Postcards From Britt

Queenstown NZ 

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can manage the magic of travel alone with your children, Queenstown might just be the place to start.

I traveled to Queenstown, New Zealand, with my kids on my first-ever solo parenting trip and honestly… in the back of my mind I kept thinking, what have I done? Am I actually crazy for doing this? We spent 4 days exploring my old hometown, revisiting my favourite places, and discovering just how family-friendly Queenstown really is.  

From navigating flights alone with kids, to iconic stops like Fergburger, Arrowtown, Minus 5° Ice Bar, and a scenic trip to Walter Peak Station, this blog shows what traveling solo with kids is really like. We also found some of the most epic playgrounds with unbeatable lake and mountain views.

It rained almost the entire trip, but the kids were absolute troopers — and honestly, Queenstown proved to be such an easy and stress-free destination for families, even when traveling alone.

If you’re a solo parent, planning a family trip to Queenstown, or wondering if it’s doable with kids — then this blog is for you.

Queenstown is incredibly special to me. I lived here for almost three years when I was younger, and they were some of the best years of my life. So I was really excited to come back, revisit my old stomping grounds, catch up with a few friends, and even see my old four-legged friend, Dell.

Day 1 – Arrival Day

We kicked off our adventure with a direct flight from Sydney to Queenstown with Virgin Australia — an easy hop across the Tasman that took just two and a half hours. When you’re travelling solo with kids, flight time matters. The thought of long airport waits followed by hours of “please stay seated” can be enough to make any parent nervous, so this felt like the perfect distance to test the waters without overwhelming anyone.

I prepared for the flight by packing an arsenal of snacks (because snacks solve almost everything), along with activity packs, colouring books, sticker books, and two small toys of the kids’ choosing. It was just enough to keep things exciting without overpacking. I also had a backup plan — a few downloaded shows on the iPad. Since screen time is a rarity at home, the novelty factor works in my favour when we travel, stretching their attention spans that little bit longer when I need it most.

When we landed, the sun was shining, which instantly felt like a good sign.

We picked up a hire car and made a quick stop at New World to pick up some snacks and breakfast items. Afterwards, we drove straight out to Kelvin Heights, hoping to head up to Deer Park Heights… only to realise you now have to book in advance — something we definitely didn’t need to do back in the day.

After that little fail, we headed straight to our hotel, the Novotel. Which is situated on the waterfront of Lake Wakatipu, right in the heart of Queenstown.

After checking in, we spent the afternoon at an epic playground right on the water’s edge, which is perfectly positioned in front of our hotel. The kids played for hours, building little huts out of driftwood on the beach, while I soaked in the views and couldn’t help but wonder how I ever took this place for granted when I lived here.

Now, this wasn’t the only epic playground with unreal views. Before we flew out of Queenstown, a friend took us to a playground at Jacks Point and honestly — you’ve got these massive mountain peaks towering all around you. I’d seriously consider coming here just for that.

If you’ve found a playground somewhere with an epic view like this, let me know in the comments — I’d love to add them to our list!

We headed to World Bar for an early dinner. The food itself was absolutely delicious — fresh, generous and full of flavour — so no complaints there.

The only surprise was the bill. For one adult meal to share, one kids’ meal, two apple juices and a cider, we paid around $70 NZD. While the quality was there, it definitely felt on the pricier side for a fairly simple dinner. That said, Queenstown is known for its premium dining scene, so it’s something to factor into the budget when travelling solo with little ones.

Day 2 – Glenorchy & Arrowtown

This morning, we made the 45-minute drive out to Glenorchy. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, so we never got the chance to snap a photo in front of the iconic red boat shed. Instead, we found shelter in one of the town’s small cafes, settled into an outdoor glasshouse, and listened to the rain softly pitter-patter on the roof. The kids enjoyed a milkshake and I devoured a much needed coffee. 

