Listly by Joanna James
A gorgeous alpine playground sporting the world's most spectacular backdrops for adrenaline-fuelled escapades, Queenstown is the ideal destination for kids and grown-ups alike. Here are some must-try youthful adventures in this festive winter wonderland.
This magical ski-perfect southern haven is iconic for its sensational experiences for every brand of wanderlust, and minors are no exception! From trampoline parks affording limitless gymnastics and thrilling VR-powered Escape Rooms to lakeside farm tours and exhilarating ice hockey games, there's plenty to fill up your Queensland family itinerary.
Whizzing you 450m metres high in 5 minutes, the Skyline Gondola will place you on Bob's Peak, where a cloudless day yields dazzling views of the picturesque fairytale town and its jewel-toned lake guarded by The Remarkables snow-capped mountain range. You can zoom 800 metres downhill in purpose-built carts at Skyline Luge with its tailor-made tracks to exhilarate all ages with all the twists, dippers, and tunnels you could desire!
For a (literally) breathtaking medley of jaw-dropping Gibbston Valley vistas and an adrenaline-rich speed of 60 kph, the Kawarau Zipride is your family-oriented solution, allowing children from eight years of age to ride tandem with adults, while over fourteen-year-olds can ride solo.
A hidden gem in Queenstown's mesmerising inner-city enclaves, you and your kids can enjoy a beautiful intimate edutainment escape in harmonious 5-acre parkland with over 100 species of native birds and reptiles.
While jet-spinning up the Dart River and picnicking by forest-clad chasms are great starts to enjoying Queensland's dramatically lovely wilderness, if you're a winter traveller, you can't leave without trying out this region's chief active diversion-skiing! There are plenty of ski fields suitable for the entire family, such as The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, which are equipped with top-notch gear, ski schools, kids clubs, and snow sports training centres. If you're hunting for the best ski resort in Queenstown with avant-garde amenities for character-enriching productivity, venture no further than Oaks Queenstown Club Suites.
For a more serene and intimate interaction with the enchanting Queenstown precincts, hop on board the historic coal-powered TSS Earnslaw and cruise along the postcard-perfect Lake Wakatipu, stopping at the Walter Peak High Country Farm. Here, your kids have free reign to be as curious and free-spirited as they please, from feeding friendly buffalos and observing the shearing process to an amphitheatre show put on by farmers and their smart sheepdogs. Afternoon tea is a delicious affair of homemade scones, sandwiches, cakes, and more!
If indoor fun is more your style, Queenstown doesn't disappoint. From Odyssey Sensory Maze with its illusory zones to navigate as a family to Thrillzone with its myriad of AI-powered challenges, there is no shortage of state-of-the-art activities to keep everyone on their toes.
After roaming through the storybook Queenstown gardens and shopping for handcrafted souvenirs at its artsy markets, try your luck with ice-skating at Queenstown Ice Arena. A fun and interactive learning experience is assured for the kids, who will be guided through the basic techniques and receive a badge as they level up on different skills.