Skiing, jet boats, ziplining and day trips! Here's Chris Edwards 8-day Queenstown itinerary for an adventure holiday in New Zealand with the kids.
Magical New Zealand. If you’re looking to visit Queenstown, NZ with the kids and you want to know all about the adventurous activities on offer from skiing to jet boating, I have you covered. I have now been to Queenstown twice with my kids in the last two years, (including on an epic campervan road trip) and I have to say as a destination Queenstown really delivers in spades. Besides the beautiful scenery, and lots of adventure-junkie-style activities, there is so much more to this amazing travel destination.
There is a seriously huge range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like hang gliding, jet boating, heli-skiing, and along with this, the people in New Zealand are awesome. The Kiwis are so friendly and relaxed (totally chill bro), and really make the holiday something special. In a nutshell, Queenstown NZ is kinda like Europe, without all the tourists and sassy attitudes from locals.
Hot tips before you go:
– Fill out the NZ Traveller declaration – it will save you time on arrival.
– Book ahead for your experiences, they can book out, especially when travelling with a family in tow and need large booking numbers.
– Plan your itinerary and if you are travelling in winter, book restaurants before you get there (it does get really busy!) See FAQ’s below for restaurant recommendations!
– Hire a car so on arrival you have transport at the ready. There is very little public transport here. We booked with mode rentals, it was $1023 NZD for 9 days.
– If you plan to do some bike trails or skiing, I would recommend doing some training before you arrive (fitness will help you enjoy it more!)
Our favourite family things to do in Queenstown (in order!)
1. Family skiing
If you are thinking of travelling in winter months or late spring, the skiing options here are freaking awesome. Whilst there is no on-snow accommodation at Queenstown, there are three resorts all a short drive from the town. We skied two resorts in Queenstown: The Remarkables and Cardrona – both had a great range of runs and were great for a family ski trip. Coronet Peak is another local ski resort that is not as high, but we were in Queenstown in September – so it had shut for the season.
I recommend booking with a travel agent, we used Ski Express. For more details on skiing – I will do another full guide, but meanwhile, here’s where to ski with kids. But ski-bunnies rejoice, Queenstown is a most excellent snow option. If you do go skiing in winter you can use this guide to find some activities for your ‘rest days’, or come back in autumn as we did to tick off some of the amazing things to do in Queenstown with your kids.
Booking: Ski Express
Contact: Lucy Dynes, [email protected] ph. 1300 432211
2. Shotover Jet Boat
OMG did everyone absolutely love this. Thrills, spills, adrenaline – this is a goer. Big tip – do not choose the shotover jet boat in the town (yellow boats). You need to travel 10 minutes out of town to go to the original Shotover Jet Boat (red boats). Here, you will travel through the most amazing canyons, and experience what feels like very near misses to those canyons. It’s awesome experiencing the twists and wild turns of the jetboat. 10/10 everyone loved this!
Note: While there’s no actual age restriction, a minimum height of 1 metre applies, which might extend to 1.2 metres in certain river conditions, to ensure passenger safety. So make sure your kiddos are tall enough to ride before you make the journey!
Booking: Shotover Jet
Cost: $169 adults, $95 per child. Family passes also available.
3. Ziplining in Glenorchy
A very close runner up was ziplining through canyons at Glenorchy. Similar to the Jet Boat experience – this is a sensational combination of adrenaline and amazing scenery. Our family has done Ziplining numerous times before – but never across a canyon. Crazy and wild, and totally fun for almost all ages (kids need to be 10 or older). Glenorchy is about an hour’s drive away from Queenstown, so make sure you factor that into your planning. You will need to book ahead for this experience, especially if you are a large group of 5 or more.
Booking: Paradise Ziplines
Cost: $199 per person
4. Gondola, Skyline Luge & buffet lunch
Now if your kids love a buffet (and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t!), this will also be another highlight. Not a cheap day out, but memorable. A visit up the gondola, then a couple of runs down the luge before a buffet brunch is a bit of a right of passage for visitors to Queenstown. I recommend booking at least 3 luge sessions, as the kids will definitely want to give it multiple cracks. Bring gloves in the shoulder and winter season, as the knuckles get cold hanging on.
If your kids are comfortable hiking, I recommend walking down the mountain after lunch (rather than taking the Gondola down). It’s a fantastic walk and a great way to take in the beautiful forest and breathtaking views of Queenstown.
Note: Pre-schoolers older than 2 years of age, taller than 85cm, and no taller than 120cm can ride the Luge in tandem with an adult aged 15+ years at a cost of $5 for unlimited rides.
Booking: Skyline Gondola & Luge
Cost: $159 per adult, $114 for child – includes Gondola, 3 x luge and the free-flow-food buffet lunch for 1.5 hours
5. Bike trails
We initially wanted to book a 4-5 day bike trail with Central Cycle Trail Company – but they were booked out months ahead of the school holidays, but honestly I think it was better that we did a few trails around Queenstown instead (mainly because I don’t think my rear end could have taken any more!) The trails around Queenstown are epic. The trail we did had us going over suspension bridges, through tunnels, along the edge of mountains – and it started and ended in central Queenstown.
