Organising a Stag Do in Queenstown can be an excellent task – there’s so so much to do and many fun activities to choose!  While some people want to go all out, others will be looking for something a little more low key.

Whichever way you’re going there’s one thing to be sure – you want to give the stag a weekend to remember! The harsh reality is that organising a stag do can be a mighty pain in the a$$. Figuring out the costs; what to do when; how to get around and then collecting the money from everyone!

That’s where we come in – check out our step by step guide to organising an incredible stag do without the hassle:

Step one:

Talk to the stag and decide who gets an invite. Once you have the list, pick the best social network for communicating between you and create a group. It’s the quickest and easiest way to keep in touch.

Step two:

While you’re talking to the stag, fix the date that works best for him (and you!) Leave at least two weeks between the stag do and the wedding – you need enough time for everyone to heal afterwards! Avoid school holidays, public holidays, major sporting events and anything else that is likely to tie up the attendees.

Step three:

Agree on a budget! One of the first things to agree with the group is the budget – no point in planning an expensive weekend if no one can afford it! Give some options to the group to help them choose and make sure no one is left singled out. 

Throw around some accommodation options too – Queenstown has everything from five-star resorts and numerous back-packers. Try to find somewhere that ticks everyone’s boxes.

Step four:

You can’t just spend the weekend drinking – it’ll get boring, so pick a couple of activities to keep the boys entertained before the party starts later on. Check out our post on the ‘7 things to make an unforgettable Queenstown stag do’ for some ideas.

We might be biased, but you can’t do better than Go-Karting at Game Over Queenstown. There’s not much in the sub $50 range in Queenstown but Game Over ticks that box. With the World’s fastest and most advanced Go-Karts, a thrilling two-level track and racing timing to the millisecond this is the place to sort the men from the boys in Queenstown.

Step five:

As the stag organiser, the rest of the group are going to look to you to fill the gap between activities or any dull moments – have some games and dares prepared and, while you’re at it pick an embarrassing outfit for the stag to wear. It’s his last night of freedom – make sure he looks his best!

Step six:

Make sure you and the stag aren’t out of pocket – you’ve already planned the budget but what about collecting the money? Consider asking people to pay for things (the accommodation) as it becomes due. Only put it on your credit card once the money’s in and everyone’s confirmed. Be clear upfront about the cancellation policy – the last thing you need is misunderstandings over whether or not any dropouts will get their money back!

And finally, take a deep breath because the fun has just started. Keep in touch with the group and make sure everyone knows all the details and stays involved!

Queenstown’s an incredible destination, year-round, and a trip here with the family doesn’t need to cost the earth!

Here are our five top picks for family things to do in Queenstown that are kind on the wallet!

1Spot native Kiwi at the Kiwi Birdlife Park. The Kiwi Birdlife Park provides a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with over 20 native species of birds and reptiles including the elusive Kiwi! The park is over 5 acres in size and every animal in the care of the park is part of a managed conservation program. So you do not only have a possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view these incredible creatures, but you’re also contributing to their ongoing protection. Priced at just $130, when booked online, for the whole family, this is an extraordinary adventure that you can’t afford to miss.

2 Check out the region’s gold mining history in Arrowtown. Arrowtown is a delightful little town just a short drive from Queenstown and is famous for its rich gold mining history. Take some time to explore the 150 year old Chinese settlement before hiring a gold pan and trying your luck in the Arrow River.  Once you’ve struck it rich or just had enough, take a stroll down the quaint high street lined with quirky shops and restaurants. If you have time, take in a movie at Dorothy Browns – an independent movie theatre that still believes in the tradition of an interval halfway through the film to restock on treats!

3Take a Walk. Queenstown is home to some of the most beautiful hikes in the country. If you’re not up for an overnighter then check out one of the day tracks such as Bob’s Peak, Queenstown Hill or Moke Lake. Each one promises incredible scenery and there really is something for everyone. If you’re looking for something, a little flatter then you can’t go past the Queenstown trail, snaking from Sunshine Bay to Kelvin Heights and beyond. Walk as much or as little as you like along the side of the great Lake Wakatipu.

