Located in beautiful Central Otago, Wānaka and Cromwell are synonymous with stunning natural beauty and a host of family-friendly fun activities.
If you’re are looking to take a family holiday, mini-break, or even just a weekend, we’ve put together some of our favourite places to stay, eat and play so you can create wonderful memories with your family.
Please note: Venue information was correct at the time of publication. Please check with individual venues for the latest opening dates, times, prices, etc, before making plans.
Fun family experiences
Whether you’re looking for an adventure or your just want to smell the flowers, Wānaka and Cromwell have it all.
Unleash your inner wild, tame your fears, and experience epic! Suitable for families and the hesitant adventurer through to experienced adrenalin hunters.
Visit a lake, on an island, in a lake, on an island, on a half-day Mou Waho Island eco tour. Look out for some cheeky weka and be prepared to be enchanted by this beautiful lake cruise and island nature walk.
The only mountain carting in New Zealand! Get yourself two hours of epic fun on the ski tracks during summer. Children under 8 years old can ride tandem (check for further conditions).
Designed to be enjoyed and shared by riders of all levels from absolute beginners through to shredders. Hire bikes and equipment available and, perfect for after riding or for those waiting, an onsite cafe and stunning views.
Stroll amongst the flowers, enjoy the stunning display gardens, then refuel with lavender ice-cream. The children can also meet some friendly farm animals and play games in the garden.
There’s so much fun to be had with 12 activities on site including go karts and fast laps in a Ferrari or Porsche GT3! For the less adrenalin addicted there’s also a sculpture park, motorsport museum, and wine tasting. Don’t miss the quirky themed loos with one-way glass for a view with a difference!
Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight and take in the enormous vistas that Central Otago has to offer.
Whether you want to have a relaxing paddle on the water front in town, or go on a guided adventure on some of the more remote areas of the lake, Paddle Wanaka can get you sorted. Paddle boards, single and double kayaks available.
Free family activities
Even if you’re travelling on a budget, there are still so many experiences you can enjoy with your family.
Wānaka
Accessible from the Wānaka town side as well as Albert Town, the popular Mount Iron Track walk is a great way to blow off any travel cobwebs, as well as get your bearings.
Located right in town on the edge of Pembroke Park, the recently upgraded skate park features a pool style bowl, vert wall, wave with gap feature, plus a traditional style bowl.
Enjoy the easy 3km walk from the road through mature beech and podocarp forest, across a swing bridge and then on the flat with spectacular mountain views to the stunning glacier fed pools. One hour from Wānaka and 1.5 hours from Cromwell.
Become a Kiwi Guardian! Print off the Blue Pools adventure map before you head out, then find the Kiwi Guardian post and submit the special code word on it to receive a Kiwi Guardians certificate and medal.
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Located right in Wānaka town centre and on the lake edge, the famous, recently refurbished, Dinosaur Park is a great spot to relax and let the kids play (and even a swim if the weather is warm).
Small loop track over the Hāwea River Swing Bridge with stunning views of the surrounding wetland and peaks.
Become a Kiwi Guardian! Print off the Butterfields Wetlands adventure map before you head out, then find the Kiwi Guardian post and submit the special code word on it to receive a Kiwi Guardians certificate and medal.
Cromwell
When the Clyde Dam was built, Cromwell’s original main street disappeared under Lake Dunstan but some of the heritage buildings were taken to higher ground where you can explore them today. While exploring the quaint buildings in the Heritage Precinct, you can also go on a treasure hunt for five tiny decorative doors.
Pop Felton Road car park and information kiosk into the GPS and go and explore the remnants of the short lived gold mining era on this 3.5km loop walk.
Marvel at the man-made landscapes and the modern engineering on the trail, the rich Maori and early pioneer history, and amble through the vineyards of Bannockburn as you ride the 55km trail from Cromwell to Clyde. E-bikes, bikes, children’s bikes and baby seats available are available for hire nearby.
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An easy 15 minute walk down to old mine entrances and a restored gold processing plant (also known as a battery).
Family friendly eateries
All the fresh mountain air will be making you all extra hungry but luckily there is an exciting selection of places to refuel.
You won’t want to miss the classic Insta moment outside the Cardrona Hotel, but there’s a good food moment waiting inside! Choose from the extensive brunch, all day, and dinner menus (all featuring kids meals). If it’s warm, relax in the lovely outdoor area, or snuggle up beside the toasty fire inside to warm up.
With restaurants in both Wanaka and Cromwell you’re guaranteed a fiesta no matter where you are! With a huge menu to choose from plus separate gluten-free and children’s menus there’s something for everyone. Special prices on tacos before 5pm.
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Located in Wānaka, here you’ll find amazing scones and coffee plus a full day menu. In the evening, Urban Grind rounds out the day with a tasty tapas style menu.
This legendary Wānaka food truck has been serving up fish and chips (and more) to travellers and locals for years. Dine at the truck, or wander down to Dinosaur Park to enjoy an alfresco treat.
Pizza and pasta plus more, Francesca’s offers authentic Italian cuisine and hospitality right in the heart of Wānaka.
Slow food served fast! Make your own meal up from the amazing selection of deliciousness. Eat in or take across to the lake front for a picnic or on your next day trip.
If you are lucky enough to be in town late on a Thursday afternoon, head to the market beside the river on Ardmore Street for a selection of seasonal artisan produce, pastries, bread and more.
Where to stay
For family friendly stays, we recommend checking out the below. Or search here for holiday parks and campgrounds.
Right on the edge of the lake, and not far from the famous Wānaka Tree, Edgewater has a range of rooms including two bedroom apartments that can sleep up to six guests. Facilities include a tennis court, 9 hole putting green, playground, petanque, and spa pools. The restaurant features their world famous in Wānaka made-to-order scones. You can also hire bikes and explore the trail right out front.
Home to Amigo’s restaurant, the Wānaka Hotel is a budget and family friendly option in the town centre. Featuring expansive grounds, and located just up from the Dinosaur Park and lake front, Wānaka Hotel also enjoys stunning views.
Head towards Mt Aspiring and just as you leave the town limits you will find this holiday park has offering modern, warm units, campervan and camping sites along with bike hire, BBQ’s, two playgrounds plus a spa and sauna.
Just out of town and on the road to Cardrona you will find Oakridge Resort. Oakridge has a variety of room options, 9 outdoor heated pools, an in-house restaurant, and is just up the road from a quirky Cinema.
Main photo credit: Miles Holden
See more
- Find More Family Fun Ideas In Wanaka
- Now’s A Great Time To Visit New Zealand’s Iconic Spots & Hidden Gems
- Richie & Gemma McCaw’s top tips for family travel
- Find Family Friendly Fun All Across Aotearoa
Written by Kidspot NZ in partnership with 100% Pure New Zealand.
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