Looking for ways to keep the whole family entertained during your stay at The Glebe? Queenstown isn’t just the adventure capital for adults – it’s a magical playground for kids too! Here are our top 5 family activities that combine excitement, natural beauty, and unforgettable memories.
1. Skyline Gondola & Luge
A Bird’s Eye Adventure
Soar above Queenstown on the iconic Skyline Gondola, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, and Coronet Peak. But the real fun begins at the top – the Luge! With two tracks to choose from (scenic for beginners and advanced for thrill-seekers), families can race down the mountain on gravity-powered carts. The best part? Kids as young as six can drive their own luge, while younger ones can ride tandem with an adult.
Pro Tip: Book a package that includes multiple Luge rides – trust us, once is never enough!
2. TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour
History Meets Farm Fun
Step aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a historic steamship that’s been cruising Lake Wakatipu since 1912. The 45-minute cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm is an adventure in itself – kids love watching the steam engine in action through the viewing windows. At Walter Peak, families can experience:
- Sheep shearing demonstrations
- Working farm dog shows
- Animal feeding opportunities
- Delicious afternoon tea in a stunning colonial homestead
Perfect For: All ages, especially those interested in animals and New Zealand farm life.
3. Queenstown Gardens Adventure
Nature’s Playground
Just a 10-minute walk from The Glebe, the Queenstown Gardens offer year-round family entertainment:
- Frisbee golf course (discs available for rent)
- Duck feeding at the pond
- Ice skating in winter
- Tennis courts
- Beautiful walking trails
- Perfect picnic spots with lake views
Local Secret: The Gardens are especially magical during autumn when the leaves turn golden and create nature’s own light show.
4. Kiwi Birdlife Park
Meet New Zealand’s Native Stars
Located in the heart of Queenstown, this wildlife sanctuary offers an intimate encounter with New Zealand’s unique wildlife. Highlights include:
- Live kiwi feeding shows
- Conservation shows
- Native reptile displays
- Forest walk through native bush
- Interactive wildlife talks
Did You Know? The park’s kiwi breeding program has successfully hatched multiple chicks, contributing to the conservation of these endangered birds.
5. Queenstown Trail Bike Adventures
Family Wheels
The Queenstown Trail offers endless opportunities for family cycling adventures. With flat, easy sections perfect for little legs, you can explore:
- Historic Arrowtown
- Picturesque Lake Hayes
- Stunning Gibbston Valley
- Multiple ice cream stops along the way!
Bike hire companies offer children’s bikes, tag-alongs, and child seats for all ages. The trail can be done in small, manageable sections, making it perfect for a half-day or full-day adventure.
Our Recommendation: The Lake Hayes loop is particularly family-friendly, with plenty of rest stops and photo opportunities.
Planning Your Family Adventure
The Glebe can assist in organising any of these activities, including:
- Booking tickets
- Organizing transport
- Suggesting the best times to visit
- Recommending age-appropriate options
- Arranging picnic lunches
Remember to book popular activities in advance, especially during peak season (December-February and July-August).
Make The Glebe Your Family Base
With our spacious apartments offering full kitchen facilities, separate bedrooms, and a central location, The Glebe is the perfect base for your family adventure. After a day of activities, relax in your comfortable apartment while planning tomorrow’s excitement.
Book your family stay with us today and let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime!
