10 Beautiful Places Around Queenstown That Our Family Fell in Love With

10 Beautiful Places Around Queenstown That Our Family Fell in Love With

1. Seven Mile Point – A Hidden Gem on the Way to Glenorchy

Just a 10-minute drive from Queenstown, Seven Mile Point was never part of our original plan. It was around lunchtime, and on our way to Glenorchy, we decided to pull over at a small picnic area because we were absolutely starving. What we thought would be a quick lunch stop turned out to be one of our favourite discoveries around Queenstown.

As soon as we stepped out of the car, we were greeted by breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu with the majestic Remarkables mountain range standing proudly in the background. The lake was calm, the mountains were dusted with snow, and the whole place felt peaceful and untouched.

To make the moment even better, we enjoyed our favourite Fergburger while taking in the scenery. As we sat there, we spotted the iconic TSS Earnslaw gracefully cruising across the lake, adding even more charm to the already spectacular view. It felt like one of those simple travel moments that end up becoming the most memorable.

2. Glenorchy – The Iconic Red Boat Shed and Wharf

Just a 45-minute scenic drive from Queenstown, Glenorchy is one of those places that you simply cannot miss when exploring the area with your family.

As soon as we arrived, our kids headed straight to the lakeside, happily throwing rocks into the water. We then made our way to the iconic Glenorchy Wharf, where we took some time to sit, unwind, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and of course, take plenty of photos.

We also spent some time walking along the Glenorchy Lagoon Scenic Walkway. The 4.4 km track was easy enough for our 3-year-old boy to enjoy, with plenty of stops along the way. It took us about two hours to finish the walk, but we never felt rushed. Walking among the beautiful landscape, with the mountains, lagoon, and surrounding nature, made the experience even more special.

We ended our Glenorchy adventure at the famous red boat shed, one of the most photographed landmarks in the area. With the dramatic mountains and Lake Wakatipu as the backdrop, it was the perfect place to capture some family photos and finish what turned out to be a beautiful day.

3. Arrowtown – Autumn Colours, History and a Little Bit of Middle-earth

We visited Arrowtown during autumn, a 25-minute drive from Queenstown, and it was absolutely beautiful.

During this season, the trees transform the town into a sea of stunning golden yellow, orange, and red. The whole town has a character of its own, with its historic buildings and charming streets giving it the feeling of an old Western town straight out of a cowboy movie.

We started our visit at the Lakes District Museum and i-SITE, where we picked up a map of Arrowtown. Having the map made it much easier for us to find the different tourist spots and plan our walk around town.

One of the kids' favourite parts of the trip was definitely The Remarkable Sweet Shop. With all the colourful sweets and treats inside, it was an instant hit with the kids,and probably one of the easiest ways to keep them excited about exploring the town!

We also stopped to take some photos around the Chinese Goldminer's Village. To be completely honest, this was probably the part of Arrowtown we enjoyed the least. The area around the historic buildings had quite a few cars parked along the road, which took away a little from the old-town atmosphere. We felt it would have been even better if the street had been closed to vehicles, allowing visitors to experience the historic setting without modern traffic in the background.

We ended our Arrowtown adventure at the Ford of Bruinen, a Lord of the Rings filming location along the Arrow River. Being able to take family photos in a place connected to Middle-earth made the experience even more memorable. Even if you're not a Lord of the Rings fan, the surrounding river, trees, and mountains make it a beautiful place to explore.

4. Moke Lake – A Special Place for Our Family

Just a 15-minute drive from central Queenstown is Moke Lake, a beautiful and peaceful spot surrounded by mountains and open countryside.

Moke Lake is especially special to my wife and me because this is where we got married. Every time we visit Queenstown, we make sure to come back here. It holds so many beautiful memories for us, and returning with our family makes the place even more meaningful.

There is a campground right by the lake, making it a great option for families who want to spend more time surrounded by nature. If you're looking for somewhere peaceful to camp, away from the busyness of town, Moke Lake is definitely worth considering. On a clear night, you can also enjoy an incredible view of the stars above the lake and mountains.

For us, Moke Lake isn't just another scenic destination in Queenstown. It's a place filled with memories, and that's what makes it one of our favourite places to return to.

5. Lake Wakatipu – The Heart of Queenstown

Lake Wakatipu is right in the heart of central Queenstown, and one of our favourite things to do is simply walk along its beautiful waterfront. With the stunning Cecil Peak and Walter Peak rising across the lake, the views are incredible from almost every direction.

For our family, it is more than just enjoying the scenery. Our kids love throwing rocks into the water and watching the ducks along the shoreline, while we enjoy some of our favourite treats,a Fergburger and ice cream from Patagonia.

The Queenstown waterfront is also where the iconic TSS Earnslaw docks. Watching this historic steamship arrive and depart adds another special touch to an already beautiful part of town.

6.  Skyline Queenstown – Gondola Views and Family Fun

One of our favourite family experiences in Queenstown is visiting Skyline. Our kids especially love riding the Gondola, and the journey to the top is an experience in itself. As the Gondola climbs the mountain, we get incredible views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu below us. Because the cabins have large glass windows, you can also look down and appreciate the trees and landscape underneath.

One honest observation from us as tourists, though, is that it was a little sad to see parts of the mountain where the Gondola passes through have been cleared of trees. It made us think about one of the less positive effects that tourism and development can have on the natural environment. While we understand that development is part of growing a tourist destination, we also hope that protecting the beautiful natural surroundings remains a priority.

