7 Unforgettable Things To Do In Queenstown With Kids
- rowofthree
- Jun 13
- 5 min read
Queenstown is often called the adventure capital of New Zealand, and after visiting with our son, it’s easy to see why.
From helicopter flights over Milford Sound to high-speed jet boats, scenic cruises and historic gold-mining towns, Queenstown offers something for every family.
Not every activity was worth the money, though.
These are the experiences we did, what we loved, and what we’d happily spend our money on again.
Our Rankings At A Glance
1. Fly To Milford Sound By Helicopter
If there is one experience I would recommend budgeting for, it’s this one.
Our helicopter flight to Milford Sound was nothing short of spectacular. Flying over Fiordland National Park gave us a perspective that simply isn’t possible from the road. We soared above dramatic mountain ranges, glaciers and alpine lakes before arriving at Milford Sound for our cruise.
After the flight, we boarded a cruise through Milford Sound, passing waterfalls including Bowen Falls, towering cliffs and dramatic mountain scenery as we explored one of New Zealand's most famous natural wonders.
The adventure didn’t end there. After the cruise, we returned to the helicopter for the flight back to Queenstown, stopping for a glacier landing along the way. Standing on the glacier surrounded by Fiordland’s rugged alpine landscape was an unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of our entire New Zealand trip.
The combination of helicopter flight, glacier landing and cruise made this one of the most memorable travel experiences we’ve ever had.
Yes, it’s expensive.
But unlike some activities where you wonder if the cost was justified afterwards, this was one of those experiences where we walked away feeling every dollar was worth it.
Would we do it again? Absolutely.
2. Ride The Shotover Jet
If you’re looking for pure adrenaline, the Shotover Jet is hard to beat.
The famous red jet boats race through the narrow Shotover River Canyons at speeds of up to 90km/h before spinning through their iconic 360-degree turns.
What makes this experience so special is the location. The canyon walls are incredibly close, making the speed feel even more dramatic as you race through sections of river that only Shotover Jet is permitted to access.
The ride itself isn't long, but unlike some adventure activities, it feels packed with action from beginning to end.
It was exciting, unique and one of our family’s favourite experiences in Queenstown.
Would we do it again? Without hesitation.
3. Go Off-Road With Nomad Safaris
This was one of the biggest surprises of our trip and ended up being one of our favourite family experiences in Queenstown.
The Nomad Safaris Skippers Canyon tour combines incredible scenery, fascinating local history and plenty of adventure.
The drive along Skippers Road is an experience on its own. Carved into steep cliff faces high above the Shotover River, it’s often considered one of the most scenic roads in the world.
Our son particularly loved the river crossings and the opportunity to try gold panning.
For families who enjoy a little adventure but don’t necessarily want extreme thrills, this is an excellent option.
Would we do it again? Absolutely.
4. Oxbow Adventure Co
Oxbow was probably the most difficult activity for us to rank.
The adrenaline factor is huge.
The jet sprint boats accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 2.5 seconds, throwing passengers around a purpose-built course with incredible speed and agility.
The off-road experience is equally exciting, with steep climbs, dramatic drops and angles that seem impossible.
The problem wasn’t the quality of the experiences.
The problem was value.
Both activities were over very quickly, and for a family paying for multiple tickets, we left feeling that the overall experience didn’t provide enough bang for your buck compared with some of Queenstown’s other premium attractions.
It was fun.
It was exciting.
But if we had to choose between Oxbow and Shotover Jet, we’d choose Shotover Jet every time.
Would we do it again? Probably not.
5. Take A Cruise To Walter Peak On The TSS Earnslaw
The cruise across Lake Whakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw was a highlight in itself.
Launched in 1912, the steamship is a living piece of New Zealand history. One of the most fascinating parts of the journey was visiting the open engine room and watching the coal stokers at work.
The views across Lake Whakatipu towards the surrounding mountains were stunning and the cruise felt like a genuine experience rather than simply a way to get from A to B.
Once at Walter Peak, we enjoyed the beautiful farm setting and the famous farm dog demonstration.
The buffet dinner, however, wasn’t our favourite part of the experience.
While the food selection was extensive, we found the dining room crowded and hectic. It felt more like moving through a busy resort buffet than the relaxed dining experience we were expecting.
For us, the cruise itself was the standout attraction.
Would we do it again? Yes, for the cruise. The buffet, probably not.
6. Ride The Skyline Gondola And Luge
No first visit to Queenstown feels complete without a trip up Bob’s Peak.
The Skyline Gondola climbs high above Queenstown, providing incredible views over Lake Whakatipu, The Remarkables and the surrounding mountains.
The luge tracks are fun for both kids and adults and the views from the top are worth seeing.
That said, if we were trying to reduce the overall cost of a Queenstown holiday, this is probably one of the experiences we’d be most willing to skip.
The views are fantastic and the luge is fun, but compared with experiences like Milford Sound, Shotover Jet or Nomad Safaris, it didn't leave the same lasting impression.
Would we do it again? Maybe.
7. Explore Beautiful Arrowtown
Not every memorable family activity needs to involve speed and adrenaline.
Arrowtown was one of the most beautiful places we visited during our trip.
We visited in autumn when the leaves had turned brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. Although autumn is considered shoulder season, we actually think it’s one of the best times to visit.
The tree-lined streets, historic buildings and relaxed atmosphere make Arrowtown feel completely different from Queenstown itself.
We spent our time browsing shops, wandering through town and enjoying lunch while soaking up the scenery.
If you’re travelling with kids, Arrowtown provides a perfect break from the bigger adventure activities.
Would we do it again? Definitely.
Our Verdict
If you’re visiting Queenstown with kids and trying to prioritise your budget, these would be our top picks:
Helicopter to Milford Sound and glacier landing
Nomad Safaris Skippers Canyon Tour
Queenstown is one of those rare destinations where adventure, scenery and family experiences come together perfectly.
If we were planning another trip tomorrow, we'd book the helicopter to Milford Sound again in a heartbeat. It was expensive, but it remains one of the most memorable family travel experiences we've ever had.
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