Hard work in places, and a lot of snacks and encouraging words needed, but it was probably my favourite activity we did. You can research and choose your trail on the Queenstown Trail website – which is super helpful. We hired our bikes from Torpedo Bike Rentals – they did find it difficult to find 10 regular bikes (they had a lot more e-bikes) so I would recommend calling ahead the day before.
Note: All bike hire includes a FREE helmet, tool kit, accessories & pump.
Booking: Torpedo 7 Bike Rentals
Phone: 03 409 0409
Cost: $25 for half day, $39 for full day
6. Salmon Fishing in Wanaka
This experience was one we heard about via word of mouth. Just outside of Wanaka is hook – a stunning lake to plate fishing experience – it’s a salmon farm (that actually looks like a golf course), and a restaurant. Here for $10 you can catch your own salmon and then have it served to you either smoked or sashimi style. Word of warning though – it’s $35 per kilo – so if you catch a whopper the fish will cost around $100, and if you have 3 kids – you might be looking at 3x that. Good news is they can vacuum pack any fish you don’t want cooked and you can bring it home in your hand luggage! A very fun afternoon and night out.
Booking: Hook Wanaka
Cost: Fishing is $10 per person, but you must buy your catch – so approximately $100 per salmon (depending on the weight).
7. A visit to Ayrburn, Queenstown’s Food and Beverage Playground
Dubbing themselves as Queenstown’s food and beverage playground – this is a beautiful estate and vineyard that has multiple F&B outlets and a simply stunning garden (I found myself stopping the car so I could jump out to take photos!). A perfect morning out or long lunch venue – the kids can run free while you enjoy some R&R in this most amazing setting. Ayrburn is just ten minutes out of Queenstown on the way to Arrowtown.
Booking: The Woolshed – bistro restaurant
The Bakehouse – all day bakery and cafe
Cost: Mains at The Woolshed are $40 NZ, expect to spend $60-100 NZ per person
Bakery items at the The Bakehouse are $6-15 NZ.
8. Arrowtown (especially The Remarkable Sweet Shop)
Continue down the road to Arrowtown – a historic village which feels like a one-street town. Arrowtown is pure magic in autumn with loads of red, orange coloured trees – it feels somewhat like a fairytale. We really enjoyed just taking a walk down the mainstreet – there are some lovely cafes and shops, along with the historic Lakes District Museum and Gallery. To keep the kids entertained I recommend a visit to The Remarkable Sweet Shop in the main street, where you feel like you have stepped back in time. With free homemade fudge samples, it’s hard not to leave with a lot of candy in your arms.
Where: Remarkable Sweet Shop, 27 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown
Phone: 03 442 1374, Mon-Sun 9.00am-5.30pm
Cost: $5-10 NZ for a small bag of lollies
Where: Lakes District Museum and Gallery
Cost: Adults $14, Children $6
9. Cardrona Hotel
Built in 1863, The Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest pubs and it’s been lovingly cared for. It’s like walking into a museum that serves good food and beers. Nestled between Wanaka and Queenstown, it makes for a great lunch spot. I was impressed with the serve and the quality of the meals (I had a green goddess salad, and it was delish). We sat in the gardens in a glasshouse structure, perfect for capturing the warm sun rays but keeping the wind away. There were so many cozy places to sit with open fires inside and outside. It’s also a quality photo opp – with a vintage car parked outside the Cardrona Hotel – a 1928 Chrysler Model 62. You can also stay here, they have a family room for $250 NZ a night – not bad!
Where: Cardrona Hotel
Accommodation cost: $250 NZ a night.
Dining: Cardrona Hotel Menu
Must try: My green Goddess Bowl was $26. Mains range from $25-45.
10. Fear Factory Haunted House
An experience not for the faint- hearted… Fear Factory’s Haunted House is a 20 minute indoor experience in the heart of Queenstown (but it may only take you 5 or 8 minutes)… It’s a real life scary walk-through tour. Whilst we attempted to complete the Haunted House twice now – both times my kids ‘chickened out’- and if one person wants out in your group, then the whole group has to leave the house. The kids enjoyed the challenge and talked about it for months afterwards, but definitely this is not recommended for kids under the age of 10. Trust me on that one.
Where: Fear Factory Haunted House
Cost: For the live horror show its $25 per person
8-Day Queenstown Itinerary for Families
This itinerary blends adventure, downtime, and food stops that kids and adults will both enjoy. We’ve done most of these with our kids—and I’d do it all again!
Day 1: Arrival + Orientation
Morning: Arrive in Queenstown, pick up your rental car.
Midday: Grab lunch at Fergburger or a family-friendly café.
Afternoon: Walk around the town, enjoy the boardwalk and visit the playground and beautiful Queenstown Botanical Gardens.
Pro Tip: The gardens have free parking – it’s about the only place where you can park your car for free in Queenstown, all the other carparks are metered – and you are likely to get booked if you stay over time in a metered carpark.
Day 2: Ski Day or Queenstown Trails
Winter Option (June–Sept):
Hit the slopes at The Remarkables or Cardrona. We loved both!
Pro Tip: Rent your gear the night before to avoid the morning rush.
Non-Winter Option:
Ride a section of the Queenstown Trail. Choose a scenic loop that fits your family’s ability.
Hire bikes from Torpedo7 and bring plenty of snacks.
Pro Tip: Check trail maps in advance via the Queenstown Trail website.
Day 3: High-Adrenaline Day
Morning: Do the original Shotover Jet (red boats) ride—this was a massive hit with our family.
Afternoon: Lunch in town + relaxed browsing or downtime.
Evening: Chill with a family movie night or easy dinner.
Day 4: Glenorchy Zipline Day Trip
Morning: Drive to Glenorchy (allow one hour—it’s a stunning drive).
Midday: Zipline through canyons with Paradise Ziplines (ages 10+).
Afternoon: Grab coffee or snacks in Glenorchy, explore the lakeside or town.
Evening: Head back to Queenstown and relax.
Day 5: Arrowtown & Ayrburn Escape
Morning: Visit historic Arrowtown. Walk the charming main street and don’t miss The Remarkable Sweet Shop (free fudge samples!).
Lunch: Head to Ayrburn for a long lunch at The Woolshed while kids explore the gardens.
Afternoon: Chill time—Arrowtown is a perfect slow day mid-trip.
Optional: Visit Lakes District Museum if the weather’s cool or rainy.
Day 6: Wanaka Day Trip + Fishing Fun
Morning: Drive to Wanaka.
Midday: Have lunch at the Cardrona Hotel (which is on the road from Queenstown to Wanaka)
Afternoon: Visit Hook for lake-to-plate salmon fishing. Kids loved catching their own fish! Evening: Head back with vacuum-packed salmon in your bag!
Day 7: Luge, Gondola and Buffet
Morning: Ride the Skyline Gondola and do a few Luge runs (book 3+ rides—your kids will want more!).
Lunch: Enjoy the buffet lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant if you’re up for it. We had an 11.45am sitting which was perfect.
Pro Tip: Book your gondola/luge tickets in advance. Bring gloves if it’s cool—they help with the luge handles. Take the walking track down from the restaurant, it’s a steep decline but a stunning walk through a very old forest with great views on the way down.
Day 8: Flexi Travel Day + Hidden Gems
Morning: Free time to revisit favourites, or explore Queenstown Gardens and playgrounds.
Optional: Try Fear Factory (if your kids are brave—ours bailed twice!).
Lunch: Something light before departure.
Afternoon: Pack up, grab final souvenirs or snacks, and prepare for your flight out.
FAQs
Is Queenstown good for families? Yes, because there are so many activities you can do with your kids, it’s very safe, not heavily touristed, affordable and it’s easy to get around. As long as your kids are old enough to ride a bike or ski, you will have plenty to do.
What do I need to pack for a family trip to Queenstown? Layers! Even in spring and autumn. Gloves, especially for luge and early ski mornings, first-aid kit and any travel medications, daypack with sunscreen, hats, and extra socks (trust me!). Swimmers (lots of Airbnbs have hot tubs).
Where to eat in Queenstown with kids? There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants to eat at… We loved Madam Woo, White & Wongs, Devil Burger, and Soki Sushi Train – where the dishes arrive to you via a small train on a sushi train track.
What is the best time to visit Queenstown with kids? The best time to visit Queenstown with kids depends on your family’s interests. For skiing, July to early September offers the best snow, though September can be hit or miss. For stunning scenery and mild weather, April is ideal—autumn colours peak then, and it’s still warm enough for outdoor adventures like campervan trips. Both seasons are great, but April is especially beautiful for non-ski trips.
Would you recommend Queenstown or Wanaka for families? Queenstown definitely has more activities, restaurants and shops and is easier to get to from the airport. Wanaka is smaller, and would be a great option if you were on a ski holiday and wanted to ski Cardona mountain.
Wanaka is about a one hour drive from Queenstown airport. Locals described Wanaka as ‘Queenstown 20 years ago’- as it’s slightly less developed, less touristed but has a wonderful lake view, good selection of retail shops, cafes and restaurants with a more laid-back care-free vibe.
Where do you recommend families stay in Queenstown? I recommend staying in AirBnBs in NZ, there is a great selection of beautifully furnished properties in and around Queenstown. We stayed 4 nights in Queenstown, 3 nights in Arrowtown and 2 nights in Wanaka – all in AirBnBs. We also had a night in the Holiday Inn – which was a very 3 star experience compared to the AirBnBs.
Enjoy your trip to Queenstown, and make those lifelong memories! Have more questions? Reach out to us on Instagram.
