The drive to point where this takes you (from Lanarch castle) is pretty average (apart from one viewpoint). Got to the point this said and it was VERY underwhelming after driving a gravel road. Might be nice if you drive via Portabello but wouldn’t bother driving the way above (until you hit a viewpoint) then turn around! Don’t waste your time or fuel! The views on road to Lanarch Castle are far more beautiful.

There are multiple places on the roadway to sit and view the amazing place. People also love running through the edge of the road and the view is extraordinary on the sunset

If you get the chance to come for a drive then you must do so. The views are incredible and well worth the afternoon (or even full day) you will spend driving, walking looking & photographing. True New Zealand.

A very beautiful and quiet place in Dunedin. The drive from Dunedin is breathtaking and you already enjoy a lot of scenic views before reaching this place. The road is not paved at the end so it is wise to take a 4x4 ride but still a sedan has no issue. There is no shop or drinking water so you should have drinking water and snacks with you. You are literally at the end of the world here as there is nothing in front of you but Antarctica very far away. I would say it is a must visit place if you are in Dunedin.

Nice drive for the views. Unfortunately due to bollards erected all the way to the end there is absolutely nowhere to stop along the way. Lighthouse at end cannot be accessed as it’s in conservation area. Really disappointing drive..

Mostly a single lane dirt track

We took a bus tour from Dunedin to Nature's Wonders wildlife park, located on the far south coast of Otago Penninsula. 30 minute drive. Via 8 wheelers, small groups of 4-6 covered nasty dirt roads to the coast. Amazing beauty on a sunny, windy day. We saw seals nesting on the rocks and some rare penguins, yellow-eyed Hoiho - about 500 left alive. The highlight was the natural beauty. Long rolling green hills with sheep grazing - sweeping into the sea. Craggy rocks and sandy beaches. On a sunny day, it was amazing. A far outpost that is worth the effort to see.

Larnach Castle is absolutely beautiful! So well looked after and full of fascinating stories to discover. The staff are incredible too, friendly, welcoming, and clearly passionate about the place. All around you, native birds through the gardens, which are stunning on their own and open up to breathtaking views. Inside, there are plenty of rooms to wander through, each with its own little surprises, and you can even climb up to the very top of the castle for a view that’s just wow. If you can, go in summer when the gardens are at their most majestic, but even in winter, the whole place feels magical, like stepping into another world.

It is a mock castle on Otago Peninsula built in 1871 and privately owned. It is opened to the public daily as a tourist attraction and offers tours, events and accommodation. It has magnificent gardens and there are guided tours within the castle. It is a significant tourist attraction in Dunedin, receiving approximately 120,000 guests per annum. Popular with tourists. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen especially when touring the gardens. Beautiful place. Lots to see. Parking is easy. Great place for photography. Toilets available. Restaurants available serving a variety of food. Uneven terrain, lot of walking.

What an interesting place to visit! We stayed in the stables accomodation. Considering the price which includes breakfast and the entry to the castle and gardens its pretty cheap. The breakfast was great and staff very helpful. Rooms were clean but we found it to be a little loud (mainly water pipes and large entry doors closing) up until midnight. Castle and history is pretty amazing

Beautifully restored 19th century "castle " country home and gardens. We visited on a very rainy spring day, but the topiary and spring flowers were lovely. The interior contains period appropriate fixtures and decor, complete with 19th century bathrooms, family heirlooms and clothing. The woodwork and decorative details have been carefully restored. The narrow stairway to the tower was fun! This is an historic site, and private restoration of the Castle is ongoing. There are seperate accommodations on the grounds, but we didn't visit those.

We so enjoyed our stay here. It was exceptional. We had the best time at the dinner and making new interesting friends there. The food was amazing. What really made the stay was the night manager’s kindness. We are sorry we can’t remember his name, but he was amazing. He was knowledgeable, passionate, and an expert multitasker. Whatever he’s being paid, triple it!

Paid to visit the gardens $24. If you want to go in the castle as well it's $48. The gardens are lovely and the outside was just as nice. Coming from the UK it's not the I was expecting but it's lovely all the same from what we saw on the outside. You get pamphlets when you buy a tickets detailing the history and a map which was nice. The cafe/ballroom is something else entirely....so grand and very historic. The open fire places added a wonderful touch and you can sit outside in the marquee or even at the tables on the grass. We only got a drink so can't comment on the food but what we did see from other people it looked lovely. The afternoon tea we wished we'd done. It was a lovely visit.

I loved the venue, got a tad upset with all of the private tours they have going at the same time. Had a very sassy lady give me a filthy look as I was entering the room. Didn't feel they had more rights to be in the room than me. I paid my entry but didn't get a tour as I like to take my time. That particular lady needs to consider her body language and behavior and be mindful as I took offense to it.

Very beautiful and calm place to spend some time relaxing surrounded by plants. It's not very big but it's a nice way to spend marine 40 minutes to an hour. There are plants native to China, a waterfall and a big pond with ducks and water lillys. There's a restroom and a gift shop too. There are some sitting areas as well.

Lovely morning spent at the gardens, such a beautiful place, tranquil and oh so pretty. We had tea at the end and played checkers nice start to a big day in Dunedin. Recommended.

Serene, relaxing, great place to not feel that you're in downtown Dunedin. Beautiful gardens, paths and quiet places to sit.

Absolutely beautiful gardens!! They are maintained very well, have a great selection of sceneries, and have plaques spread across the site to learn more about the garden. I really loved the blend of using rocks and water along with greenery for the garden, it created a really tranquil atmosphere despite being so close to the city centre. Parking is nearby and a good almost-central location. Admission fee was reasonable, staff were super lovely and answered all my questions, and the gift shop was quaint but cute. I will definitely come back in the future, thank you again!!

A peaceful and beautifully designed spot right in the heart of Dunedin. Lan Yuan offers an authentic glimpse into classical Chinese architecture and culture, with its tranquil ponds, intricate stonework, and lush gardens. You can easily spend an hour or two here just soaking in the calm atmosphere. It’s clear a lot of thought and care went into its creation – a great place for photos, quiet reflection, or learning a bit about Chinese heritage in New Zealand. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the city!

A peaceful and beautiful garden in Dunedin. Feels like a little piece of China — perfect for a quiet walk and lovely photos.

A stunning traditional Chinese garden and it every turn a perfect photo opportunity. I ended up taking hundreds of photos of this beautiful garden and it was well worth the small entry fee. It is amazing how quiet and peaceful it is within the garden even though you ride in the city next to the train station. We felt transported to a different world and really enjoyed learning about the Chinese heritage of Otago. The most fascinating fact we learned was of the custom-designed roof tiles I think they were about 38,000 of them that were made in China with a unique pattern to these gardens and if each individual tile was laid side-by-side they would stretch from Dunedin to Christchurch. Worth noting that dogs are not allowed, we couldn’t find this information anywhere online before going so thought best to add into our review here as it may help someone else.

Well worth a stop. Spacious and well laid out. Something for everyone in the exhibits. Cafe gets very full mid morning. Good gift shop. Free entry with donation box. Normally a park on the street close by, pay by plate system.

This was a great little find in Dunedin. We were looking to fill some time and stumbled across this museum and it far exceeded my expectations for a free museum. Definitely worth the visit.

