January 15, 2018
Queenstown’s Top Playgrounds
Queenstown is renowned as New Zealand’s most famous adventure playground; but if you’re on the hunt for the real playgrounds of Queenstown, then look no further than here.
Here’s our top picks…
1. Queenstown Lakefront – The Bathhouse playground
Opened in October 2018, this million dollar playground located on Queenstown’s waterfront, is the perfect location to watch the Big Yellows zoom and spin around the bay. The new slides are one of the popular features of the upgrade, and visitors and locals will be pleased to know that the rope swing that has entertained children for years still remains. Grab yourself a coffee from Yonder or The Bathhouse or an ice-cream from Patagonia, sit-back, relax and watch your little one’s monkey around in what we think, is the most scenic playground in the world. There’s also a baby swing for those with infants.
2. Lake Hayes Estate – McBride Park
Located next to The Hayes Café; this playground is in an ideal location to grab a coffee and let the kiddies roam. If you’re heading out for food, there’s even a mini playground at the café to keep them entertained whilst you wait. Lake Hayes Estate is where you’ll find all the friendly local families hanging out.
The kids will really be spoilt for choice here. There’s a large playground, sandpit, bike trails, flying fox, mini pump track, sports field and artificial turf. For the grown-ups you can put on your own BBQ or head to The Hayes Café & Bar opposite the park.
3. Jacks Point
The playground at Jacks Point is worth the drive around the Frankton Arm heading towards The Remarkables Ski Field turn off. There’s an impressive flying fox (that big kids and parents love) and a good-sized playground. Here you’ll also find tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course and the clubhouse restaurant open daily for breakfast and lunch.
4. Hanleys Farm Playground
A two minute drive from Jacks Point, you’ll find lots of local families enjoying Queenstown’s newest playground at Hanleys Farm, opened in August 2018. Using mainly wooden materials, this park has an outstanding selection of play equipment, set against the backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range. Here you will find a massive slide and baby slide, pump track, a circle of swings, trampolines, sandpit, climbing rocks, covered BBQ area and an outdoor gym suitable for all ages.
5. Rose Douglas Park
If you’re heading out to visit the historic mining town of Arrowtown, there’s a small park just a short walk away from the main street (Buckingham Street). In the summer months, there’s also a heated outdoor pool, so don’t forget your swimming togs.
6. Kelvin Heights Playground
A twenty minute drive from Central Queenstown around the Kelvin Peninsula, takes you to the Kelvin Grove playground (past the golf course). A simple playground of swings, slides and a fort this spot is close to the beach so on hot summer days it’s the perfect spot to set up for a day of swim, picnic and play.
7. Chipmunks Playground & Café – 15 Red Oaks Drive, Frankton
For those rainy days, this is the best indoor playground for the kiddies. Suitable for children aged 0-11 years, you can let the kids run and play whilst you grab and enjoy a coffee from their full serviced café. There’s a toddler zone for the under 5’s and a main zone for 5-11 year olds. At Chipmunks you’ll find slides, ramps, ball pits, obstacles and so much more. There’s even a baby zone for those under twos with free entry for mums and bubs under the age of one.
For a comprehensive list of all playgrounds is the Queenstown-lakes region, take a look at the Queenstown Lakes District Council page.
If your little one wants to join us for a trip on the Big Yellows, we are able to take children from the age of two (accompanied by an adult), so long as they fit into our smallest life jackets! For more information or to book, click here.