While we didn’t have time to squeeze in any activities today due to the rain, Glenorchy has no shortage of things to do. From thrilling jet boat rides through the Dart Valley, to visiting Lord of the Rings filming locations, or heading out on one of the many nearby walks—like the Lake Sylvan Track or even the start of the famous Routeburn Track.

We then headed back to Arrowtown to grab some lunch. I was really looking forward to revisiting a few of my favourite spots, and Arrowtown Bakery was definitely one of them. They used to have the best pies, but today… I just wasn’t feeling it. The display cabinet was looking a little bare and the pie I had my heart set on had already sold out. A small disappointment — but honestly, probably a good sign. If anything, it just proves they’re still as popular as ever. Selling out of the best flavours before lunchtime? That’s usually the mark of a very good bakery.

After lunch, we wandered through the town and explored the nearby historic Chinese Settlement, which is located on the banks of Bush Creek. This small cluster of restored huts offers a fascinating glimpse into the simple, hardworking lives of the Chinese miners who once called the region home during the gold rush era.  Our visit to the huts was short lived as the rain really started coming down.  Knowing that soggy shoes usually leads to loud complaints — we decided it was best to make a quick exit before the fun turned into a full-blown wet-weather meltdown. 

I had only hired the car for the day so once we returned it to the airport we made our way to the nearby Crown Pub and Beer Garden in Frankton, to meet up with my friend Karla. By then the rain had turned absolutely torrential, and we were completely soaked through. We claimed a spot by the fireplace, grateful for the warmth, and spent the afternoon drying out and catching up on the last 17 years while the kids happily entertained themselves in the playroom.

Before making our way back to the hotel, there was one non-negotiable stop — Cookie Time. The line was spilling out the door, which felt like reason enough to join it. And that warm cookie… oh my. Pure comfort in dessert form. The kids were just as impressed.

Day 3 – Walter Peak Station & Minus 5° Ice Bar

We spent the morning wandering around town, umbrellas up and dodging puddles.  Koa, meanwhile, was completely distracted by a family of adorable ducks that he insisted on following around the park. With the rain showing no signs of easing, we ducked into a few stores to stock up on warmer, waterproof layers. Thankfully, Mountain Warehouse was having a massive sale — the kind of timing every traveller hopes for.  

By 11am we were ready for an early lunch, so we joined the inevitable queue at Fergburger, Queenstown’s most iconic burger spot. Even at that hour, the line was already snaking out the door and halfway up the street — which tells you everything you need to know. I can still remember when Fergburger was just a tiny hole-in-the-wall tucked down an alley. These days it’s expanded into a popular eatery and the queues are longer than ever.

It remains, hands down, the best burger I’ve ever had — though tracking down a seat can feel like a sport in itself. On a sunny day, however, it’s easy to grab your burger and wander down to the park to enjoy it by the lake.

After lunch, we stepped aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw and began the scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. The journey brought back a wave of memories — for six months of the year, I used to make this crossing every week while working as a horse trekking guide. I was especially excited to reunite with my old four-legged friend, Dell. We’d booked the farm tour, and I’d also organised a visit to the stables so I could show the kids where I once spent so much of my time.

The farm tour was fantastic, with an incredibly knowledgeable guide who kept things engaging despite the steady rain. The weather made it a little muddier underfoot, but we still got up close with the animals and enjoyed the beautiful surrounds. Afternoon tea was provided, followed by a sheep-shearing demonstration. It’s a fun and memorable experience for families. Walter Peak Station is a beautiful place to visit — and even if you don’t do the full farm experience, just taking a ride on the Earnslaw is an adventure in itself.

Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is a beautifully preserved coal-fired steamship and an iconic part of the region’s history. You can stroll the decks, peer into the engine room to watch the roaring machinery at work, and browse the historical displays that tell the story of this remarkable vessel. As you glide across the lake, you’re treated to breathtaking views of The Remarkables and Cecil Peak before arriving lakeside at Walter Peak.