Definitely a learning journey, being in toitu museum. Plenty of exhibits, each station's very cool. Huge place to wander aimlessly for half a day. But its never boring.. i gained alot of insights and knowledge. :) Recommended. Its FOC, runs on donation. Go!

Great place to visit. Something for adults and kids as well. Very informative museum where I learnt quite a lot about Dunedin and the great place it is. I would highly recommend a visit if you have some time

One of my favourite museums in New Zealand! I haven't visited since I was a kid in over a decade so it looked completely different from what I remembered. I learned so much about Dunedin's rich history, and the artifacts were cool too! Who would've thought a Lime scooter would end up in a museum?

👍 Like my review! We stumbled upon the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum in Dunedin, New Zealand upon our arrival in the area. We didn't realize it was free relying on donations but our surprise was how massive it was. We really enjoyed the history from the beginning with the Maori but also highlighting how Dunedin is such an important hub in New Zealand. I would say that we were there for over 1.5 hours and there was a lot to read, consume, and enjoy. My favorite portion of the museum was seeing several vehicles and cable cars preserved! We would definitely recommend to our family and friends.

I did not plan to visit this museum. I had finished my sightseeing and was headed to my hotel. As I was passing by, I realized the museum was open, so I stopped in. The building is very modern and the exhibits are well ordered. The museum details the history of the first settlers to arrive in Dunedin through to the present day. It was fun to hear the music, see the types of clothes, furniture, and cars change throughout the years. Dunedin is a melting pot of many kinds of people. I especially enjoyed listening to accounts from sections called "our voices" and the room filled with photos of the first settlers. I spent about an hour in the museum and I wish I had more time. I highly recommend it. This museum has free entry. On this day, the museum had extended hours in the gift shop. They were playing Christmas music, which was nice.

Commentary was fabulous, food on the trip was great. Sadly the Dunedin side of the Taireri gorge is pines,gorse,and broom. The river has clearly been disturbed by activity up stream..it was dirty. Nothing I have seen in a NZ mountain river. Probably logging. Rail engineering and construction is amazing and the high country stop was a highlight.

A visit to the train station was free and the building itself a stunner. We also visited the gallery on level one which had a artisan shop and also a gallery. The sports museum is also located there. Plenty to see and do 🤗🤗🤗

We had a great time on our Dunedin Railways tour! They had a nice lunch box for us that had a sandwich, a sweet treat, some cheese, and crackers and also had water. Bob was our tour announcer as we saw the great sights of Dunedin and he was a nice gentleman that had a great personality and contagious smile! Kenzie also made sure that everyone was doing well on board and having a great time!

Cool railway station with art galleries on the second story to look at. Nice to escape the weather and see stuff inside. No need to pay for entry or anything

I treated myself to a trip on The Stargazer from Dunedin to Hindon and back. The trip didn't disappoint, from arrival where staff from Tuhura Museum helped everyone get their stargazing apps up and running to getting off at the end. Precinct at the Tuhura Museum provided us with a great tasty 3 course meal. It was much appreciated by everyone from the comments I could hear from the seats around me. The lamb was magnificent and went well with my glass of wine. Once we arrived at Hindon, they divided us into 3 groups, and we attended the different workshops on offer. My favorite was looking through the telescopes provided by The Beverly Begg Observatory. It was pretty special getting a close-up look at our celestial neighbors. Much kudos to them as they had been waiting up there in the cold for us all to arrive in our warm and comfortable train. I keep thinking about the beautiful Jewellry Box constellation with all the different colours. I'm now looking at the night sky differently. Thank you to all who took part in teaching us about our skies. Finally, sated and tired, we hopped back on our warm train to travel home. But they weren't finished with us yet. On the way home,we got to listen to astrophysicist Michelle Thaller answer questions that we had put to her earlier. She covered everything from going to Mars, Aurora, and pineapple on pizza. She has a great way of putting information that sticks with you and is fun. It was a fantastic night, and if you have the opportunity to go on this trip, I couldn't recommend it to you highly enough. Just go and enjoy a great evening adventure.

We travelled from Pukerangi to Dunedin after the Central Otago rail trail. It was a great experience I would recommend for the history and landscape. There was in informative live commentary. The Dunedin Station is one of the finest buildings in NZ and worth seeing . The food onboard was great. I hope that one day the train will be able to go all the way to Middlemarch township like it used to.

My mum booked our family of four for the Seasider journey on wednesday 5th Nov. Unfortunately after we boarded the train and made our way to the seats we had been assigned we found staff member "Janet the Onboard Story Teller" sitting in our seats. She told us to sit somewhere else. She began the announcements by saying the best views are seen by sitting on the right side of the train (the side where she was sitting, the seats that we had booked) Everyone in the carriage was sitting on the right, we were the only ones on the left. This was quite disappointing as we are on holiday and this will probably be the only chance we get to experience this train journey. It looked like Janet enjoyed the views and even snapped a few photos. My mum did manage to slip in to the seat opposite her after halfway through the trip to try and get a few photos herself but it was a bit late by that point. It wasn't really worth the money given the circumstances. There was twin seats with tables that staff members could use where the mic was plugged in but I guess this staff member just wanted space for her drink and snacks. (Booking #316002311)

Fabulous tour by Marty this afternoon. Very informative and lots of artefacts to look at. The walking wasn't too far and the tasting session at the end was most enjoyable. Was a bonus to get 10% off in the shop too.

A very interesting and informative tour. Our guide, Marty, was witty and had answers to every question. We also enjoyed the tasting at the end of the tour! Shopping for souvenirs was also excellent. Christmas shopping done!!

Well worth the 45min tour. Very informative, good guide, sample of beers at the end. Shop staff are lovely. And they have NZ Whisky now. Got to try it. The Wilsons Misty River liqueur is great.

We had an amazing tour with Carlos. From start to finish he was patient, never rushed us through and was thoroughly explanatory. If your into history and beer then this is a fantastic tour for you. From how it all started to now was a great insight to the legendary crafted beer we still drink today. Then at the end of the tour you get to taste some or all of the 9 beers + 1 apple cider which we tasted all 😄. Great value for money and highly recommended.

A really fun thing to do. And this is coming from a girl who is by no means a beer fanatic. Thomas was a great tour guide, incredibly knowledgable and very passionate. Good sense of humour too. Really cool to do a truly South Island experience, delicious beer tasting at the end, plus the gift shop does actually have quite cool stuff! Thanks for a fun arvo team :)

Marty was amazing, great tour, loved speights products and production, must visit to have few beers at the bar end and see how the are made.

A really engaging and informative tour from start to finish. Our guide, Marty, made the whole experience memorable with his witty explanations, friendly personality and impressive knowledge of the entire process. He took the time to answer every question in detail, no matter how small. The pace of the tour was just right, and we felt we learned a lot without ever feeling rushed. The tasting at the end was a perfect way to wrap things up, giving us a chance to appreciate everything we’d just learned. Overall, a fantastic experience that we’d happily recommend to anyone.

I give this place a 5 star. Only in Dunedin for 3 days but have had this on the bucket list for some time. I booked a guided tour and our guide was a lovely lady named Chris. The history around this house and the Olveston family was very interesting and engaging. The historical information was quite interesting yet a little sad considering the lifespan of the family members. If you have some spare time make sure you book a guide here as I am positive you won’t be disappointed. The gardens are also a pleasure to walk through.

