School holidays are an exciting time in Queenstown. With kids off from school, it gives families an excuse to get out and have some fun. Queenstown is the perfect place to do that with a surplus of exciting things to do for the entire family.
No matter if you’re a local or a visitor to Queenstown, one thing is for sure, there is plenty going on in Queenstown over the school holidays. Here are just some of the best things to do in Queenstown over the school holidays (and many of them are FREE!)
1. Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise
Going for a cruise on Lake Wakatipu is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours while in Queenstown. From out on the water you are able to take in some extraordinary views and relax at the same time.
Kids on the scenic cruise can explore the boat going outside or upstairs in the fresh air. They can also join the skipper in the wheelhouse and even give him a hand steering the boat!
And the best part? During school holidays kids ride FREE on our Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise!
2. Visit Milford Sound
Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, and luckily, it isn’t too far from Queenstown. You can easily visit Milford Sound on a day trip from Queenstown.
On our Milford Sound Nature Cruise, the whole family will be able to enjoy some incredible views – but there is so much more to it than that! While on the cruise, you will have the opportunity to spot some of the famous Milford Sound wildlife. Some of the animals you can see are dolphins, penguins, seals and birds.
If you choose our Discover More Cruise, it includes a visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory which kids love! Here, they get to go under the water’s surface and watch all of the marine life in their natural habitat. Spotting different fish through the glass is always an activity kids of all ages enjoy.
During the school holidays, kids can join our Milford Sound Nature Cruise for FREE! Check out or website for more information or to book!
3. Kiwi Birdlife Park
If you didn’t get enough of wildlife in Milford Sound, then paying a visit to the Kiwi Birdlife Park in Queenstown is a great idea. Here, the whole family can see a variety of birds and wildlife including watching kiwi bird feedings!
The Kiwi Birdlife Park is open every day throughout the school holidays and they offer special family package rates.
4. Jet boating
Riding on a high-speed jet boat is one of those iconic things to do in Queenstown. Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand, so you might as well join in on the fun and have a thrilling ride for yourself on the world’s first commercial jet boat ride with KJet.
The great thing about jet boating is that although it is an adventure activity, it is suitable for all ages! Any children from the age of two are able to ride. It is an exciting family activity that offers an adrenaline-filled experience while showcasing some of the most beautiful places around Queenstown.
To top off your jet boat ride why don’t you journey through time and legend over many millions of years ago on Time Tripper. Click here for more information or to book your family on a jet boating ride!
5. Ski at The Remarkables
There’s not long left to get those few last turns in, and after a fresh dump of snow this week there’s no better time to enjoy some spring skiing at The Remarkables. With four chairlifts, a massive learner area and lots of skiing terain this is the perfect place to spend a day during school holidays. You can put kids from 5 years into lessons and mom and dad can hit the slopes. Once the legs have had enough, have some fun inthe snow with the kids in the designated toboggan area, a perfect activity for the whole family.
The school holidays in Queenstown are an exciting time for both kids and parents alike. At Southern Discoveries, we love the school holidays so much we that we are offering plenty of FREE activities for kids. Contact us for details and to book!
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