Introducing guest blogger Delilah from Our Travel Mix
Being a Kiwi myself I may be biased, but Queenstown will always be one of my favourite places in the world. Located in the South of little New Zealand, Queenstown is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country. Towering glaciers, crystal blue lakes and dense forest run as far as the eye can see.
With these beautiful landscapes, comes many great outdoor activities, perfect for the adventure-seeking family. Read on to find out how to spend 24 hours in Queenstown with kids, from a local’s perspective.
This post is part of our Explore My City series – come and visit cities around the world through the eyes of locals
Grab a Coffee and Breakfast at The Bathhouse Cafe
Start your day off with a great coffee and breakfast. The Bathhouse Cafe is open from 9 am daily and is one of the best places to eat in Queenstown – it’s not every day you get to enjoy a coffee right at Lake Wakatipu.
The cafe has been opened since the early 20th Century which is apparent with its vintage and charming architecture. There is an indoor dining area, but I much prefer sitting on the chairs on the sand. Grab yourself some eggs and a coffee, and hot chocolates for the kids.
Build Sandcastles and Play on the Playground at Queenstown Beach
Once you’ve started your day with a hearty meal, the Queenstown Bay Beach is right on The Bathhouse Cafe’s doorstep. There are some great playgrounds nearby, a grass paddock perfect for tag or a game of football, and kids will love to make sandcastles at the beach.
In summer, it may even be warm enough to take a dip.
Take a Gondola Ride up Bob’s Peak
Taking a Gondola ride up Bob’s Peak is one of the most popular things to do in Queenstown, especially for families. The Gondola ride will take you over 400 metres in the air above Queenstown Town. The views are incredible.
For older, active kids, (or if you’re on a budget) consider adding the tiki trail up Bob’s Peak to your Queenstown Itinerary. If you’re interested in going for scenic walks, check out the Lake Sylvan Track, one of my favourite things to do in Glenorchy. This small town is located only an hour away from Queenstown which makes for a great day trip for locals and tourists alike.
Dine at the Market Kitchen Cafe
With all this adventuring, you’ll probably have built up an appetite for lunch. Right at the summit of Bob’s Peak is a restaurant, Stratosfere, and a cafe, Market Kitchen Cafe. This is the perfect spot for lunch with views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
They’ve got all sorts on offer including fish and the classic Kiwi pie. Grab a seat by the window and admire the view while you enjoy your lunch.
Take the Luge Ride Down Bob’s Peak
Get back down Bob’s Peak in style. The luge is such a fun-filled activity, no matter your age! There are two tracks available, one aimed more at beginners, and one for more advanced riders.
Younger children can ride in tandem, and the luge is super easy to operate, so children can easily ride. Just pull the handlebars back to accelerate, and push forwards slightly to brake.
Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand is a great place to take part in adventure activities, such as the luge. Its neighbouring town of Wanaka also has some great activities like skydiving, kayaking, and more.
Feed the Fish and Play Disc Golf at Queenstown Gardens
Queenstown has many picturesque areas within their township. The Queenstown Gardens are one of them.
The gardens are filled with deciduous trees, grassy plains, lakes, and cobblestone bridges. You can even walk down to the edge of Lake Wakatipu.
Pay a small donation for fish food and have some fun feeding fish by the lake. You can even hire frisbee discs and play disc golf using the goalposts around the gardens. It’s definitely a lot harder than it looks!
Watch the sunset at Queenstown Gardens
Sitting down by Lake Wakatipu at the edge of Queenstown Gardens is one of my favourite sunset spots in Queenstown. You’ll often see locals out for their after-work jog and couples picnicking for a date.
We love going down to Queenstown Gardens with a bottle of wine we picked up at a nearby winery and watching the sunset on a picnic bench.
Have Pizza for Dinner at Winnie’s
Go to Ice Bar for a Cocktail (or Mocktail for the Kids)
Minus 5º ICE BAR is such a fun experience for the family. Just turn up and you’ll get fitted in some toasty attire. They’ll provide fluffy jackets, ugg boots and gloves.
Adults can enjoy a cocktail or mocktail with their entry, and kids can enjoy their very own mocktail too.
Everything is made out of ice. This includes the bar, furniture, shot glasses and impressive ice sculptures.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this tour through Queenstown through the eyes of a local.
About the Blogger
Delilah Hart loves to travel. As she makes her way around the world, she documents her experiences in her travel blog. Follow her adventures on Instagram and Pinterest.
With thanks to Delilah for her contribution to our guest series. You may also like to read about a weekend in Christchurch with kids, learn how to hire a camper to explore the South Island, or visit the capital on the North Island, Wellington with Kids.
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