At the top of Skyline, there are restaurants and cafés where you can relax and enjoy the views, along with boutiques and souvenir shops. But for our family, one of the highlights was definitely the Luge. My toddler absolutely loved racing down the track and got surprisingly competitive about it! It was one of those activities that had all of us laughing and wanting to go again.

Skyline is a great combination of spectacular scenery and family-friendly activities, making it a place we would definitely recommend adding to your Queenstown itinerary.

7. Lake Marian Falls – A Short Walk to a Beautiful Waterfall

One of the clearest waters we saw during our trip was at Lake Marian. Even before reaching the falls, the scenery is beautiful. At the entrance to the track, you cross a hanging bridge, which was already an exciting little adventure for the kids.

The walk to the waterfalls takes only about 10 minutes, making it a great short walk for families with young children. Our toddlers were able to enjoy the walk, and there was plenty to see along the way.

If you're travelling with young kids, though, I would not recommend continuing all the way to Lake Marian itself. After the waterfalls, the track becomes steep and is classified as an advanced tramping track. The climb to Lake Marian takes around 1.5 hours, and DOC recommends it for experienced and well-prepared hikers.

Nonetheless, even though we weren't able to make it to the lake itself, we still thoroughly enjoyed the waterfalls and the incredibly clear stream. The kids had fun throwing rocks, talking with us, and simply listening to the sound of the flowing water. Sometimes, you don't need to complete the whole hike to enjoy what nature has to offer.

One important note for families: DOC warns that the water around Marian Creek is swift and the rocks are slippery. Keep children within arm's reach and stay on the track and away from the creek edge.

8. Bob's Cove – A Beautiful Family Walk by Lake Wakatipu

Bob's Cove is only about a 20-minute drive from central Queenstown, heading along the scenic Queenstown–Glenorchy Road. The walk is around 3 km return, and our 3-year-old son managed to enjoy it with us. DOC also describes Bob's Cove as a great option for kids.

One of the highlights for us was reaching the beautiful lakeside area, where we were surrounded by mountain views and the incredibly clear blue-green water of Lake Wakatipu. Once again, the kids found their own way to enjoy nature—they played with branches, threw rocks into the water, and simply explored their surroundings.

I always realise when we go on walks like this how truly beautiful New Zealand is. Moments like these remind me how lucky we are to be able to raise our kids surrounded by nature, giving them opportunities to explore, play, and enjoy the outdoors away from screens.

9. Milford Sound – A Place That Feels Like Another World

Milford Sound is one of the most magical places I have ever visited. The first time I saw it, I felt like I had stepped into a completely different world. We've been there twice now, first as a couple, and then again with our kids, and both visits were equally unforgettable.

Milford Sound is about a 4-hour drive from Queenstown, but the journey is just as spectacular as the destination. Every turn along the Milford Road offers breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and pristine rivers, making the drive an unforgettable part of the experience.

We also passed through the famous Homer Tunnel. It was crazy to imagine that people were able to dig a 1.27-kilometre tunnel straight through solid rock! It really made us appreciate what an incredible feat of human ingenuity and determination it was.

On both trips, we joined a cruise with RealNZ. One of the highlights was getting up close to the towering waterfalls that cascade down the cliffs. At one point, the captain jokingly told everyone to grab a cup so we could collect some fresh waterfall water. We thought we were just going to get close enough to fill our cups, but it turned out to be a clever trick. The captain steered the boat right underneath the waterfall, and everyone on deck got completely soaked! It was cold, wet, and absolutely hilarious. To this day, it's one of our favourite memories from Milford Sound.

After the cruise, we went for a short walk near the waterfront and discovered a swing with an incredible view of the fiord. It was the perfect spot to sit for a moment, take some family photos, and appreciate the breathtaking scenery around us.

One thing we quickly noticed, however, was the number of sandflies in the area. They seemed to be everywhere, so if you're planning a visit, make sure to bring insect repellent.

Even with the sandflies, Milford Sound remains one of the most spectacular places we've ever visited. The waterfalls, towering cliffs, misty mountains, and peaceful atmosphere make it a destination that truly lives up to its reputation.

10. Doubtful Sound – Milford Sound's Remote Cousin

If Milford Sound feels like stepping into another world, then Doubtful Sound feels even more remote and untouched. While the scenery is similar, with towering mountains, waterfalls, and deep fiords, Doubtful Sound offers a much quieter and less crowded experience.

Getting there is part of the adventure. Unlike Milford Sound, you can't simply drive to the fiord. Our journey started with a cruise across Lake Manapouri. Once we reached the other side, we boarded a bus that took us over the stunning Wilmot Pass, one of New Zealand's most remote roads. The drive takes about 45 minutes and offers spectacular views along the way. From there, we boarded another boat to begin our cruise through Doubtful Sound.

The extra travel time may seem like a lot, but it is well worth it. The journey itself feels like an expedition, and by the time you reach the fiord, you feel completely immersed in nature. The scale of the mountains, the stillness of the water, and the sense of isolation make Doubtful Sound feel truly special. Plus you get to see the most magical creature in the Fiord, the sealions!

One of the things we loved most was how peaceful it felt. There were fewer boats and fewer people compared to Milford Sound, allowing us to appreciate the scenery in a more relaxed way. It felt wild, untouched, and incredibly beautiful.

If you have already visited Milford Sound and are looking for a different Fiordland experience, Doubtful Sound is definitely worth considering. While it takes more effort to get there, the reward is an unforgettable journey through one of the most remote and pristine places in New Zealand.