Driftaway Queenstown (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Driftaway Queenstown?
What makes it 84% Kids-Friendly: Jumping pillow, playground, games room and safe beach keep 2–12 yr olds active all day, self-catering kitchen eases mealtimes; only thrill rides like jet boats have age limits.
Positives:
- Safe Beach Access: The lake shore has gentle shallows perfect for young swimmers.
- On-site Play Areas: Playground and games room keep kids busy without leaving the park.
Challenges:
- Weather Variability: Queenstown weather can change quickly; pack raincoats and warm layers.
- Activity Booking: Popular tours fill up fast; reserve slots for gondola and cruise before arrival.
What is Driftaway Queenstown?
- A lakeside holiday park on the shores of Lake Wakatipu combining self-contained villas, glamping tents and powered camping sites
- A modern facility hub featuring communal kitchen and dining spaces, guest laundry, games room and family bathroom
- A waterfront property with private beach access and direct linkage to the Queenstown Trail against the backdrop of the Remarkables
What is so special about Driftaway Queenstown for with kids?
- Free on-site playground and indoor games keep kids entertained.
- Calm lakeside beach offers safe swimming and sand play.
- Easy access to Skyline Gondola & Luge and TSS Earnslaw cruise.
- Communal BBQ kitchen lets families cook with lake views.
- Close to Queenstown Trail for walking or cycling adventures.
Recommended visit duration: 2–3 days
Why 2–3 days visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for on-site play, lake activities and a day trip on the TSS Earnslaw cruise.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Driftaway Queenstown
Playground & Jumping Pillow:
Let kids bounce on the inflatable pillow and slide down the embankment by the lake.
Tip: Visit mid-morning to avoid crowds and give kids fresh energy.
Lakeside Beach Swim & Sand Play:
Kids can swim in calm shallows and build sandcastles right at the park gate.
Tip: Bring towels and a change of clothes; water warms by midday in summer.
Indoor Games Room:
A carpeted room with board games, simple toys and a TV lounge.
Tip: Head here first on rainy days to keep children entertained.
Skyline Gondola & Luge:
Ride the gondola up Bob’s Peak then race down on kart-style luges.
Tip: Buy tickets online to skip the ticket line at the base station.
TSS Earnslaw BBQ Lunch & Farm Tour:
Cruise to Walter Peak for a lakeside BBQ lunch and guided farm tour.
Tip: Book the first sailing to avoid afternoon winds on the lake.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Driftaway Queenstown
- Use Communal BBQ: Cook meals in the Facility Hub kitchen to save on dining costs and enjoy lake views.
- Alternate Free and Paid: Balance paid tours with free on-site play to stretch your budget and energy.
Reviews of Driftaway Queenstown
Natalia Jackson
Located right by the lake, a short 8 minute drive from Queenstown centre, also close to lovely cafes, supermarket & shopping centres. The park itself is quite small - the facilities are great! Modern & clean. I stayed here for 4 nights whilst in Queensland. Everything you might need. It has a homely cosy TV lounge & games room which is perfect if it’s raining. Would recommend
Ed
Arguably the nicest campsite view we had in our whole stay in NZ! The facilities are modern, well maintained and clean. Admittedly,the campervan spaces are packed fairly tightly together, so it’s not the most private and spacious of holiday parks. But it is a great place to stay when in Queenstown.
Elin Bohman
The best campsite we’ve ever visited! Everything was perfect, the location is beautiful and peaceful, the facilities are clean and well-maintained and the hot tubs are amazing! We enjoyed it so much that we extended our stay from 2 days to 4 days.
Kim Bracher
The best campsite I stayed at while in New Zealand. Beautiful views of the lake and lakefront access. Staff are lovely and facilities are modern and new. Everything is so clean. They have a laundry room (does cost money), games room, tv lounge, bathroom and showers, and a beautiful kitchen with lake views as well as great dining spaces. There is also a jumping pillow and small play area for kids. ...
Raihah Roslan
We stayed 1 night at Driftaway Queenstown for NZD $122.30 on a Powered Site with a Lakeview and it easily became our favourite holiday park of the entire trip. Opened in 2022, Driftaway feels fresh, modern and thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience. The moment we arrived, we were greeted by stunning views of Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables mountain range framing the background — abso...
When is the best time to visit Driftaway Queenstown (Queenstown, New Zealand)?
In summer pack swimmers, sunblock and hats for lake play. In shoulder seasons bring warm layers and raincoats. Hot tub sessions in cooler months feel best—reserve early.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Skyline Gondola & Luge (4 pax) | NZD 140 |
| TSS Earnslaw BBQ Lunch & Farm Tour (4 pax) | NZD 200 |
| Kiwi Birdlife Park (4 pax) | NZD 117 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 457 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Driftaway Queenstown
Address: 11 Lake Avenue, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
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About Driftaway Queenstown
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+64 3 409 1142Explore Popular Things to Do
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