A must see for those with an interest in history and a rare chance to a see a home that’s kept as it was when it was given to the city. You’ll feel like you are walking into a time capsule as almost all the items in the home, including the vast art collection and even down to the fly swatter hanging in the kitchen, have been left as the original owners had it. In addition to this we had an extremely knowledgeable tour guide who told us all about the history of the family and also about the items in the home. We could tell she was passionate about the home and its history which really made the tour that much more memorable and fun! The intention with which the home was designed by the owners it’s also incredibly interesting and makes you think how you would design your own home. It’s truly a beautiful and unique location and well worth adding to your list of to do’s in Dunedin!

- Guided tours avail throughout the day - free to walk the grounds & go through reception & gift shop on the bottom floor - could easily spend a day here, there is so much to see! - the grounds, home & everything in it have been restored & maintained with absolute care & precaution - def recommend others to visit here even if you don't do a tour. It's quite breathtaking.

Excellent couple of hours spent touring the intriguing old house and grounds. They have been splendidly maintained with love and pride. Very good tour - enough to want to know more without dragging on too long.

Fantastic tour. The home itself is fascinating. The guide was knowledgeable and the atmosphere was welcoming. Well worth the admission price.

Amazing historic house tour. Stunning condition, with all original items still here. A taste of past life in New Zealand. Need to buy a ticket to visit.

I love the tour and enjoyed the guide tuor. I was interested in the house where a merchant lived. I found that we could see something beautiful and pictures which he bought from Asian countries including Japan and other European countries. I’m so impressed because I’m a Japanese person. It’s a good memory in Dunedin. Also the staff is kind because when I made a mistake of the reservation date, they dealt with that nicely.

You can visit the world's only mainland colony of Royal Albatross at the tip of the Otago Peninsula in Dunedin, New Zealand. Small guided tours to a glassed hide allows viewing of some of the nesting albatross. To protect the albatross from human disturbance, the headland is not publicly accessible. You can see adults in flight with their three metre wingspans as they glide around the headland. The centre is free to enter but tours are charged. Uneven terrain, lot of walking. Toilets available. Cafes available on site. Before the walkabout tour, you are given a demonstration/lecture about the birds and the work of the centre. Popular with tourists. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Parking is easy. Amazing place to visit. Great place for photography.

We really liked our time at royal Albatross center yesterday. The staff is super friendly, answers all questions and the information provided about the life as an albatross and the nesting at this spot was really good. We saw 4 birds on the nests and some more in flight action. The cafeteria and souvenir shop are also nice for a short stop. Coming there without the tour is also ok, as you have a great viewing spot outside the center and the peninsula is beautiful. But I would recommend the tour if possible, as it was really interesting, time moved quickly and with the entry fee you support the work of the center.

We had a lovely afternoon today visiting the Royal Albatross Centre and doing the Classic Albatross Tour. Libby our guide was amazing - so passionate and informative. We learnt so much about these amazing birds and even better got to see the adults in flight and albatross fledglings nearly old enough and ready to take flight to South America. The red billed gulls also made themselves known - extremely comical and loud. A great visit.

Seeing Royal Albatross fledglings and parents, including feeding, was a very, very special experience. A well thought out visitor centre, and our viewing experience was enhanced by our very knowledgeable guide. The cafe is also worth a stop - the carrot cake is superb!

Awesome place to visit, didn't go on the tour, so missed seeing the Albatross - it was quite a blustery day. There are hundreds of Seagulls nesting here - that was a site to see. We had some lunch in the cafe - would recommend.

Had a really wonderful visit on World Albatross Day. Saw the birds right from the carpark gliding around and the chicks nesting were really special to see. In particular, I was impressed by the tiaki- the respect, passion, and conservation efforts in place to care for these beautiful creatures. I would certain recommend a visit to view and support conservation efforts for these birds and this place.

This was on my bucket list : It did not disappoint, absolutely amazing, went when the chick's were hanging out waiting for their parents to come back.. saw so many pass overs from the parents. LIBBY, our guide was the most fantastic guide and knew at the answers to my millions of questions.. BEST DAY EVER.. my 8 year old son loved it so much. We have been watching the live feed camera since going there. Everyone should have this to their bucket list

Interesting part of history about New Zealand's coast. Especially after reading about the Gold Rush and Dunedin. More importantly to respect nature and not to go too close to the wildlife. Short walk into the Seal colony and you can see many seals sun bathing or having a conference. Fun fact from chatgpt Katiki Point Lighthouse was originally powered by oil and had to be manually maintained by lighthouse keepers — today, it’s fully automated and solar-powered! Plus, the surrounding area is one of the best places on the South Island to see the endangered yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho) in the wild.

About a 5/10 min walk (down a hill) to the actual viewpoint but absolutely worthwhile. We were there for 15 mins and saw whales, potentially dolphins and were less than 10 feet from some seals.

I went with my family yesterday hoping to see yellow eye penguins in the wild and we were not disappointed. We saw 4 in total and many seals laying in the sun. The walk itself is also very beautiful and takes 5-10 minutes.

One of my favourite spot on whole trip. Grate off road, good parking place . the light house is close but don’t worry you can see grate wildlife live . some 🦭seals and albatross you can take pictures very closely if you are lucky you can see big water waves and natural view as well highly recommend 🥰

Good place to visit and absorb history and nature. Saw fur seals hauled out on the grass, which is most unusual. Heaps on the rocks too. The off shore reef was pumping.

Absolutely stunning spot, first time I've been there and walk is good and soo nice see all the fur seals 🦭 around lying on the grass 😀 Definitely worth a spot to visit

A beautiful spot to visit. The walk is mostly flat and easy, with just a downhill stretch when heading towards the colony. Peaceful views and well worth the visit.

When tourism becomes crazy! You know when you turn up somewhere and there’s multiple bus stop signs outside it’s time to turn around and leave. And they charge you to get onto a free beach to see some rocks. Which you can basically see on any other beach in NZ and the world! There’s gift shops, a cafe, an alpaca feeding area, they really have hyped this place up to be something. Crazy! Luckily I was driving this way anyway but to think that some people come over from the west coast all the way to see this is bonkers! Tourism overhype to the max!

Moeraki Boulders are little stunners perched on the beach it’s like 1,000,000 years ago someone rolled the dice and there they stayed. Absolutely worth the stop, the beach also beautiful we enjoyed the walk as well. Would rug up can be a little cold. There is a cafe there but it wasn’t open when we were there. Great stop after a few hours driving.

A little underwhelming as there were a few scattered boulders half buried. Only cool thing I felt were the boulders that were cracked open. It shows you the interesting formation of these boulders. Based off Wikipedia The Moeraki Boulders are concretions created by the cementation of the Paleocene mudstone of the Moeraki Formation, from which they have been exhumed by coastal erosion. The main body of the boulders started forming in what was then marine mud, near the surface of the Paleocene seafloor.

Went during low tide and honestly found the boulders a bit unimpressive. The ocean itself was beautiful, though, and worth a look if you’re passing through. Can get crowded with tour buses, so I wouldn’t make a special trip unless it’s already on the way.

Im sure it would have been beautiful but i didnt like that a public beach is privatised and monetised, in a way. Its only NZD2 to access the beach, its not alot.. and yes, the money is to maintain the walkway and etc... just doesnt sit right with me.

