Top 5 Budget-Friendly Family Activities in Queenstown

Looking for ways to enjoy Queenstown with your family without spending a fortune? This beautiful lakeside town offers plenty of affordable adventures that will keep both parents and children smiling. Here’s our guide to the best budget-friendly family activities in Queenstown, plus a weekend road trip plan that won’t empty your wallet.

Contents

1. Lake Wakatipu Picnic and Play
2. Queenstown Gardens Nature Trail
3. Moke Lake Adventures
4. Arrowtown Gold Panning
5. Stargazing at Lake Hayes
6. Weekend Family Road Trip Plan
○ Day 1
○ Day 2
7. Car Rental Tips for Families
8. Money-Saving Tips

Reading time: 5 minutes

1. Lake Wakatipu Picnic and Play

Pack some sandwiches and head to the shores of Lake Wakatipu for a perfect family day out. The lakefront gardens provide an excellent spot for children to run about while parents take in the mountain views. The well-maintained playground near the beach gives little ones a chance to burn off energy, and the calm waters are perfect for stone skipping contests.
Cost: Free (just bring your own food)
Best time: Morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun hours

2. Queenstown Gardens Nature Trail

Take a gentle walk through the beautiful Queenstown Gardens. This free attraction offers plenty to keep children engaged – from duck feeding (bring proper bird food) to finding hidden corners perfect for playing hide and seek. The gardens also feature a disc golf course where families can enjoy a round together.
Cost: Free
Best time: Any time of day, particularly lovely in autumn

3. Moke Lake Adventures

A short drive from town, Moke Lake is a true hidden gem that’s perfect for families seeking outdoor fun without the price tag. The flat 2.5-hour walking track around the lake suits all ages, making it an ideal spot for a family ramble. The path offers stunning reflections of surrounding mountains in the lake’s mirror-like surface, and there are plenty of perfect picnic spots along the way.
Little ones will love spotting local wildlife – keep your eyes peeled for paradise shelducks waddling near the water’s edge and fantails flitting between the trees. Pack a camera, as the
lake provides countless photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset when the mountains cast beautiful shadows on the water.
Cost: Small parking fee
Best time: Early morning for fishing, midday for walking

4. Arrowtown Gold Panning

Take a trip to historic Arrowtown where children can try their luck at gold panning in the Arrow River. Local shops rent pans for a small fee, and the thrill of possibly finding gold flakes keeps young prospectors engaged for hours. The Chinese Settlement walks are free and offer fascinating insights into local history.
Cost: Small fee for pan rental
Best time: Mid-morning when the water’s warmed up a bit

5. Stargazing at Lake Hayes

Make the most of Queenstown’s clear night skies with some family stargazing. Lake Hayes provides an excellent spot away from bright lights, where you can spread out blankets and watch for shooting stars. Bring hot chocolate in thermoses and turn it into a magical evening picnic. Learn more about our southern night sky at Dark Sky Project.
Cost: Free
Best time: Clear nights, preferably during new moon

Weekend Family Road Trip Plan

Day 1:

● Morning: Pick up your rental car – consider Discount Rentals for family-sized vehicles at good rates
● Late morning: Drive to Lake Hayes for a lakeside walk and picnic
● Afternoon: Visit Arrowtown for gold panning
● Evening: Return to Queenstown for dinner

Day 2:

● Morning: Pack breakfast and head to Moke Lake
● Midday: Walking around the lake
● Afternoon: Drive back via Queenstown Gardens
● Evening: Stargazing session

Car Rental Tips for Families:

● Book a vehicle with enough boot space for picnic gear and children’s equipment
● Request child seats when booking if needed
● Consider a mid-sized SUV for better access to spots like Moke Lake
● Look for rentals that offer unlimited kilometres for flexibility
● Book ahead during school holidays for better rates

Money-Saving Tips:

● Buy groceries from local supermarkets rather than tourist shops
● Pack reusable water bottles and snacks for day trips
● Look for accommodation with kitchen facilities to save on dining out
● Visit during shoulder season (autumn or spring) for better deals
● Check local community notice boards for free events

Remember that some of the best family memories come from simple pleasures – skipping stones on the lake, counting stars together, or sharing stories over a picnic lunch. Queenstown’s natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for these precious moments, proving that making lasting family memories doesn’t require spending lots of money.
By planning ahead and focusing on these budget-friendly activities, you can create an amazing family holiday in Queenstown without worrying about costs. The key is to embrace the outdoor adventures and natural wonders that make this region special.
Happy exploring!