Fergbaker is a Queenstown institution that families adore for its enormous, fresh-baked pies, oversized cookies, and rich hot chocolates that warm you up after outdoor adventures. This bustling bakery on the main street offers quick, affordable treats that please even the pickiest eaters, with plenty of sweet and savory options to fuel a day exploring the Remarkables or Lake Wakatipu.
Early morning (7:30am-9am) or late afternoon (3pm-4pm) to beat the crowds. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends when both tourists and locals flock here for brunch treats.
Very budget-friendly with most items under NZD $10. The bakery is small with limited indoor seating, so plan for takeaway. Located on the pedestrian-friendly main street with no parking directly outside, but public parking available within a few blocks.
Open year-round, but expect larger crowds during ski season (June to September) and summer holidays (December to February). Perfect for warming up after winter snow activities or refueling during summer lake adventures.
Arrowtown is a delightful historic gold rush village just 20 minutes from Queenstown, offering families easy riverside walks, gold panning activities, and charming streets to explore. Kids love the old-world buildings, the Arrow River trail perfect for spotting fish and skipping stones, and the sense of adventure that comes with exploring a real 1860s settlement with restored miners' cottages and heritage sites.
Step aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a beautifully restored 1912 coal-fired steamship affectionately known as the 'Lady of the Lake,' for an unforgettable cruise across the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Wakatipu. Kids will be mesmerized watching the engine room in action with its gleaming brass and working pistons, while the whole family enjoys breathtaking views of Queenstown's dramatic mountain scenery. This authentic vintage experience combines history, engineering wonder, and natural beauty into one magical journey.
Sticky Fingers Trampoline Park is an indoor wonderland for bouncing, jumping, and burning off energy, rain or shine. With dedicated zones for different activities including dodgeball courts, foam pits, and multiple trampoline areas, this Queenstown attraction keeps kids active and entertained while parents can relax knowing their children are safe in a supervised environment.
Ben Lomond Track offers families multiple hiking options ranging from easy forest walks perfect for young children to challenging summit climbs for adventurous teens. The lower sections provide accessible nature experiences with stunning Lake Wakatipu views, while families can turn back at any point, making it flexible for different fitness levels and ages. The track showcases New Zealand's remarkable alpine scenery right from Queenstown's doorstep.