Before heading back on the Earnslaw, we stopped by the stables so I could introduce the kids to Dell, a bay gelding who played a huge part in my life here in Queenstown. Out of all the horses, I recognised only two — Dell, and Lonestar, who I’d known since he was born and was raised and trained by my old boss. Lonestar took an instant liking to Koa, gently nibbling at his hair and keeping him thoroughly entertained!

After a nostalgic afternoon at Walter Peak, we made a quick detour to the Minus 5 Ice Bar, conveniently located down at Steamer Wharf. The kids were absolutely amazed by the hand-carved ice sculptures and furniture.

We sat on fur-covered ice chairs, sipping mocktails from glasses made entirely of ice — such a unique and fun experience.

Even bundled up in our warmest layers, Koa quickly started complaining that he was cold. It didn’t take long to figure out why — his shoes were completely soaked from the rain, which is far from ideal when sitting inside a freezing ice bar. So, we cut our visit short and headed back to the hotel for a much-needed warm bath to thaw out.

That evening, we decided to take it easy and stay in. I ordered takeaway from @Thai, a place I frequented often when I lived here. It’s one of my all-time favourite spots — so much so that it’s where we held our farewell dinner with all our closest friends when we left Queenstown.

Day 4 – Chill Day

Today was a fairly relaxed day. I had my heart set on breakfast at another favourite spot, Joe’s Garage. Originally tucked in town, it’s now located at the Five Mile Shopping Centre. With the rain still lingering, we hopped on the bus out there. Service was a bit slow, but my usual sweetie roll didn’t disappoint.

After breakfast, we spent a few hours at Chipmunks Playland & Café. The kids had an absolute blast, and it was such a great option for keeping them entertained when the weather wasn’t cooperating. By the time we left, the skies were starting to clear, so we stopped at a small nearby park to let the kids burn off a bit more energy before catching the bus back into town. By this point, Koa was utterly exhausted and starting to throw a tantrum. I was so grateful we had the pram — the moment I settled him in, he dozed off and didn’t wake up until dinner time, enjoying a full afternoon of much-needed rest!

Later, I met up with an old colleague for coffee at Balls & Bangles Café. We were hoping to try what’s reputedly the best donuts in Queenstown, but unfortunately, they had sold out by the time we arrived.

For dinner, we headed to Winnies (as I used to know it as Winnie Bagoes), another long-time favourite of mine. The pizza was as delicious as ever. They didn’t open the roof while we were there though as it was still early evening — but it certainly brought back some memories. If you’ve been recently, do they still open the roof? Let me know in the comments below.

Before calling it a night, we stopped by the playground in front of our hotel. For the first time since our arrival, the sky was clearing, and the mountain peaks were peeking through the clouds — a perfect way to end the day.

Day 5 – Departure Day

Of course, the day we were leaving, the sun came out brighter than ever. We spent the morning soaking up the views along the shores of Lake Wakatipu skimming rocks and watching the ducks. My friend picked us up and took us out for breakfast at the Farmhouse at Jack’s Point. It was such a relaxed, peaceful spot and a nice change from the hustle and bustle of town.

While we were there, we discovered yet another epic playground. With snow capped mountains surrounding you, it’s one of those places where the kids can run wild while parents sit back and take in the scenery. Even though the Remarkables were hiding behind low cloud, the whole place still felt pretty surreal. 

Saying goodbye was harder than I expected. This is a place I once called home, and coming back really made me appreciate just how special it is — but also how much it’s changed. Farmland that once surrounded Queenstown has now been replaced by huge shopping centres. Would I move back? In a heartbeat.

And a big thank you to my friend Karla for looking after us. It was so good to catch up after all these years, and I honestly can’t wait to come back again soon.

Traveling with kids isn’t always easy, but trips like this remind us why it’s so worth it. From playgrounds and easy adventures to places where everyone — kids and parents included — can slow down and enjoy the moment, this has been such a family-friendly destination.

We’ve loved making these memories together, rain, sunshine, and all. If you’re thinking about traveling here with kids, it’s definitely a place we’d recommend for families of all ages.