It’s family fun-time in New Zealand and Australia right now, so families are cruising around New Zealand looking for things that can entertain the whole family without necessarily ‘breaking the bank’. So to that end, we thought we’d put together a few ideas that can keep the kids busy as well as something the parents can enjoy, all without putting too much stress on the purse-strings after the silly-season.
Disc golf in the gardens – FREE – this is a great option on a Sunny day (or just about any day for that matter). We provide our guests frisbee’s free-of-charge – another reason to stay with us 😉 – and you can go enjoy a walk around the beautiful Queenstown Garden’s while playing a friendly (or competitive) game of disc golf. Played just like normal golf but with discs instead, great to keep the whole family entertained. Pro-tip: take a picnic with a cheeky bottle of wine for the parents and stop halfway around for lunch in the rose gardens.
Minus5 Icebar – $85 for 2 adults, 2 kids – Located just across Earnslaw Park from us in Steamer’s Wharf, Minus5 is a bar made completely of ice – even the glasses you drink out of are actually made of the stuff. For the price you get your entry, warm jackets and gloves to wear, and cocktails for the parents + mocktails for the little ones. They have epic ice-sculptures to interact with, a great way to entertain the whole family for about 30min (as that’s all you’ll be able to cope with in the temperature).
Fear Factory – $35 for adults, $20 for kids – Straight out the front of the hostel just across the road, this one is not for the faint of heart! Whilst it is seriously scary – that’s obviously the idea – if it gets too much for anyone in the family you can ‘chicken’ out and get pulled out of the maze (currently about 15,000 people have already done so). Just keep in mind that it’s all not real, and you’ll be fine. Pro-tip: keep the kids in the middle between the parents and they’ll feel a little safer, maybe not for the really young though!
Jetboating with Skippers Canyon Jet – $310 for 2 adults and 1 child – We think Skippers Canyon Jet is the best value jetboat in town. Operating in the Skippers Canyon, the road in is 1 of 2 in New Zealand that if you were to drive your own vehicle on it, your insurance would be null and void! The 4WD into the Canyon is half of the experience, then you get to enjoy 30min on the Jetboat before heading back up the road and into town, so essentially 2 experiences for the price of one. Operates 3 times per day in Summer, so make sure to book as early as possible to avoid missing out!
Kiwi Birdlife Park: Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, the Kiwi Birdlife Park offers a unique opportunity to see New Zealand’s iconic kiwi bird up close. This 5-acre sanctuary is home to over 20 species of native wildlife, including tuataras and native parrots. The park also runs daily conservation shows and kiwi feedings, providing an educational and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. It’s an ideal family-friendly activity that combines fun with learning about New Zealand’s rich wildlife heritage.
Walk up Skyline Gondola via the Tiki Trail or Queenstown Hill – FREE – It would be rude to come to Queenstown and not do at least a small hike of some sort. Queenstown Hill takes around 2.5-3hrs return, but it’s not a very difficult hike in the scheme of things. Takes you to an alternative view over Queenstown Bay that you can only get if you do this hike. Alternatively, hike the Tiki Trail to the top of Skyline Gondola (and beyond if you like), and watch the mountainbikers rip down trails and zipliners cruise the tops of the trees. Slightly more difficult walk as you gain elevation quicker. Both options give you stunning views. Pro-tip: Take snacks or a picnic for Queenstown Hill, or enjoy the cafe at the top of the gondola if you choose the Tiki Trail.
There are many more options available in Queenstown than just the above though to keep the whole family entertained, so just come to the reception desk and we can give you many more options to fill your days. Just remember to book your accommodation well in advance for any School Holiday period, as it is a busier time in town and you’ll need to make sure you get your family room booked at the best located accommodation in town! 😉
#alwaysbookdirect
