Families in Queenstown got together to celebrate the day and enjoy a sunny day together at two main events at the Queenstown Primary School and at the Queenstown Events Centre.
The Salvation Army hosted the "Family Fun Day and Picnic" at the primary school between 10am and 1.30pm.
Corps leaders Catherine and Kenneth Walker organised games, and there was a lovely atmosphere and laughs all around as the children and adults played together.
"Our church is very family orientated, and this is a great way to get together and have some fun with the children," Mr Walker said.
In the afternoon, the Queenstown Events Centre took over with a Children's Day celebration between 1pm and 3.30pm.
Bouncy castles and play activities mixed with tent stands, where groups and organisations relating to children showed off their activities.
Jodi McFarlane from Porse, one of the newest childcare facilities in town, said the event was a great way to meet families in a relaxed environment.
The objectives of Children's Day is to promote a national focus on children and motivate adults to appreciate and support children.
It stresses the importance and needs of children in society, and ways of promoting their development The initial idea for Children's Day came from the first Children's Commissioner, Ian Hassall, in 1991.
His suggestion was developed and progressed by the Rotary Club of Wellington, and the next Children's Commissioner, Laurie O'Reilly, put the idea before the Government.
In 1999, the National Steering Group with representation from both government and non-government agencies, was established to progress the concept of Children's Day.
The inaugural National Children's Day was held on October 29, 2000, with the intention that Children's Day would occur on the last Sunday of October every year.
In 2007, the date for Children's Day was changed to the first Sunday in March.
Children's Day has five important messages: Giving time Praise and encouragement Listening and talking Love and affection New experiences This year's key theme is "praise and encouragement".
Celebrations and activities have been held by several organisations across New Zealand.
Similar Children's Day celebrations have been established in many countries around the world.