4 Laser Tag at Game Over. A family trip to Queenstown wouldn’t be complete without a couple of games of laser tag at Game Over. The vast, dinosaur-themed arena makes for a challenging and enjoyable game for both adults and kids. With five game modes to choose from, it’s easy to see why some families come back time and time again for a laser tag battle like no other.

5 In winter and summer take a drive up Coronet Peak. The access road is just beyond Arthurs Point, a ten-minute ride out of Queenstown and, from there, you can make your ascent. From the top, you’ll have a birdseye view of the whole Queenstown basin and beyond towards Kingston. It is spectacular. Grab yourself a drink and soak up the atmosphere. Be aware that winter can present some challenging road conditions – be sure to check out any signage as you approach the access road.

As you can see, there are some incredible experiences in Queenstown that will appeal to the whole family. Take inspiration from our latest blog post the ultimate 1-day Queenstown itinerary for families and start planning your Queenstown adventure today!

Queenstown, New Zealand. Known as the adventure capital of the World! But what if your kids are too young for bungy jumping or sky-diving and too bored to watch while you do it? Well here we list our top tips for the ultimate itinerary for families in Queenstown!  

1Grab some breakfast at Brazz on Athol Street. It’s family friendly, incredibly well priced and has a menu that will satisfy even the pickiest little eaters. Better still, it’s practically next door to a handy little car park (also on Athol Street). Once you’re fed and watered, head back to the car and head out of town!

2 Just a short drive out of town, Remarkables Park is you’re next stop. Game Over to be precise. The home to New Zealand’s best Indoor Kart Racing, Lazer Tag and arcade. Game Over is a family’s paradise… you’ll come head to head with a Triceratops as soon as you walk in! Then it’s time to choose your activities… with the arcade starting from $1 there’s something for the whole family. We even have free wi-fi so you can keep in touch while the kids play!

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3Every Game Over customer gets 20% at SITE trampoline which is just a short walk across the carpark. Try out the seven, Olympic quality trampolines and the super fun ‘tramp park’ with 30 interconnected trampolines and a walled tramp area. The kids want to practice some cooler moves? No problem, they’ll land safely on the super soft air bag or foam pit!  SITE is perfect for the whole family!

4 Feeling hungry yet? Head back into town and have lunch at one of the many family friendly restaurants (we suggest Speights Ale House so you can have a beer). Or grab something on the go from one of the many casual dining places or street food vendors that line Marine Parade.

5 After you’ve refreshed yourselves why not walk to Queenstown gardens for a round of Disc Golf? It’s family friendly and super inexpensive. Start at Queenstown Ice Arena where you can hire the discs and grab a map and scorecard then get the game going. Who’s got the best eye and throwing skills? It’s trickier that it seems!  

6 Finish up the day at Cookie time on Camp Street and treat the family to a cookie or one of the amazing shakes before heading back to your accommodation for a well-earned rest!

There you have it folks our top picks for the ultimate family day out in Queenstown. Looking for even more suggestions have you read our latest blog post on family friendly activities in Queenstown?

We’ve all been there… it’s the big trip, we’ve been saving for weeks, everyone’s excited and the plans are set. But wait, you wake up in the gorgeous Queenstown and it’s raining. Bad times. That’s the stroll to the playground with an ice cream and meander through the Chinese village in Arrowtown out of the window. You’ve only got a couple of minutes to come up with a plan before your little darlings become little monsters. 

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Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. Our definitive list of the 5 best ways to keep the kids happy on a rainy day in Queenstown to the rescue!

1Get out of town. The only thing worse than a rainy day in Queenstown, is a walking around in the wet and skipping the puddles in the town centre.  Why not pile everyone into the car or, if you want an adventure, take a ride on the bus and head to Remarkables Park. Queenstown’s premium shopping centre and newest entertainment precinct. At the foot of the Remarkables, the view is incredible!

