Queenstown with Kids

Queenstown is more than just a winter destination. With the warmer weather the days grow longer and rivers flow higher. Queenstown has an impressive range of activities on offer for families of all ages. Your days will be jam packed with so many adventures to experience, from hiking, to biking, boating and many more.

Hoping to hit the slopes but want to dodge the masses? Early springtime is the perfect time to do so. Like winter, there will be snow on the mountains for ski and snowboarding fun, but the chaotic crowds will be long gone.

Jet Boating - be mindful that the rules can change however generally kids 100cm (1m) or taller can go jet boating, so depending on how tall your little one they could be cruising with you from aged four. You can get a family pass for around $345, which covers 2 adults and 2 kids. This truly is a once in a lifetime experience and Shot Over Jet is the only company allowed to operate in the Shotover River Canyons. Boats depart every 15 minutes and you will be on the water for 25 minutes.

River Rafting  - As winter melts into spring, the rivers are on the rise in Queenstown, making it the perfect time of year to tackle the rapids with your family. There are plenty of rafting activities available in the area to suit all levels and ages. Family Adventures offer fantastic river rafting activities to suit all levels and ages, including small children. The tour begins at the famous location known to Lord of the Rings fans as ‘The Ford of Bruinen’, and navigates down the Upper Shotover River through gentle grade two rapids. The adventure journeys past sheer canyon walls, gold mining relics and that jaw-dropping scenery which drew you to the region in the first place.

Zip Lining - Want to experience an epic eco-adventure that feels like flying? ZipTrek offers sensational zip lining tours that not only glide atop of the Queenstown canopy, but also educate the family on the natural environment and the importance of preserving it. It’s adrenaline and awareness rolled into one! The ‘Moa’ Tour is a four line guided aerial tour that’s fit for all ages. The tour starts slowly and builds in height and speed to its tallest tree house standing at an incredible eight storeys high. If there are any Tarzan fans in the family, then zip lining in Queenstown will surely be a hit!

Segway - Queenstown is home to many extreme activities, yet there are still plenty of adventures on offer for those less eager to push the adrenaline button. A Segway tour is one alternative, presenting as a truly unique way to explore this magical town and still leave everyone smiling. Segway on Q offers a fantastic two-hour tour that zooms through the heart of Queenstown, beside the bay, up the hillside and through the beautiful gardens, which will be bursting full of colourful blooms and lush greenery in the springtime.

Eating with Kids in Queenstown - as parents we all know the golden rules to eating out with kids: 1) fast service 2) entertainment 3) reasonably healthy. Queenstown has a number of great options and our favourites are the ones you can take away to eat by the lake or back to your apartment where the kids can run around. Pedro's House of Lamb is incredible if you like lamb, they do a whole lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic served with scalloped potatos the only option is to takeaway so this is a perfect to take back to your Oaks apartment. Erik's Fish & Chips is another take away favourite, located near to the lake so you can grab your meal and eat alfresco while the kids roll in the grass. Minami Jujisei Japanese Restaurant for the sushi roll loving kids the $10 kids menu will keep them full and happy and the experience is part of the fun. 

Oaks Club and Oaks Shores have Hotel Rooms plus 1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedroom Apartments available. Oaks Shores has been beautifully refurbished and has an onsite restaurant. Oaks Club is right next door and both have the most incredible views in Queenstown. Prices start from $159* per night depending on the season and availability.