Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand. As well as being a mecca for snowboarders and skiers in winter, it is also a popular spot for adrenalin junkies seeking bungy jumping, jet boating, sky diving, the list goes on! But there is also plenty of more sedate fun to be had for those of us with toddlers, or those preferring a more relaxed holiday. One of Queenstown’s greatest assets is its stunning location. Set on the shores of pretty Lake Wakatipu. There are plenty of opportunities for relaxed walks, picnics, boat trips or simply sitting alfresco to enjoy coffee, a drink or meal with a stellar view.

CYCLING AROUND LAKE WAKATIPU
For a little bit of exercise and adventure that was family friendly we decided to spend a few hours taking a bike ride around the lakeside path. Despite the weather being very inclement the day we planned our cycle we decided to follow the Scandinavian rule of no bad weather, just bad clothing, and get kitted up ready for a cycle ride. We hired our bikes from Outside Sports, which was easy and convenient. They had the option of a bike with child’s seat or hiring a trailer and recommended the trailer for a more comfortable ride for our little one.

Don’t miss a stop at the beautiful Boatshed Cafe on the shores of the lake to enjoy the view, warm up, if you are outdoors on a chilly day like we were, and indulge in some of their delicious food. I can recommend the corn fritters and my toddler loved her fluffy (a kind of NZ version of a babycinno but usually with more froth, less milk, and often accompanied with a chocolate covered marshmellow! Hey, we were on holiday right?!).

GONDOLA TO BOB’S PEAK
Although it is a little on the pricey side (but what isn’t in New Zealand!) a trip on the Skyline Queenstown Gondola is well worth the money. It is the steepest cable care in the southern hemisphere and the view at the top is spectacular. You can see all the way to Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak, and over the whole of Queenstown.

Once at the top there is a great restaurant and bar that takes in the amazing view. You can ride the luge for a family-safe thrill or walk the Ben Lomond Track. Having a toddler in tow I set off on the track, but did not get too far. The views and tiny mountain details I saw though were well worth the effort.

Watching the sky divers glide gracefully down to earth, and staring as a storm rolled in over the landscape below, were two other highlights of trips to the top of the peak. And our toddler loved the thrill of seeing the view from the cable car and watching the luge riders speed down the mountainside track.

LAKESIDE PICNIC
There are lots of fabulous restaurants in Queenstown, with every cuisine you could think of catered for, but when travelling with a toddler in tow, often either the restaurants aren’t serving dinner at the time your little one wants to eat, or you would rather not face the prospect of dealing with a toddler at witching hour in an enclosed space! One beautiful evening we ordered takeaway from a great Mexican place opposite the docks (Coyote Grill) and had a picnic in the evening sunshine overlooking the lovely mountain view. Just keep an eye out for the hungry seagulls!

PLAYGROUND WITH A VIEW!
I often talk about the benefits of finding a playground when you are travelling with a little one in tow and letting them run off a bit of energy, have some kiddy fun, and perhaps meet some new friends. Sure it is not my first choice of travel activity, but it is always nice to see my toddler enjoying herself, and when the view from the playground is like this, and there are great options for takeaway coffee near by, what’s not to love!

WINE TASTING CENTRAL OTAGO
For some well deserved adult fun I can highly recommend taking the beautiful drive out to the Central Otago wine district to indulge in some wine tasting and a fancy meal if your budget and children allow! In our former life living in Adelaide, and before children, we were known to take our wine quite seriously. Taking regular trips to the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, and even going so far as getting married at D’Arenberg Winery in McLaren Vale. The wines of this region of southern New Zealand did not disappoint, with the pinot noir varieties being a favourite discovery. The wine district is easy to visit by car, or if you would prefer not to be designated driver there are lots of tour options leaving from Queenstown. For the extra energetic and adventurous there are lots of cycling tracks nearby if you’d prefer to ride between wineries.

We first visited Gibbston Valley Wines for a tasting of both their wines, and a visit to their lovely little cheese and local produce shop. The cellar door is a beautiful, heritage building with lots of big, leather lounge chairs and an open fire to relax in whilst you are indulging your inner wine critic!

Our second visit of the day was to Amisfield Winery. This is a lovely spot in an old stone building, with high ceilings and big windows to enjoy the view and some seriously good wines! We would have loved to stay for lunch at the well-renowned restaurant but unfortunately budget and toddler restrictions didn’t allow. Next time!

MOKE LAKE
A stunning nature paradise within around 20 minutes drive of Queenstown (although the roads are dirt some of the way which makes it a little more adventurous!). This spot feels like a remote wilderness and is very popular for hiking, cycling, horse riding and camping. Apparently fishing and even swimming are possible in the warmer months! We visited for just a few hours as we were waiting to pick up my husband’s running group, but if you pack and picnic and sit lakeside even a few hours is worth the effort. My daughter loved saying hello to the horses and picking wildflowers.