Conquering Queenstown (Stunning Place) with Tiny Travellers
Before we left, I was mentally preparing for all the usual travel hurdles with small kids – the endless snacks, the "are we there yet?" chorus, and the inevitable meltdown or two. But the thought of those majestic mountains and the sheer joy on their little faces made it all worth it.
Queenstown truly delivered on its promise of being surprisingly family-friendly. Our days were packed with adventures that kept everyone happy without any major dramas. The Skyline Gondola was a massive hit; the kids were absolutely mesmerised by the breathtaking views as we ascended, pointing out "big mountains" and "tiny cars" below. We raced fast down the speedy luge (which Dad and Lola won the race!).
Lakeside Fun and Garden Rambles
Another highlight was our gentle cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the Spirit of Queenstown. It was incredibly relaxing, and the kids loved spotting ducks on the water and pointing out the sheep grazing on the distant shores. It was a perfect way to soak in the beauty of the lake without any frantic running around.
We also spent a good amount of time exploring the Queenstown Gardens. It was fantastic to have such a wide-open space for them to run wild and burn off that endless toddler energy. The playground was a huge hit, and we even had some fun feeding the ducks by the pond.
A Magical Moment at Ayrburn's Winter Wonderland
One of the absolute highlights, and something I wasn't entirely sure how it would go with a two and four year-old, was our visit to the Winter Wonderland at Ayrburn. It was a truly magical experience! While my two-year-old was a little too young to hit the ice (Ayrburn recommends kids be 3 and over for skating, and helmets are compulsory for under 6s!), my four-year-old absolutely loved whizzing around on the ice rink with a little skate aid. The festive atmosphere, complete with dazzling lights and the crisp winter air, really made it feel like a mini European Christmas. Even for the little one, just watching the skaters and taking in the "Christmas" decorations was enchanting, and we warmed up with delicious hot chocolates afterwards.
Top Tips for Fellow Mummy Travellers
Looking back, my Queenstown "must-do" list (with small kids in tow) definitely proved its worth:
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Skyline Gondola: Essential for those unforgettable views.
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TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruise: A wonderfully calm and scenic experience.
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Queenstown Gardens: Perfect for free play and fresh air.
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Easy, stroller-friendly walks: We found plenty of gentle paths to just wander and take everything in without aiming for any major hikes.
So, for any fellow mummies out there contemplating a trip to Queenstown with little ones, I can confidently say, go for it! We made incredible memories, one snack break at a time.