Queenstown is a fantastic destination for a family holiday at any time of the year, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and stunning scenery.
Each season has its own appeal. Visit in spring and you will catch the end of the ski and snowboarding season, when the days are warmer, the snow is softer, and the mountains less busy. Take advantage of the ski areas' special spring deals.
If you'd like your own transport, use our rental car booking tool to compare companies and hire the vehicle best suited to your needs and budget. Many rental car agencies have service desks in the Queenstown Airport terminal, and others are based nearby, making it easy to fly into Queenstown, rent a vehicle, and drive away.
When you need a break from the ski slopes, explore Queenstown itself. It's the starting point for an astonishing range of activities, from luge rides and boat trips to bungy jumps and ziplining.
However, you don't need to spend a lot to have fun in this town.
Sample the fabulous fudge at the Remarkable Sweet Shop in Beach Street, or cook lunch on the public barbecues at St Omer's Park.
Take a stroll along the waterfront, then stop for a hot chocolate or New Zealand's most delicious ice cream at Patagonia Chocolates at the end of the Mall.
Get your timing right and you can watch the TSS Earnslaw setting off across Lake Whakatipu. Launched in 1912, the vintage steamship is one of New Zealand's oldest tourist attractions.
Continue to the end of Queenstown Bay and you will find the historic Coronation Bathhouse, which was built to mark King George V's ascent to the throne, and now houses a cafe and bar. Beside it is a great playground for children of all ages.
From there it is an easy walk to the Queenstown Gardens, where you can play frisbee golf. Discs may be hired at the Queenstown Ice Arena, which also offers ice bumper cars and ice skating.
The gardens are also a great place for an easy lakeside bike ride. All sorts of bikes are available to hire here, but if you'd like to bring your own, check out our guide to flying with a bike.
If you'd like a more challenging two-wheeled adventure, you will be spoilt for choice. You'll find some suggestions to get you started here.
The Queenstown Trail will take you to Frankton, where you could stop at Alpine Aqualand for a swim or at the Frankton Golf Centre for a hit at the driving range or a family round of golf.
If your children are older, and up for a hike, tackle the Queenstown Hill Time Walk. Information panels along the way detail this area's history, and the view from the top is spectacular. You can even watch planes taking off from Queenstown Airport!
Whatever you choose to do, you are sure to create memories that last a lifetime.
