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Why Queenstown is Perfect for Families?

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world.

Which makes it an excellent spot for a family holiday. There’s so many new experiences to have with your kids.  From horseback riding and farm visits to lake travels and mountain biking. If you are looking to arrange the perfect family holiday in Queenstown, New Zealand, here are some popular family activities to incorporate into your holiday.

Activities for the whole family

  1. Take a ride on an authentic steamship

The TSS Earnslaw is an iconic feature of Queenstown. This vintage steamship more than 100 years old is the only hand fired steamship in operation in the entire southern hemisphere. Bring the whole family to cruise the lake and take in the gorgeous alpine scenery. Kids of all ages will enjoy seeing how the giant steam engines work before enjoying a snack from the on-board café. You can even have a sing along with the on-board pianist.

  1. Learn about sheep farming on a Walter Peak Farm Tour

For a memorable half road trip, why not add a visit to the Walter Peak High Country Farm to your TSS Earnslaw journey? New Zealand is renowned for its sheep. This experience enables you to see sheep shearing on a functioning working homestead.  Additionally, you can pick between afternoon tea and or a BBQ to keep everybody took fed and cheerful.

  1. See the “8th wonder of the world”

New Zealand is no stranger to the beauty of nature, and Milford Sound is a special case. Frequently mentioned as the eighth wonder of the world, Milford Sound is home to  mountains, falling cascades and a bounty of natural life. There are an assortment of encounters at Milford Sound, including nature travels, short-term travels and kayaking.

  1. Go horseback riding in the mountains

Want an authentic New Zealand backcountry experience? Take the family on a horseback riding journey across Walter Peak ranch. In the wake of taking the TSS Earnslaw across the lake, you’ll meet your local escort at the ranch and head off on a pony ride through moving high nation slopes with stunning views on the lake and encompassing mountains. At just six individuals for every ride, it’s the ideal family action in Queenstown.

  1. Go for an exhilarating jetboat ride

One of the best things to do in Queenstown with kids is going on a jetboat around the lake. You will race around Lake Wakatipu, turning in full 360-degree circles. Getting started with 820 pull, the jetboat can go as much as 90 kilometers each hour. This exhilarating outing is the ideal taste of what the experience capital of the world brings to the table.

6.Kayak or paddleboard on Lake Wakatipu

On a gorgeous, calm day in Queenstown, there’s nothing better than enjoying the natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings. Take the family for a day kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or even paddle boating.

  1. Go ice skating

Ice skating is a fitting action for youngsters in Queenstown Strategically placed right close to town by the nurseries, the Queenstown Ice Arena offers public skating meetings and rental equipment. Partake in a cup of hot cocoa by the fire while the children go out and skate or go along with them on the ice for quality family time.

  1. Spot a kiwi in real life

You have probably heard about the famous kiwi bird. If you haven’t, the kiwi is a flightless bird and also happens to be New Zealand’s beloved national bird. However, there aren’t too many left in the world, and because they’re nocturnal, they are very difficult to spot in the wild. Take the family to the Kiwi Birdlife Park to see this special creature and understand the preservation endeavors being made to support this endangered species

  1. Talk a easy stroll through nature

No matter the season, you can enjoy an easy hike in the Queenstown area. Some of the best family-friendly walks include a stroll through Queenstown Gardens, a walk-up Queenstown Hill and a jaunt around Bob’s Cove. Pack a lunch and enjoy the views of mountains, lakes and stunning natural scenery.

Where to Eat

Breakfast:

A Queenstown breakfast will set you up for your day’s adventure.

Of course we are going to recommend our very own Giants.  Kids under 12 go free.

 

Lunch:

Fergburger is a hit with families who visit New Zealand. However, if you have seen this local hotspot on too many travel guides, we have plenty of other great takeaway lunch spots to visit. Head to Earnslaw Park where you can sit on the steps leading into the lake and the kids can feed the ducks.  This is a great way to go if you’re all eating from different outlets.  Or simply lounge on the main beach next to the best adventure playground. Here, you will also find a cafe right next door if you want to relax while the kids play.

 

Dinner:

Queenstown is known for its assorted population and cosmopolitan energy. This is reflected in the mixed scope of cafés. Ethnic options include Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Italian, Mexican and South American restaurants.

Bars and pubs can also work for kids as Queenstown’s bars, often have a children’s menu, a lot of room and additional items like toys or colouring sheets for youngsters. Popular kid friendly pubs are Pub on Wharf or World Bar. World Bar additionally has the an excellent plant-based menu.

 

Sweets:

If you have a sweet tooth, you have come to the right place. From the huge shakes and doughnuts at Balls and Bangles to the best chocolate and sweets at Patagonia Chocolatery, you will find a sugar treat.  Overwhelming frozen yogurts can be found at Mrs. Ferg Gelateria or Patagonia while the bread shops and bistros have made it their goal to entice you with sweet and imaginative items. In Arrowtown and in Queenstown an absolute necessity visit with kids is The Remarkable Sweet Shop, reminding us of past times and with free fudge tasting.

 

Where to Stay

If you are looking for the perfect place to stay with the whole family, consider the Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park. With a variety of dining options, hotel amenities, events and spectacular location, the Holiday Inn is perfect for the entire family.

In addition to this, Kids ages 12 and under stay for free when sharing their parents’ room. With that being said, up to four kids ages 12 and under can also eat free any time of the day in any Holiday Inn Giants Restaurant. Make yourself at home in spaces that invite you to interact, play and connect with your entire family. Last but not least, we also offer a wide range of food and drink options that are available from our restaurant, bar and cafe.

 

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