New Zealand for Kids

Discover the beauty of Lake Wakatipu onboard the Spirit of Queenstown. The cruise travels around the lake throughout the day stopping at various points of interest and dropping guests off for excursions. Onboard, guest will find light snacks, beverages and a number of photo opportunities.

One of the best ways to see the lake is to kayak around it. Guides are available to take families out for one- to two-hour paddling sessions in mornings or afternoons. Tours provide refreshments and all the gear you need, including wetsuits, spray jackets and life vests.

Combine your journey onboard the aforementioned Spirit of Queenstown with a stop at Mount Nicholas Farm. Meet the sheep who provide the wool for New Zealand's famous Icebreaker clothing line and get a glimpse into their life on the farm-from shearing to grazing and feedings. It's an up-close, hands-on experience that's perfect for kids of all ages.

If you find the beautiful blue hues of this river vaguely familiar, it shouldn't come as a surprise to learn it was used in the filming of "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring."

In real life, families can gear up for a wild ride on the rapids along the Shotover, which offers mild Class II and III waters for an exhilarating journey. The truly adventurous can jump out for a swim along the way.

Riding the Skyline Gondola up to the top of Bob's Peak might seem like a tame afternoon activity, but luging down is where the fun really starts. The quiet ride takes visitors to the top of the mountain where visitors will find numerous activities-chief among them, the luge. Kids can ride for hours, so make sure you just purchase more than one or two rides.

There's also dining, mountain biking, hiking and stargazing, too.

Jet boat rides are everywhere in New Zealand. The high-paced thrills are definitely a must, and choosing one on the Shotover River is one of the most scenic spots you can select.

Take a step back into a bygone era with a visit to historic Arrowtown. Just a short 20-minute drive from Queenstown, the old mining hamlet is located on the banks of the Arrow River. There are great eateries, the fantastic Lakes District Museum and a number of walking tracks that make it an ideal destination for a morning or afternoon excursion.

There are so many restaurants in Queenstown from which to choose. You are not going to run out of kid-friendly options, but Bazaar at the QT Queenstown is truly a treat for kids and adults alike.

Choose from a range of options that include Asian flavors, fine cuts of meat, street-style cuisine and family favorites. Meals are made-to-order to each guest's specifications. Be sure to save room for dessert because the kids will love the sundae bar.

A stroll through Queenstown Gardens is one way to burn off the calories from the delicious desserts at Bazaar. The Gardens are located in the heart of town, and following the path leads visitors around the shores of Lake Wakatipu. It's a good place for a picnic, a beach day or just a casual afternoon walk to burn off some energy.

It may seem odd to recommend a bar to families, but the Minus 5 Ice Bar is a definite must because of its unforgettable premise.

All the gear you need to survive the freezing temperatures is provided in adult and kid sizes, and guests take turns entering the bar for 30 minutes at a time-just long enough to sip a custom cocktail or mocktails for the little ones.