Glow under the cool blue lights (wear white for the full effect!) and get up close with the cheeky diving ducks, giant trout and salmon, and the slinky long-finned eels.
Then, relax and settle in for a 15-minute film that takes you on a journey through the Māori legend of Lake Wakatipu, before traveling 90 million years back in time to witness how New Zealand was formed. The kids will love seeing the dinosaurs, the Southern Alps, and Lake Wakatipu taking shape, before returning to the present day.
After the movie, watch as the fish, eels, and ducks are fed in a feeding frenzy—the perfect family moment to witness and take photos/videos! At a very low price point Time Tripper is a magical, must-do experience for all ages! Open all year round 9:45am – 4:45pm. Book Here.
KJet Family Pass
Looking for the ultimate family adventure? Look no further than the ICONIC, Big Yellow Jet Boats.
If you are looking for an unforgettable family adventure in Queenstown, the Original Jet Boat ride with KJet is an absolute must-do. It’s non-stop excitement as you skim across the iconic Lake Wakatipu and the turquoise, clear water of the Kawarau River, then experience real Jet boating as you head up the famous Shotover River, where you will experience adrenaline on shallow and narrow channels. As the best value family pass in Queenstown, KJet is suitable for all ages and can take children as young as 2 years old (as long as they are accompanied by an adult). Open 365 days of the year, departing every hour on the hour from the Main Town Pier and Queenstown Marina in Frankton. Book now and make unforgettable memories on the Big Yellow Jet boats.
AJ Hackett Bungy Kawarau Zipride
Fly high above the stunning Kawarau River on the AJ Hackett Bungy Zipride!
If you’re looking for thrills without taking the leap of a Bungy jump, this is the perfect activity for you. The Zipride will have you soaring 130 metres at speeds of up to 60kph!
With three side-by-side lines, you can race your family or friends for the ultimate laugh, creating memories you’ll never forget. Cameras will capture your best mid-air poses as you glide through the sky and feel unstoppable.
The Zipride is suitable for adventurers aged 8 and up. Children aged 8–9 must ride tandem with an adult (20+). Not riding? No worries, as there is a viewing platform so you can cheer on your crew as they fly!
Book now through AJ Hackett Bungy or book our popular KJet & Zip Ride Combo.
Ski or Snowboard Two Legendary Ski Fields in Queenstown
If you’re looking for a family adventure that everyone will remember, choose one of Queenstown’s legendary mountains, The Remarkables or Coronet Peak, where unforgettable views, fun on the snow, and memories to last a lifetime await. Both mountains are just a 30-minute drive from the heart of Queenstown, it’s the perfect spot to introduce your kids to the snow. The mountains have awesome kids’ lessons and progression programs, so whether it’s their very first time or they’re ready to take things up a notch, they’ll be in safe (and fun!) hands. While the kids are busy making turns, parents can enjoy a coffee in the café or even grab a drink at the bar with views that live up to the name. With easy transport from Queenstown, The Remarkables and Coronet Peak make it simple to swap screen time for snow time and create those big family memories together.
The NZ Superpass is the perfect option for families looking to make the most of their Queenstown ski holiday. With the flexibility to ski or board at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Mt Hutt, there’s something to suit every age and ability. Plus, if the weather changes or the kids need a break from the slopes, the Superpass can be used like cash at a huge range of local attractions, dining spots, and retail outlets. It takes the pressure off planning and makes your family holiday stress-free, fun, and full of memories.
Queenstown Gardens the opportunities are endless
From the lakefront, take a short stroll to Queenstown’s playground, perfectly positioned with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. It’s one of the most scenic playgrounds in New Zealand, where kids can burn off their energy while you relax with a barista-made coffee at The Bathhouse Lakefront Restaurant, located right next door. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the beauty of the lake while the little ones play.
Afterwards, enjoy a 10–20-minute stroll around Queenstown Gardens Peninsula, taking in the stunning gardens and experiencing a different perspective of the lake. Within the gardens, you’ll find a family-friendly Frisbee Golf course. If you haven’t tried it before, Frisbee Golf (or disc golf) is exactly what it sounds like: swap the golf ball for a frisbee and the holes for metal baskets. The aim is simple, get your disc from the tee to the basket in as few throws as possible. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro – half the fun is in the misses, laughs, and friendly competition. Discs can be hired for a small fee from the Queenstown Ice Arena, located in the middle of the gardens.
Once you’ve finished your game, the Ice Arena itself offers even more fun, making it a perfect stop for family entertainment in Queenstown. Whether you take a spin on the ice or jump into the ice bumper cars, these activities offer cool fun for the entire family.
Deer Park Heights
Feed an array of animals, take in and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Queenstown.
Deer Park Heights is home to a variety of animals including deer, sheep, pigs, llamas plus heaps more who roam freely! Only a 20-minute drive – it is a must-visit for nature and animal lovers, and those looking to enjoy some outdoor adventure. One of the highlights of this attraction is the scenic drive up the hill, that offers multiple places to stop and take photos. Deer Park Heights offers access to passenger vehicles with up to eight seats and is a one-off price per vehicle. Make sure you take a $2 coin (or a few) to purchase animal feed. Some furry friends may also stick their heads in your car windows, eager for a snack!
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, you’ll recognise this famous hill as one of the film’s iconic locations!