Beautiful place. There’s a public carpark with a 5 minute walk down to the beach. Alternatively, you can park by the café for a shorter stroll and view trail (a small NZ$2 donation supports the boardwalk)

Great boulders in an otherwise boulder free beach. Some have broken open, and you can see crystal deposits in the centre. The short walk to the beach is short but fairly steep, an alternative route is via the shrubbery and down some steps. The gift shop is beautiful, with lots of interesting items, not obviously tourist fodder, and the prices vary, but a lovely place with items for everyone.

When tourism becomes crazy! You know when you turn up somewhere and there’s multiple bus stop signs outside it’s time to turn around and leave. And they charge you to get onto a free beach to see some rocks. Which you can basically see on any other beach in NZ and the world! There’s gift shops, a cafe, an alpaca feeding area, they really have hyped this place up to be something. Crazy! Luckily I was driving this way anyway but to think that some people come over from the west coast all the way to see this is bonkers! Tourism overhype to the max!

Moeraki Boulders are little stunners perched on the beach it’s like 1,000,000 years ago someone rolled the dice and there they stayed. Absolutely worth the stop, the beach also beautiful we enjoyed the walk as well. Would rug up can be a little cold. There is a cafe there but it wasn’t open when we were there. Great stop after a few hours driving.

A little underwhelming as there were a few scattered boulders half buried. Only cool thing I felt were the boulders that were cracked open. It shows you the interesting formation of these boulders. Based off Wikipedia The Moeraki Boulders are concretions created by the cementation of the Paleocene mudstone of the Moeraki Formation, from which they have been exhumed by coastal erosion. The main body of the boulders started forming in what was then marine mud, near the surface of the Paleocene seafloor.

Went during low tide and honestly found the boulders a bit unimpressive. The ocean itself was beautiful, though, and worth a look if you’re passing through. Can get crowded with tour buses, so I wouldn’t make a special trip unless it’s already on the way.

Im sure it would have been beautiful but i didnt like that a public beach is privatised and monetised, in a way. Its only NZD2 to access the beach, its not alot.. and yes, the money is to maintain the walkway and etc... just doesnt sit right with me.

Beautiful place. There’s a public carpark with a 5 minute walk down to the beach. Alternatively, you can park by the café for a shorter stroll and view trail (a small NZ$2 donation supports the boardwalk)

Great boulders in an otherwise boulder free beach. Some have broken open, and you can see crystal deposits in the centre. The short walk to the beach is short but fairly steep, an alternative route is via the shrubbery and down some steps. The gift shop is beautiful, with lots of interesting items, not obviously tourist fodder, and the prices vary, but a lovely place with items for everyone.

Superb hospitality from Donna, saved my day. Sadly I was just passing by Middlemarch, but they seem to have a wealth of history and strong community. Might as well spend a couple of nights there next time around.

I can’t say enough about this team. From our initial booking and having a tailor made package for the four of us which suited our needs and budget. We opted for a more expensive package which included the Taieri Railway trip to Middlemarch to start the track and great accomodation for 3 nights from the options offered us. You choose what you want and pay accordingly which suited us fine. Loved the ability of just turning up on day 1 and being able to ride with bikes already sorted and accomodation already prebooked. As we had just come off 3 days on the Routeburn Track we also had the problem of getting all or packs and gear from accommodation to accomodation each night but that was no problem to Cycle Surgery and it arrived at each destination before us each day. From our first contact with them all our queries were answered and promptly- nothing was too hard and if we do the trail again we would use them again. On the completion of the trail and getting transported back to Queenstown we got an excellent commentary from Lonnie about places of interest along the way and showed the value of staff who are engaged with their work as opposed to just turning up each day. I researched service providers on Google before booking and also spoke with friends who had done the Rail Trail and used Cycle Surgery before and went with them. So glad we did and after our experience with them and the comprehensive package and services they offer we highly recommend them.

A perfect trip well planned by Cycle Surgery.I had the idea for a surprise getaway culminating in a romantic proposal but didn't know where to start.One email to Pip at Cycle Surgery and she had it all sorted.3 beautiful and very different nights accommodation.Fantastic meal bookings.Car transfer.The most comfortable bikes we have ever ridden.And the special touch of organizing Champagne and Flowers to be set up in our Accommodation. Thanks to Pip and the team.It was such a pleasure to have people that are so passionate about what they do help us with our special weekend.

Every aspect of the service from Cycle Surgery was excellent from start (in 2019 for a March 2020 trip that got called off) to finish (rebooked for Feb 2021 and in the opposite direction - and a marvellous experience). We would unreservedly recommend them - whether you are an experienced cyclist or a newbie. The Rail Trail is wonderful, we will do it again hopefully and if we do we will be on the email to Pip at Cycle Surgery

4 day ride was perfect, a group of 13 people was so much fun and great weather with spectacular views. Cycle Surgery provided awesome bikes and fantastic backup, we had one tyre blow out and they fixed it with in 1/2hr. Amazing

Unfortunately for us, we didn't book our hire bikes and rail trail tour through Cycle Surgery, otherwise things may have been a bit smoother! We did, however, book a transfer from Dunedin to Middlemarch (with John - what a great guy) to start the rail trail and a jet boat ride out of Alexandra with Lawrence! Lucky we did, as our trip was cut short due to flooding and it was Cycle Surgery to the rescue with a scenic trip with Dave from Middlemarch back to Dunedin. Cycle Surgery have great facilities and a huge variety of hire bikes for all levels - they cater for day trips on ebikes, adventures on MTBs, or longer trips for those bike packing! They know all there is to know about getting the most out of the time you have and value your holiday time as much as you do! Their business model is all about your happiness and that is very evident in all our dealings with the staff. When we come back to finish the Roxburgh and Clutha Gold trails, we will definitely be booking through Cycle Surgery!

Would highly recommend booking your rail trail adventure with Cycle Surgery. My husband and I booked this last year and did the trail April 2019. Right from the first email, they responded quickly and with a wonderful itinerary, which included transfers to and from Dunedin. The bikes were fantastic, with no issues on the trail. Accommodation was very good, comfy beds and nice and clean and tidy with lovely continental breakfast provided. It was also great to be booked into places for night meals so you didn't have to worry about where to go. If this adventure is on your bucket list, tick it off, it's a must. Contact Cycle Surgery now! You won't be disappointed

Good for riding start point. Not busy parking spaces. Easy and nice track for family i think. 14km to next parking lot I forgot where was there sorry. And 28 km to hyde. Track is easy and good but not very nice view. Just farms side path.

Very cool how you can set the date you start

Sharing with friends was great. The track was in good condition. The tunnels were fun... but I think there should be some kind of reflection on the walls even perhaps a bit of paint .? As to were the actual sides were. .. Otherwise it's all good .. Thank you.

Didn't actually did this track. I went with the trans alphine train from Dunedin and ended here, had a short walk around before heading back. Absolutely a lovely little town, worth it to walk or cycle around. A nice bar/cafe for a snack or beer. On the train ride there are a lot of stunning views, also worth doing.

Wonderful to see this sign after ebiking from waipiata

Put this on your bucket list - fantastic!

Great fun. Easy ride. Lovely meeting new trail companions along the way.

Always a delight to visit. Arrived home with birthday presents of beautiful candles and 2nd hand books. Chocolate and hokey pokey and a conversation with a lovely lady about life and travel.

A excellent place for understanding th heritage of North Otago lots to see and do. Organized events and Steam train rides Blue Penguin colony lots of cafes and restaurants brewery Something for all ages to check out

Lovely vibe. You can see that alot of energy is going into restoration of the buildings and its memories. The heritage festival weekend was being held when we visited and is well worth attending.

A gem in the South Island - Oamaru. We were only staying a few days but ended up being almost a week. There is so much to explore, and this quarter is fascinating.

On a recent trip to the South Island we passed through Oamaru and had lunch and a look around Oamaru's Victorian Precinct. What an unexpected surprise! Amazing attraction. The focus on steam punk an unexpected bonus, especially knowing that this has been a long-time focus of the area. The charming blend of history and quirkiness was captivating, with the steampunk twist adding an extra layer of fun.(as you will see from my few photos). Think a must see if you have children and want a great place to explore with them. Loved every moment of our brief stay and was sad to be on our way to our next destination. We will definitely be back !

Great place glad it was on the list to visit

Went to the Steampunk Festival over the long weekend. People watching on steroids! Had fun seeing the tapestry of costumes, conversations and shared obsession unfold all around. The historic setting alone is worth the visit, but even better if you can time it with an event like this one.

This was such a highlight of my road trip up the east coast. I decided to randomly stop and check it out and it was such a creative and fun place to visit. So many interactive and unique exhibits and well worth the visit. Very highly recommend.

I was actually surprised that I really enjoyed this activity. Was a lot to see and do here. The kids loved it and so many things to touch and experience. Is an outside area so we did that first with the weather about to turn! Really cool. Would recommend to anyone in the area to go and check out it. You will be surprised!!!

Loved this museum! It’s a mix of both cool and freaky stuff! I would highly recommend visiting this place. You will easily spend an hour or so if you love taking photos like me! It has many interactive elements which were a massive highlight!

Steam Punk HQ Was great fun! Everything is interactive. Lots of buttons to push and levers to move and things that make noise or flash lights. There are vehicles to climb in & on and amazing machines and sculptures and giant roaches on the wall! Ever wanted to play an evil dentist? Or mad scientist? This is the perfect opportunity. Quirky kids of all ages will love this place!

I love carefully curated clutter where I can poke around and fiddle with stuff. While not a steampunk aficionado per se, I am a generalist nerd, so I have made my rounds with Gibson and Sterling. The place is perfectly sized for a couple of hours of serious examination or an hour of casual wonder. It is a bit like the original Meow Wolf in Santa Fe. While it doesn’t have as strong and in-depth of a narrative thread as MW, it does stick its main theme with fanciful interpretive plaques like a traditional local history museum. Oh, and there is a little Weta Workshop connection and kickass movie prop if you read carefully.

Definitely go to this. 2kids loved it 1 didn't. Ages, 13, 11 and 9. Fun activity and lots of cool photos and things to do

Second time here and still enjoyed our visit. Loved the things that we can activate. Well worth the visit.

Absolutely love this place in spring. Good for walks and children will love the playground.

Stayed at the top 10 Oamaru, this park is about 5 mins from there,very impressive different gardens within the park. Children's play area, bridges over the water. Such a beautiful place definitely worth a visit

Beautiful garden. Well worth the stop. When we visited the glass houses were closed as they were undergoing restoration. I'm very envious of the private house that sits in these gardens, it is an amazing little piece of paradise.

Gardens on all their autumnal glory. Very pleasant to walk around. Has a lovely kids play park with a Humpty Dumpty wall. The Alps to ocean bike trail goes through the gardens. Very nice atmosphere after a long ride.

Was a bit 'abandoned' during winter. But it is still worth going to see the aviary, the green house and the park in general. There are a lot of ducks, the sign asks people not to feed the ducks with bread, but grain/seeds so the ducks don't get sick.

Outstanding. Well maintained gardens with a vast variation of plantings in a beautiful setting. Great playground with paddling pools for kids. Picnic tables and clean toilets

Not as good as I expect, maybe it’s because in the winter. The bird areas are quite good, they are adorable. There are some parking lots and toilets next to the garden which are so good.

Hosts Curl Australia's Australian National Curling Championships -- which I am watching from the comfort of my own home in Hamilton, Ontario! Also as I understand it, hosts New Zealand's curling talent. Kudos to everyone doing their bit to grow the game of curling. Fantastic to see teams from NZ and

Such a cool place. Literally. Everyone can do it. Highly Recommend

Visited from Wānaka for the day. Amazing hospitality and coached us through how to do the curling as we were very much beginners. Had ample time to give curling a go and also tried the outdoor luge which I would highly recommend. Friendly staff, great fun!!

Stopped into Naseby while doing a roadie in the Maniototo and spending a few days in Ranfurly. It's more than worth the drive. My wife and I decided to try curling. We did the outsoor one. Had the rink to ourselves today and it was heaps of fun. Staff was very friendly and welcoming. Gave use some pointers then let us enjoy the game. We had a ball. It's certainly a game of precision but anybody can have some fun trying it. Can't recommend highly enough. Will have to try the indoor version of the game one day too I think.

It was Worth for visit Naseby. Good experience to try Curling Sports. The staff is so friendly and approachable.

Came to do the Gold Rush Luge. It was so much fun. Went down 5 times, would have gone more times except for the walk back up. They need to install transport back up to the start!

Awesome activity, even for those with no experience. We arrived last week on our south island holiday, had no booking or a clue of how to play! After some great instructions from the staff and continual tips for the hour and a half we were there, we got the hang of it and had a great time! Such great fun, thanks a mil!

Elephant Rocks Review This is a free and easily accessible natural attraction that’s well worth a visit if you're in the area. Located just a short drive from Duntroon, the site features massive limestone boulders scattered across a wide open field, creating a surreal and scenic landscape. Photos don’t do justice to the scale of the rocks — it's only when you're standing beside them or climbing to the top that you realise just how huge and impressive they are. From the top, you're rewarded with sweeping views across the field and out toward snow-capped mountains on the horizon. There’s ample parking and a couple of picnic tables at the entrance, and even on a busy day the space is vast enough that it never feels crowded. It’s an ideal spot for a leg stretch, a peaceful walk, or snapping some truly one-of-a-kind photos. While I wouldn’t suggest making a long drive just for this one stop, it's absolutely worth the short detour if you're passing through or exploring nearby. A refreshing and memorable place to enjoy the outdoors and take in the natural beauty of these unique rock formations.

We stopped here for what we thought would be a quick picnic lunch and explore. We were here for almost 2 hours exploring every corner we could. Our kids spotted 2 elephant looking rocks and 1 rhino, most of the time too busy climbing and hiding around the grounds. Heaps of room in the parking area and has a few picnic tables before heading into the field. Lovely spot.

It's interesting to see so many rocks clustered in one area. According to Susan, a staff member at the Vanished World Centre, these rocks were submerged in water before, and years of rain and wind created their shapes, like elephants, etc. Thank you to the private owner for allowing visitors to walk in and experience this. We saw many interesting rocks but just couldn't find the elephant. We did find the hippopotamus... haha. It's good to explore and spend some time enjoying nature's creations the sheep. Just be cautious of all the sheep droppings around.

What a fun and quirky stop! The massive limestone formations at Elephant Rocks are absolutely stunning — it really feels like stepping into another world. The scenery is unreal, and the view is worth every step. Just be prepared for a little extra adventure — the place is full of lamb poop everywhere! 😂 Half the fun is actually trying to find a clean spot to land your foot. It definitely adds a hilarious twist to the experience. Overall, a must-visit for a good laugh, awesome photos, and a unique New Zealand countryside vibe. Just don’t forget your sense of humor… and maybe some sturdy shoes! 🥾

Seen a video from a soc med - was excited to see but unfortunately when we went their it was mostly big rocks.You can hardly see an elephant formation. Unless they meant Big rocks which stands as an Elephant rock. We still enjoyed it though by climbing the rocks. Visit this place when it is a nice weather. Since this lroperty is a private owned - please bring a gold coin with you for donation

If you're on the way to mpunt cook or anything up there, it's definitely worth it to spend the 15 minutes and have a look at em. Also if you're interested in bouldering there are some problems you can try even without shoes or a crashpad.

Not sure why elephant Rocks but years gone by maybe. A very amazing formation non the less in an amphitheatre like setting.

We found this place on Google as we were passing through and so glad we did! There are 30 wallabies in total and a bunch of other animals as you walk around the paddocks, there's a super cheeky peacock too. The wallabies are so sweet and gentle, the lady that owns the place is a real character, she obviously cares so much about her animals, we found her to be sweet and certainly has a sense of humour! Myself and Husband absolutely loved it. And for $15 for a huge bag of food and unlimited time walking around the paddocks, we thought it was a super reasonable price! 100%recommend ❤️

This experience was truly unique. I recommend learning about how this place was founded before visiting—it adds so much meaning. Gwen, also known as the “Lady Wallaby,” dedicated many years to caring for these wallabies. An amazing and inspiring experience!

You must stop by this place. The lady who owns this place is definitely part of the experience. A cheeky woman she is which made me laugh so much. It was $15 cash to get a bag of feed. We didn’t even finish the feed because wallabies are surprisingly gentle and slow eaters. They are very soft and gentle as well. Some are more shy than others but make sure everyone gets some feed! I highly recommend to kids and adults! She also has two cockatoos that can speak and say “I love you”. So cute.

Super fun to feed and pet wallabies! Make sure you have cash if you are an international tourist, only kiwi credit cards are accepted. Overall great time! If you’re in the area, you should stop by!

Great place to visit when in Waimate, especially with kids. Gwen, the owner, is very nice. NZ eftpos or cash (15 NZD per adult, 10 NZD children above 5 years)

Highly recommend this tour! Affordable price for an unforgettable experience! Those wallabies all have different personalities and they are all lovely. The host is kind to me and give a really detailed guidance on how to feed wallabies, which I think it’s very necessary to learn. Don’t miss this park if you pass by! 很好玩中国人不骗中国人！！！

Great to feed some wallabies. A lovely place tucked away, in the small town. A good visit if going from Timaru to Oamaru. $15 to hand feed the wallabies, a great coloured peacock wandering around as well. Really easy to navigate if you read the signs as well.

After using Hayes fence tensioner for years I had to visit here. What a brilliant stop. Most impressed there was enough foresight to keep and maintain thus grate piece of NZ history

Hannah's Kitchen delivers truly exquisite delicious almost Michelin star quality cabinet food and a chalk board menu too. Beautiful outdoor and indoor seating in an historical environment of old stone buildings and engineering works. Definitely a"not-to-be missed" opportunity to indulge in some of the best small savories and sweets you can find in NZ. Well worth stopping in for just a coffee or more, even if not visiting the fabulous engineering workshop and displays.

Considering the isolated location; this Cafe is simply the BEST...!! The staff, coffee & baked items sublime. Well done ladies, call in for the Cafe alone!! 💜💜

Well worth the visit if you have interest in the history, and the food n drink at the cafe was excellent as well

Ducked in here for a bit of lunch whilst peddling. Very tasty pie and nice gardens. Was too stingy to pay $15 to see the Hayes Engineering workshops which I found afterwards was my mistake as it's highly rated!

What an interesting place to visit! My children had a blast (although it may have been easier if we'd put our 2 year old in the pram!) lovely friendly people who stayed open after closing to let us have a good look around! Thank you! Best cheese scone ever too plus delicious juices and a lovely gift shop!

Really lovely cafe with friendly owners and staff. We had lunch and coffee, which was lovely and homemade. I got beef nachos, carrot cake and an oat latte (they have oat and soy milk!) The site itself was also interesting. Self-guided tour of old engineering works and the old home of Earnest and Hannah Hayes who settled on the site in the late 1800s. Worth a visit! Great stop on the Otago Rail Trail

I love the appearance of the building which is pretty cute and the staffs are very patient and friendly to explain some details for my questions.

Anna at the isite was awesome today giving us advice and info riding the A2O trail and retrieving our backpack with all our valuables in it which we had left on the back of our truck parked by the public toilets. Thanks Anna, you are our STAR. The isite has an extensive amount of local info available well worth a visit.

Went to change my vehicle usage from rental to private motor vehicle and then register the vehicle for 12 months. All done and dusted in 1.0 minutes.. Great service and friendly staff

Very friendly front of house staff. Some of the other staff are not so approachable which seems odd for a community resource. It would be good to have more focus on Maori and better placement of the artifacts pertaining to them.

This place has a bunch of good-heated caring people who have beautiful community spirits. They demonstrate how the Wataiki valley is an ideal place to live and travel by showing a genuine interest in offering helping hands.

During the winter this is not open on the weekends. Definitely worth stopping in, the museum has a wide collection and a lot of detail about the area. The staff are super friendly and helpful about things to do in the area as well.

An amazingly beautifully presented piece(s) of history, complete with some great storytelling about some people from the district. Well worth a stop in, and it's free! Thank you.

Highly recommend Big Sky. Fantastic tour organised by John and Jacquie. Accomodation very good and very enjoyable meals along the way. The bikes were excellent quality. Thanks so much would recommend.

We really enjoyed our experience with Big Sky and loved the rail trail. Jacqui had excellent suggestions for accommodations and restaurants. Push bikes were in good order. Our luggage came and went seamlessly between accommodations, and Jacqui even organised getting my glasses back to me before I noticed I'd left them behind - "You'd be calling about your glasses then? We had someone collect them and they are waiting for you at the pub with Angela." In fact, Jacqui's a born organiser, arranging varying transport options for us to get there, and dialing up perfect cycling weather.

Big Sky organized our 5 day trip thru on Central Otago Rail Trail. They are super organized, every step went like clockwork. They offered a great range of accommodation options and we were thrilled with the choices we made. They supplied pleanty of info about the trail and our bikes were fantastic.... Tim even gave me some tips about the hight of my seat.... what a difference that made. We just can't thank them enough.😊

We just completed the five day Otago Central Rail Trail with Big Sky Adventures and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Good bikes and comfy accomodation and tasty pub meals and ales. I particularly enjoyed the side excursions to fascinating places. So it was much more than just a bike ride. Oh and dont start me the great fun of curling. Big shout out to Alison the tour guide who was exceptionally friendly and went out of her way to make the trip even better. She bakes delicious muffins too - if you are lucky. Totally happy and most highly recommended trip. Great organising Big Sky Adventures 👌👍

Jacquie and the team at Big Sky Bike Adventures have been amazing. Going out of there way to book us dinner, and arrange our accomodation. We had a man down with covid the day before we were due to start, and Jacquie was available to help rebook and adjust our bookings. Seamless tour! Thanks again

Spent five days cycling the Central Otago rail trail with Big Sky Bike Adventures, absolutely loved it! The company’s attention to detail, professional back up and operation gave me complete confidence whilst riding. Bikes were in excellent condition, extremely well maintained, Richard our “facilitator” was fantastic, accommodation also comfortable and our hosts very welcoming. Highly recommend you book with Big Sky!!

Jacquie and her Big Sky Team are AWESOME. They went out of there way to accommodate our specific needs including disassembling and boxing our son's custom bike. Communication was great and regular and everything went like clockwork - they even ensured we had the best weather for the 4 days of our trip :). Thank you for a memorable trip!!

We asked for the bespoke (custom, one-way with car transfer) tour itinerary, and we got much more than we imagined. The bikes were fully equipped with panniers, helmets, and a water bottle you can keep when the trip is over. We also were supplied with maps, printed instructions and descriptions, and even candy to take with. Despite some changes we made to our itinerary last minute, Jacquie, John, and Neal handled it all, no problems. Very nice folks to deal with!

Have just recently finished the Rail Trail with these guys. If there was a 10 points available to give them I would. Fully supported by them, especially when we required extra transfers etc due to medical needs. No problem at all to upgrade along the track to e-bike, there that night. Definitely do the optional side tours very interesting the one to St Bathams

Beautiful pit stop from mtcook to queenstown. You get to see valleys and infinite horizon, making this one of the underrated hidden gems to do a quick stop for photos

A must see ! Very picturesque. Make sure you've got boots in autumn , so you can check out the viewpoint just off the road. It's full of slush. Such a beautiful view and lots of opportunities to pull over safely and take photos.

Nice place to stop the car and stretch the legs. Walk around the stop and see other cars zooming pass at the top. Some wildflowers sprouting in the harsh soil conditions add a bit of colour pop!

These valleys are beautiful in different seasons. It is deserted and reminds me of driving in the Desert Road in North Island but with amazing mountain views..

We were on a road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown and stopped along the way for some amazing views. We were blown away by the beautiful scenic views of the snow capped mountains. Well worth stopping or taking a drive to visit. So beautiful and scenic. Loved it.

Decent panoramic views of the Lindis pass. We passed by on the way to Queenstown, from Aoraki, in autumn. The views are not exactly spectacular, but worth the short walk and stopover.

Remember to stop by at Lindis Pass lookout as it has one of the most amazing landscape views along highway 8. There is a small lookout just next to the highway, so it's just simply to take this as a short stop before continue your trip. The view is amazing and magnificent.

here you can drop by to have a meal, enjoy a coffee, and shop for souvenirs all in one place! they have a great variety of souvenirs to choose from. we’re glad we decided to make an impromptu stop here. the staff are friendly too.

Our breakfast/brunch spot after coming down from Mt Cook, which turned out to be a very good meal! 🏔️ firstly, the view out of the cafe was amazing, and it even came with a fireplace which attracted many diners to take photos with! There’s also several sheep out at the back of the cafe, though they aren’t fully engaged with us 🐑 ☕ coffee was alright, ordered the large one and shared it with my wife 🥞 the pancakes were amazing, opted for the yoghurt option with additional bacon and absolutely loved it - definitely helped that there’s a good amount of maple syrup, which made it sinful yet delicious. The fruits and yoghurt helped a little with the diet for sure though 🤤 Avocado toast was good as well, mushrooms was well flavoured and the portion was good enough to fill us up for hours. Definitely a good spot to stop by for a meal or just check out their shop!

A pit stop for us between Tekapo and Wanaka in the small town of Omarama but what a find. This place is excellent for a travel break if driving or if you are on a coach trip as many did. We ordered choc fudge cake and drinks …all were great. The selection of food available was very good and the brekkies served looked huge. Highly recommend plus if it’s a cold day they will probably have the open fire on the go!!

Super cute place that we stepped in while taking a break during our roadtrip. We were super surprised by the cute decor and the friendly atmosphere. We didn‘t try any of the food but there were some nice options available. The drinks (Mocca and Americano) were great. We also enjoyed strolling through the shops afterwards. The bathrooms were super clean and cozy as well. Would definitely come back!

Dont order the ramen and wanton soup. It cannot caompare to auckland nice food take away nz$15.5 wanyon soup. This place is good for resting before tekapo.

We stopped for coffee and the loo on the way to Queenstown. It has a lovely fireplace so on a dull rainy day it's a perfect stop. It's a bit big a "tour group" stoping place though, so not a cosy quiet atmosphere. Cofee was average but service was excellent.

This cafe was a lovely stop on our way up to Lake Pukaki with our 13 month old daughter. I especially love the fresh flowers they put up around the cafe when opening in the morning, it really adds a nice touch and shows they like to make it a nice experience for customers. Service was friendly, coffee and food came out quickly and we both enjoyed our meals. They have high chairs available for babies, great grab and go food options if you’re in a pinch and clean toilets. It’s attached to a lovely gift shop with leather goods, soaps, etc. If we have time we’ll likely come back for lunch on our way back from our day trip.

A lovely spot to spend a relaxing time in the hot tub whilst looking out over a little pond and enjoying the wildlife. Shame there aren't showers in the pods next to the hot tub (we were in 2) they may be in others though. We went straight after walking round the clay cliffs so a shower before we got in would have been great but I wasn't about to have one in the main building and run to the hot tub!

We came here as a stop by for our honeymoon, we had just come from a wet, cold, freezing Milford sounds which we had just spent $250 on a cruise. These hot tubs were God sent. This absolutely transformed our trip around, we would trade that $250 on the Milford cruise EVERYDAY. I cannot rate this place higher enough, the lovely lady we met while we were there on the 02/10 was amazing, engaging and supportive. The staff were exceptional. This will be a staple recommendation for when people ask us what to do on their South Island trips

Amazing hot tub & sauna! Private and peaceful, right next to a lovely pond with gorgeous view of the mountains. Perfect place to relax after a cold rainy day in Mt Cook. Very clean and well-maintained facilities. Highly recommended!

Nice wood heated hot tub experience. Pool very hot - added some cold water to adjust better for us- you can adjust the temp up or down. Pools are private and clothing optional. Pretty views over pond/ducks and to hills. You are given water to drink. You can buy drinks from them (full bar). No outside food or drink allowed. Private cold shower available at the tub or warm showers at main building for after. Towels are provided. The cold shower felt good though after getting so warm in tub. Really enjoyed our private hot tub experience.

AMAZING! Highly recommend a stop here if you're in the area. The tub was on the side of a lake with the snowy mountains in the distance, talk about views! Loved that the water is so fresh. Very cool the tubs are heated by fire too. The facilities were immaculate, very clean! Loved being able to jump out of the tub and have a fresh, cold shower, then hop back in the tub. Privacy was amazing, we had our own changing rooms. The staff were super friendly too, thanks!

My son and I popped in for a gorgeous 90min session two weeks ago. It had been a dream of mine to visit for at least a decade. I'm so glad we did! Such a beautiful experience - a nice hot tub with perfect post card views.. Thanks for having us. We'll be back next year 💛

Beautiful way to spend the morning, we booked the private sauna & Tub combo. Both hot and ready to go when we arrived. Cool shower outside the Sauna was great. A warm welcoming and clear instructions on arrival as well as towels to borrow which would be great for those passing through unprepared! A photo of the sauna as we struggled to find any online to show what kind of heater is used. Will definitely be back!

Since so many good reviews we make a special trip here to try. We have ordered the fresh salmon, some sushi's to try it. Salmon meat tasted good the the cut is thicker comparing to other restaurants. We tried the chicken sushi, personally find it is not that great. The indoor sitting area is not too big so could sit outside especially in warm day.

An absolute must visit! I am glad I came here. There is a sashimi and smoked salmon section with other goods like tea pots, souvenirs and then there is a cafe which overlooks the salmon farm. They have sashimi that tastes buttery and rich and smoked salmon with various flavours (really liked it). Inside the cafe they also serve sushi. If you go outside on the deck there are pellets that you can feed the young salmon. Overall, very pleasant experience. Staff were friendly and helpful. Thank you to the young lady in the fish shop and deli, you were helpful and also thank you to the tall young guy in the cafe.

Popped here for dinner whilst staying in twizel! There is a mix of preprepared food and menu items - seating is all self service! The food was very tasty we got a few things to share! The salmon was all very tasty! Only issue we had was my dad wanted a well done steak which they only cook their steak to be medium rare.

Had dinner at High Country Salmon near Twizel — great experience overall! The salmon sashimi was fresh, tender, and full of flavour. The chowder was a little on the salty side, but the ingredients tasted very fresh. The fries were perfectly cooked — crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. A nice spot to enjoy good salmon dishes with a lovely atmosphere by the water.

Unfortunately, this restaurant did not meet my expectations. While the salmon was fresh, the sushi itself was cold and tasted as though it had been pre-prepared. I ordered the cooked salmon sushi and the pork belly, but neither dish was enjoyable. The view is decent, but overall, the experience did not justify the visit. I do not plan on returning.

It is different that you order and pay for your food. You then find your own seats and they deliver you with the food. We ordered platter for two. Nice presentation but if you are there for the salmon, order salmon sushi or sashimi only which we should have done. We stayed at Mount Cook Hermitage and this Salmon restaurant would be the closest at 60 km away. Also it is 3km from Twizel, a small village from Mount Cook that you can get reasonable priced food.

Came after the hype and the place was busy with people when we got there. We had to line up for quite long for food orders. When it was our turn the server told us that their kitchen was closed as they had too many orders to make and couldn’t make new orders anymore. We were very disappointed of course as we came all the way to try their salmon and all we could get was anything ready at the counter. We got some sashimi and sushi for sharing. Honestly they tasted average though salmon was fresh. They had a pond behind the restaurant where you could feed the fishes in it. We quickly finished our lunch as the place was busy and people were waiting for seats. We then went over to the shop next to the restaurant to have a look at what they sell.

Honestly, should be a 4.5 star Sashimi is fresh and neatly packed with chopsticks and soy sauce and wasabi. Smoked salmon tastes good when eaten with sandwich. The view is great, but can be hot in the afternoon. Small shop but serves it's purpose well as a pit stop. Many tourists, toilet is clean.

Like many other tourists, we visited this place. Sashimi was nice and fresh. It seems prices are always increasing. 100gm for $15. 500gm large was $53. I also tried the hot smoked salmon to try. Prices are better than High Country Salmon if you want to only try sashimi only.

When you come to Mount Cook, you must try the salmon sashimi here. This shop is more suitable for takeaway or a simple meal. There’s only one table inside, but there are several outdoor tables where you can enjoy delicious food by the riverside while admiring the scenery and the distant Mount Cook.

The salmon was super delicious and incredibly crunchy, with a perfectly balanced taste. We came back twice! The sashimi is genuinely unbeatable. It was quite windy to sit outside, and finding an empty spot inside this small shop was a challenge. With better weather, the experience would be completely perfect.

Salmon that melts in your mouth like butter… and the most stunning views of Mount Cook! You’ll definitely want to make a stop here. Located next to the i-site. Plenty of parking for all vehicle types, and clean public toilets. This is a great place for a leisurely picnic, coffee or a quick snack on the banks of Lake Pukaki. There are picnic tables along the water front, and a picture perfect spot for noteworthy Instagram posts. The Salmon Shop has the cleanest sashimi I’ve ever tasted. So deliciously melt-in-your-mouth. It was the best I’ve ever had. They have small containers with about 10 to 12 pieces for $15, served with wasabi and soy. Their smoked salmon dip is $15 each or 20% off if you buy two (which we did). This was a beautiful treat we enjoyed later at sunset paired with a lovely crisp glass of Pinot Gris. They also sold fresh caviar and wasabi, different cuts of salmon, crackers and some great condiments that pair beautifully. You could also purchase cold drinks, filter coffee, tea, and a yummy hot “lemon honey and ginger” drink (which was so good we came back for seconds). This was great for soothing my partner’s sore throat he’d been struggling with. A small section of the shop had upmarket tourist souvenirs which were far better than many of the junky things you might find at the usual tourist shop. Whether you’re a salmon lover or not I definitely recommend a stop here. The view alone is worth Gold, and I’m sure you’ll be a sashimi convert once you’ve tried this most delicious treat!

Fresh salmon and with the best view to eat at. I would recommend if you are in the area. People had also brought their own noodles to eat with salmon. Which I thought was a great idea

Fresh salmon sashimi that are cut too small. Very nice view around the place (scenery is not part of the shop, is free). Quite expensive, $15 for 100g (1 small box). Place is often crowded but they serve very fast.

Lake Pukaki is perfectly positioned at the foot of Southern Alps. The scenery around will blow your mind away. We might have seen such pictures as the backdrop of calendars during my childhood. But never imagined such a beautiful place. The area is famous for Salmon & salmon farms too. This aquamarine colour due to the glacial flour will leave you mesmerized.

Pale water holds the mountain's gaze, A sheet of ice, in sunlit haze. The Southern Alps, in jagged crown, Reflect their snow on water down. The air is thin, the light is gold, A silence ancient, grand, and old. Upon the shore, the tussocks sigh, Beneath a vast and endless sky. Lake Pukaki, a turquoise gleam, The color of a waking dream. It drinks the melt from Tasman's feet, A glacial, breathtaking retreat.

Lake located on the road to Mt Aorangi, lake has some spectacular views and lookouts galore. Can see clear around the valley on a nice day.

It’s so beautiful here! You also can see Mount Cook in the distance.

Our coach passed beautiful Lake Pukaki on the way to Mount Cook, which became visible from quite a distance. The entire lake is an almost perfect and consistent aquamarine, from the glacial runoff silt.

Definitely worth a couple of visits! You can get even closer to the mountains when you drive towards Mount Cook. The lake is an endless body of turquoise blue. There is plenty of parking available. Toilet facilities are not the best though.

Beautiful place to have look on Mount Cook. It gives beautiful look with several other mountains. It's very big and spread in large area till Mount cook.. Drive along with this lake gives you a very sceneric beauty. Even if you wanna dark star view. Than it's a best place to see. By going more along with lake (not on main road) side road. You can get good spot which will give a broad view of sky and definitely you will get too many stars and planets (satellites too if you lucky enough).