Festival of Colour

About

The Festival of Colour transforms Queenstown into a vibrant celebration of autumn's changing landscapes with art installations, cultural performances, live music, and family-friendly activities spread throughout the stunning lakeside town. This multi-day festival coincides with the spectacular golden hues of autumn foliage, creating a magical backdrop for families to explore creativity, nature, and entertainment together. It's an excellent opportunity for kids to experience New Zealand's cultural diversity while enjoying outdoor activities in one of the world's most beautiful settings.

What to Expect

Families can expect a lively, multi-venue festival atmosphere with outdoor art installations, street performances, live music stages, children's workshops, and interactive activities scattered throughout Queenstown's CBD and lakeside areas. The festival typically includes family zones with craft activities, face painting, storytelling sessions, and cultural performances that engage children of all ages. With the backdrop of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range ablaze in autumn colors, the entire town becomes an open-air gallery where families can wander freely between events, many of which are free to attend. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with locals and international visitors mingling to celebrate the season.

Highlights for Kids

• Interactive art installations throughout the Queenstown Gardens that children can touch, climb on, and explore
• Face painting and craft workshops where kids create their own festival-themed artwork to take home
• Free outdoor concerts with family-friendly music and entertainment on the lakefront
• Cultural performances showcasing Māori traditions and Pacific Island dances that captivate children
• The stunning autumn scenery itself—golden trees reflected in Lake Wakatipu create a natural wonderland for kids to explore

Pro Tips for Families

1. Download the festival program in advance as events are spread across multiple venues—plan your route to hit the most kid-friendly activities and build in buffer time for spontaneous discoveries
2. Book accommodation well ahead as Queenstown fills up quickly during festival season; consider staying slightly outside the CBD for better value and easier parking access
3. Pack layers and rain gear—autumn weather in Queenstown can change rapidly, and many festival activities are outdoors, so dress kids in warm, waterproof clothing
4. International visitors should exchange currency before arriving as some small vendors may be cash-only; also note that March-April is shoulder season, offering better deals than peak summer or ski season

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings and early afternoons are less crowded, making them ideal for families with younger children who need space and shorter queues. Weekend afternoons offer the liveliest atmosphere with more performances and activities, but expect larger crowds. If visiting multiple days, start with a quieter weekday to familiarize yourselves with venue locations, then return on the weekend for the main events. Late afternoons during the festival provide stunning golden-hour light for photos with the autumn foliage.

Food & Drinks

The festival features numerous food stalls and vendors offering international cuisine, local New Zealand fare, and kid-friendly options like meat pies, fish and chips, and fresh fruit. Queenstown's many cafes and restaurants remain open during the festival, with most offering children's menus and high chairs. Pack snacks and water bottles for younger children as prices at festival vendors can be tourist-oriented. International visitors should note that New Zealand tap water is safe to drink, and many venues have water refill stations. Dietary requirements are generally well-catered for, with vegetarian and gluten-free options widely available.

Parking & Access

Queenstown CBD parking is limited and can be expensive during the festival (NZ$2-4 per hour). Consider using the free Park and Ride service from Queenstown Events Centre or Frankton if available, or park in residential areas slightly outside the CBD and walk in (10-15 minutes). Many festival venues are within walking distance of each other along the lakefront and through the town center, making the event highly walkable. Stroller accessibility is generally good on main pathways and streets, though the Queenstown Gardens have some gravel paths that may be bumpy. International visitors can use ride-share apps or local taxi services, and many hotels offer shuttle services to festival venues.