2 Have a drink and a bite at Franks Eatery, at the bottom of the Ramada Hotel before heading across the road to Game Over, the home to New Zealand’s best Indoor Kart Racing, Lazer Tag and arcade. Game Over is a kids paradise… you’ll come head to head with a Triceratops as soon as you walk in! Then it’s time to choose your activities… with the arcade starting from $1 there’s something for everyone. We even have free wi-fi so you can keep in touch while the kids play!

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3Every Game Over customer gets 20% at SITE trampoline which is just a short walk across the carpark. Try out the seven, Olympic quality trampolines and the super fun ‘tramp park’ with 30 interconnected trampolines and a walled tramp area. The kids want to practice some cooler moves? No problem, they’ll land safely on the super soft air bag or foam pit!  

4 Young kids still got energy to burn? Head a couple of doors down from SITE to Chipmunks Playland. Suitable for 2 – 11 year olds there is unlimited fun to be had and the best part? There’s a café on site so you can grab a coffee while the kids have the time of their life

5 After all that excitement you’re going to need to refuel… head round the ‘The Shelter’ in Remarkables Park shopping centre. You’ll find a menu with something to suit even the fussiest diners and fantastic service. With a wide selection of beverages to choose from, you’re sure to find the right drop with which to toast an awesome day out!

He’s got a hall pass before his big day… you’ve got 24 hours… Queenstown is the destination. How are you going to ensure his last trip without the ball and chain goes off with a bang? Read on for our top 7 picks for an unforgettable Stag Weekend in Queenstown.

Queenstown

Dubbed the adventure capital of the World, Queenstown is a diverse adventure playground that is easily accessible from throughout New Zealand and the World thanks to an international airport with direct, daily links to Australia’s major cities.  With a broad selection of activities including adventures on the water, on land, in the air or a mix of both, there is something for the most extreme thrill seekers to those seeking a more refined experience.If you’re planning a Stag do in Queenstown, here are the 7 places you have to stay, eat, drink and experience. It won’t be relaxing, but it will ensure your Stag has a party he’ll remember for all his days.

1Go-Karting at Game Over – situated right by the airport this is your first port of call to get the party started. Fully electric Go-Karts with a top speed of 45kph this adrenaline activity is the most affordable indoor activity in Queenstown. Ask the team to design a package for your group – whether you want a Grand Prix style event that culminates in a thrilling final or simply want to run a few laps each, anything is possible. After the karting, sort the men from the boys in the laser tag arena, it’s like paint ball without the mess!  Note: Game Over operates a strict alcohol free policy so save the drinking ‘til afterwards boys!

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2 Next up is The Playground, just outside of Queenstown. Offering an exciting range of group activities to provide ‘Big Kids’ with an incredible experience, perfectly suited to stag groups. Whether it be smashing into your opponents while playing Bubble Soccer or honing your bow and arrow skills during a game of Archery Combat, The Playground has unique activities that feature strategic skill, commando style and good, old fashioned fun!

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3 You’re going to want to check into your accommodation and there’s none better than Base Backpackers.  Situated on the busiest street in Queenstown, right opposite the world famous burger joint, Base is your ‘one stop’ hostel with everything you need under one roof… bed, entertainment, nightlife and incredible views!

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4 By now you’ve earned a drink lads and where better to start that 1876? Unbeatable food and drink deals, daily happy hour and a large, deck that overlooks the street, this is an awesome year-round destination. Adored by visitors and locals alike you can’t do better than starting your night at 1876!

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5 Hungry? Head to Winnies for the best pizza and casual dining experience in Queenstown. What’s more, you can stay way beyond your food… Winnies is also one of the hottest party spots in Queenstown after dark!  Go for the Pizza, stay for the Party!

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The day after

6 Boys, after check out head straight round the corner to Red Rock for a $10 all-day breakfast. If it’s coffee or something stronger you’re after Red Rock, has got you covered

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Bring your Queenstown adventure to a relaxed end with a round of Frisbee Golf in the Queenstown Gardens. Add the last bit of competitive spirit as you make your way around and try to get the discs into the baskets… you can use the time to get the ‘story straight’ if anyone has some explaining to do back home.  Discs may be bought or hired from sports stores or the ice-rink.