Things to Do in Wānaka with Kids

We have run jet boat trips out of Wānaka since 2005 and raised our own kids here, so we get asked this a lot. Here is what actually works, by age.

Under 5

• The lakefront: the playground by the i-SITE, the shallow beach at Roys Bay, and the That Wānaka Tree walk along the shore path.
• Puzzling World's illusion rooms (the maze can wait until they are taller).
• Our jet boat takes kids from age 4. Four year olds love the spins and the walk is short enough, and you can stay by the boat with a little one while the rest of the family walks.

5 to 12

• Jet boat and wilderness walk: this is the age it really lands. Four hours feels like an expedition, the walk into the forest is an adventure rather than a hike, and the spins on the way home are the story they tell at school. $359 per adult, $229 per child aged 4 to 14, or the Family+ price of $889 for two adults and two children.
• Mount Iron: a 90 minute loop with a summit view over the whole lake, doable for most seven year olds.
• Puzzling World's Great Maze, bike hire on the Outlet Track, the Wānaka Lavender Farm animals, and Cinema Paradiso with homemade ice cream at half-time.
• Rainy day: the Wānaka Lakes Centre pool, the library, or, honestly, the jet boat. The valley in mist is spectacular and we supply the wet-weather gear. More options in Wānaka on a rainy day.

Ages 4 and up, all fitness levels, guided walk and all gear included, free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure.

Book the Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk

Teenagers

• Packraft Wānaka (minimum age 10, must swim): a full day paddling the Matukituki in stable inflatable packrafts, with a swim in the turquoise pools for the brave. GoPro photos included.
• Roys Peak if they are fit (allow 5 to 6 hours), Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain if not.
• Bike the Deans Bank track, or the Hāwea River trail with a pick-up at the far end.

Practical

Book the jet boat's 9:45am summer departure, you are back for a late lunch and the afternoon is free. The i-SITE departure point is on Ardmore Street, a two minute walk from the playground and the cafés. Ask us about combining with the Ridgeline 4WD safari for a full day, that is our Glacier River Safari. Driving over from Queenstown with the family? See Queenstown to Wānaka and To the foothills of Mt Aspiring. Anything else, our FAQs cover ages, fitness and what to bring, or call us.

Ages 4 and up, all fitness levels, guided walk and all gear included, free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure.

Book the Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk