Beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. Next go queenstown with lots of food options. One of the best views is on deer park heights.

Words cannot describe how beautiful Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu is. It is one of the most beautiful destinations in New Zealand and one of the most popular. Near the city center of Queenstown there are many shops, restaurants and bars. Near the city center you can also pick a tour company for your famous shotover jet tour.

Right next to Queenstown this lake doesn't need an introduction. Its beautifully shaped and the views are magnificent. Also a lot of activity going on around the lake since its one of the main attractions for visitors from abroad. Hopefully I'm able to revisit this place again in the near future.

What more could I add about this iconic lake. I'll let the photos convince you why you should make a visit and see and experience for yourself.

This place needs no introduction. What you may need to know is where to park for FREE! I wish someone told me this before I visited! There is plenty of paid parking available including street paid parking and parking lots. However, the best 4 Hour FREE parking I found was in Queenstown skate park, just adjacent to Queenstown Gardens. Its not a big lot, but usually easy to get parking if you have some patience and good luck! From here, it's just a 10 minute walk through the beautiful garden to get to the lake.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Lake Wakatipu in stunning New Zealand, and I cannot say enough positive things about this magnificent destination. From the moment I set foot on its shores, I was captivated by its breathtaking beauty and alluring charm. First and foremost, the lake itself is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush greenery, the crystal-clear turquoise water stretches as far as the eye can see, creating a serene and picturesque setting that left me in complete awe. The vistas are truly breathtaking and provided the perfect backdrop for countless memorable moments. Aside from the stunning scenery, Lake Wakatipu offers an array of recreational activities that cater to all interests and skill levels. Whether you are seeking adventure or simply wish to unwind in nature's embrace, there is something for everyone. From hiking and biking along scenic trails to boating, fishing, and even jet skiing on the pristine waters, the options are endless. The lake's natural beauty truly invites exploration and instills a sense of adventure. Moreover, the surrounding towns and villages, such as Queenstown and Glenorchy, effortlessly enhance the overall experience of visiting Lake Wakatipu. Packed with charming shops, delicious eateries, and vibrant nightlife, these towns showcase the immense warmth and hospitality of the local community. I was welcomed with open arms and felt a genuine sense of belonging throughout my stay. It is also worth mentioning that Lake Wakatipu has a rich cultural heritage that adds depth to its already extraordinary allure. The area is steeped in Maori history and legends, which can be explored through various cultural tours and attractions. These experiences allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the land's indigenous roots, further enhancing the overall experience of any visit. Lastly, but certainly not least, I must commend the people of Lake Wakatipu for their unparalleled hospitality and warmth. The locals are incredibly friendly and helpful, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure an unforgettable experience. Their genuine smiles and welcoming nature truly embody the spirit of New Zealand, leaving a lasting impression that will forever hold a special place in my heart. In conclusion, Lake Wakatipu is an absolute gem that should be on every traveler's bucket list. Its unparalleled natural beauty, numerous recreational activities, vibrant towns, intriguing cultural aspects, and welcoming community create an experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. I am grateful for the opportunity to have visited this enchanting destination and cannot wait to return.

Gorgeous Lake flanked by majestic mountains and right by Queenstown. To truly enjoy all the views of the lake: * Take a steamer or ship across the lake (like the TSS Earnslaw) * Enjoy the lake side in Queenstown * Drive to Glenorchy and enjoy the many spots on this gorgeous drive by tbe lake * Take the Skyline Gondola up and view the lake

We started this hike from the Tiki Trail not where it is marked. This was the best hike that we did in New Zealand. It was extremely challenging for us as we did it on our 16th day and we had done several other hikes prior. Unfortunately the winds were high so we didn’t feel safe to climb to the very top. We still count it as a win. We started the hike an hour before sunrise and did not experience any people until just before the saddle. It was such an incredible hike, we recommend doing it before the gondola starts to avoid the crowds. Also it’s still worth doing if you only make it to the saddle!

Quite tough to find the start point for this track. Had to go through a construction site and then up a hill to a little bridge. Track is marked it most spots but doubt can creep into your mind when there are no markers. Snow was on the track quite early and was very icy. It was a lovely warm day. Quite hard i would say. Took my around 4hr to go from start to finish including summiting Ben lomond. No including breaks.

Amazing hike. Total hike was 12 miles. Took 2 miles via Tika trail just to get to the starting point. So the actual Ben Lomond track ended up being 6 hours - 8 miles. Pretty tired! Gradual incline the first 2 hrs but the last 1 hr is very steep incline! Gets pretty windy up there so I needed a jacket. Bring lots of water and snacks! We ended up taking 7 hrs to complete the hike. We had to park on the street and we’re able to find free parking. Highly recommend but difficulty is very hard (coming from an American standard). Beautiful views! This hike is very advanced and challenging. would not recommend if you are not a hiker. Going downhill was quite hard on my knees. And I’m 29 years old. And healthy and in shape. I even had to go backwards during certain parts of the downhill because it felt better on my knees. Even at times, walking sideways down the mountain! I think Roy’s peak has a better view at the top, however, I loved the view of the mountains and trees and lakes along the way up the hike!!! I would say this hike was very similar in intensity as Roy’s peak.

In late June in some sections we experienced minimal snow but lots of packed ice! Prepare accordingly!

This hike has some really amazing views. If you're able, go up to the summit instead of stopping at the saddle - the 360 view at the summit is really exceptional.

Amazing panoramic views ..it's a good 7 hours hike...carry lots of water.

If you are NOT a regular hiker or do not regularly work out, listen up dear reader. We started at 8am at the tiki track feeling confident. We were (only just) smart enough to pack 2l water each, snacks and lunch rolls (from the bakery) with waterproof and wind proof jackets and layers. You will need all of this to survive. This track is marked “advanced.” Do yourself a favour and read the official website recommendations. There’s a reason very well equiped and very happy, fit looking people bound up this trail. We pushed ourselves up and it was tough, but getting to the top was a great feeling! I thought to myself, yes I’ve done the hard bit! But this is where it got sketchy. Coming down. Down that mountain…. It would appear that at 38 years of age and with only sporadic exercise efforts to speak of, my knees were not up to the task (apparently there are some downhill muscles engaged I don’t usually use). I’d like to add that I am slim with no injuries to speak of. The pain was really quite bad and I walked at least a km backwards. Yes you read that right, I completely cast off all sense of dignity in the effort to get myself back down that mountain. I honestly considered rolling sideways down the grassy patches, even got a piggy back at one point while we considered our options. As concerned and well meaning people (even kids were on the track bless their little happy knees) skipped past me, I was hobbling backwards. I was at one point thinking I might have to be airlifted out. Needless to say I forked out the $35 to go back down via the gondola by the time I gratefully hobbled towards it. We finished by 3.30pm (7.5hrs all up) but I held us both up on the return trip with my very regular breaks/breakdowns. The other one of us is 40 and apparently has fabulous downhill hiking knees, but I’m not bitter about that at all. My knees were too sore to walk downhill even on concrete the next day. Be realistic about your fitness and knee health. If you’ve made it this far reading the review, I hope it was helpful. The view really is spectacular.

Loved this place. Exhibits are set up and maintained nicely. The conservation show was really cool and interactive. The people doing the free honey testing were engaging. The animals of course were amazing to see up close especially the birds!

Lovely park where you can see Kiwi in a dark setting as they are nocturnal animals that are sensitive to light. We did the Wildlife Show when we entered the park in which we learned about the animals that live in NZ, afterwards we got a short but informative session in the dark habitat where currently four Kiwi live ("Kiwi encounter"). Recommend you to check out the timing of the two different highlights so that you won't miss it. During the Kiwi Encounter, the guide informed us that the aim is to set out the Kiwi back in the wild so that the population will increase.

Great place to see a live Kiwi and a bunch of other native new Zealand wildlife. No pictures of the kiwi as that isn't possible due to their dark habitat. We did manage to see 4/6 kiwis that currently live in the park. The two shows were very informative and entertaining for all ages. I would recommend to plan for about 2 hours in the park if you want to see everything. Afterwards you can enjoy a free honey tasting in the cafe. No sales pitch or push which was very refreshing.

Well-kept conservation environment with knowledgeable and friendly staff ✨ Be sure to bring some walking shoes cause the short stroll around the Kiwi Park can be tough for some. However, the enclosures and animals within are excellent. The staff are happy to assist in all instances and the indoor cafe is a great touch Don't be surprised to not have a 1-on-1 sit-down with any kiwis, but, the encounter tour certainly ticks the boxes and is a great way to see them up close while learning a bit more about them 📷 NO PHOTO OPS HERE 📷 Thankful to see family concessions and 30% for those with a gold card, however, as a tertiary student (and both of us being kiwis) it is one of the steeper costs that would've been justified to miss out on a holiday and spent on other spaces, but, no regrets for what we were able to spend in our instance!

We had a really nice afternoon at kiwi park! We arrived about 4pm so it was nice and quiet - made it in time to see the kiwis and the last show! The staff were all very friendly and knowledgable!

I found the ticket prices a little high at $60 per person even though it was great to see some kiwi's. The park is small and the exhibits were a little sparse. The walk around was good. Only spent just over an hour here.

Not What I Expected – It’s a bit pricey for what you get to see, but the money supports NZ’s conservation efforts. It’s a long park with cages for various birds. The Kea is the most interesting. Kiwis, however, are nocturnal, so you enter a very dark building to see them. It takes some time for your eyes to adjust and avoid stumbling into other people. The very dim light makes it difficult to see the birds, but they are active. BUT no photos are allowed.

The only place with a food court in Queenstown. Easy place for a group of people to satisfy all their likings and cravings. I had Thai food which was yum, spicy pork belly rice was actual spicy. Cassette was yum as well for Italian pasta so was Japanese , sushi

The mall has multiple entrances on Camp Street as well as Beach Street. It is a Duty Free shop so many of the items there are quite expensive. It covers three levels of shopping and a food court (eatspace) at the bottom. The shop was quite nice to walk through since they do have interesting items. There is also a nice seating area on the top floor. I did enjoy walking around and looking at the products even if they were quite expensive.

the Thai place inside the mall is very good, the food. however the lady in the POS is EXTREMELY rude, I have been going there with my friends over some time now and she always treats us badly, not great for someone’s who’s job is only to be nice to ppl :)

Good food court. Then 2 levels of useless products

Seems like they cater mostly to the Asian tourists. I did not like being followed by the security staff when I was browsing the clothes and cosmetics area. (I don’t look poor or act suspiciously, but apparently they do that to everyone.) It just made me want to leave the place as I did not have a feeling I was welcome in the store.

Pretty Empty and you can go for McDonald's.

What was once an affordable food court and shopping centre filled with useful stores on the upper levels, is now three floors of security guards and overpriced tosh for the rich that locals on minimum wage can’t afford. Could have been so good. A massive opportunity missed by Skyline Queenstown. We could have had our own Riverside Market like Christchurch. What a shame.

Spent 3 hours here to admire the huge pine trees and spring flowers, especially the cherry blossoms. The lakeside views were amazing in a sunny Sunday.

Queenstown Gardens are a brilliant example of enabling multi use facilities for the public. The gardens provide a serene walking experience around the edge of Lake Whakatipu with transitioning views of Queenstown & the surrounding mountains. You can play tennis, do Frisbee Golf as you walk around the gardens or even go ice skating. If you are staying in Queenstown this is a must & go a second time at night on the well lit walking paths.

Queenstown Gardens offers a peaceful, scenic escape just steps from downtown, making it an easy and worthwhile walk for anyone visiting the area. The paths wind through manicured flowerbeds, tall trees, and quiet lakeside viewpoints, creating a relaxed atmosphere. It is free, accessible, and beautiful in every season, with extras like a disc-golf course and open lawns that add variety to the experience. Ideal for a 30 to 60-minute stroll.

Nice spot for a walk around be it to see the flowers in bloom, walk the waters edge, play some frisbee golf or walk the trails. The spring flowers are the highlight though.

Lovely and well kept gardens in Queenstown. Gorgeous flowers and plants. It's very easy to spend several hours here just ambling around the grounds admiring the flowers and trees. Peaceful environment. Very family orientated for young and old.

Lovely garden to grt some time away from the bustle of the main streets. Multiple different paths around the gardens, and different activities. There's parks for kids, Frisbee golf, you cna cycle round (please take note of the signs to slow down and dismount!), theres also plenty of routes for dog walks. Lovely pieces of art on route, and as the garden comes into summer I imagine the rose garden will burst into life. As the garden runs alongside the lake do be mindful it can be windy and take layers! Plenty of shade/ trees for the summer too. Would recommend a visit. Theres also the local parkrun based here which takes you on a lovely tour around it - don't forget to volunteer as it keeps parkrun free and fun!

Beautiful gardens with a huge variety of unique and stunning flowers. Nice little cafe near the gardens. Plenty of shade and calm water features.

Very pretty lookout spot. Right next to a hiking trail, with lots of parking by it.

Got to go to the top of the station and enjoy the view. Go on the 4wheeler tour you'll love it.

A great walk or run but need a good level of fitness as steep in places but the views are epic.

I have been QT hill 3 times, it's very nice and easy walk way to get to the hill,love so much.

A nice warmup for Ben Lomond or a nice running place for daily training. This is a clean track, easy to access and rather quick to do

A good place for a walk up and very scenic from the lookout point

Great views and easy access.

Beautiful slopes with great variety, also some amazing food at reasonable slopes prices. Our instructor (Luis Miguel) was absolutely amazing and did great with patience and explaining how to do things in an engaging and understandable way. I can say my skiing improved greatly after being with him. Highly recommend him to teach lessons.

Nice ski area with great views and a relaxed atmosphere. We visited in late July and barely had to wait for the chairlifts, which was a pleasant surprise. Some areas had limited snow coverage, though, so take care on the slopes. Overall, a fun experience even in the off-season!

wonderful place to visit in Queenstown. However, the road can be quite challenging during the winter season compared to Coronet Peak, with sudden changes in weather. It is recommended to use snow chains or a 4WD vehicle; alternatively, you can take the bus service from the car park. Even if you are not a skier, there is a dedicated area for kids and families on the left-hand side, which makes it enjoyable for everyone. Food prices are reasonably fair, and hot water is available on site. There is ample space outside, but it is more comfortable to stay indoors while having a meal, as it can get very cold.

Better than cornet peak, however drive is not for the faint of heart , 1 wrong move and its instant death, thanks to hardly no physical protection. Resort is small and once parking is filled attendee will direct/ insist you park exceptionally close to the almost 90 degree edge of the mountain. After a risky drive your met to a pretty average resort, its Okey but not great by any means.

first timer lesson and instructor was good but beware staff at rentals some can be hostile towards asians (caveat not all). instructors were good and fun. tad crowded but overall great experience

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had an amazing experience learning with Nick Collyer! He explains the techniques in such a clear and simple way, breaking everything down step by step so it’s easy to follow. He’s incredibly patient and respectful, which made me feel comfortable and confident on the snowboard. I really appreciate how he quickly spotted my problems and corrected me in a way that I could fully understand. Thanks to his guidance, I improved so much faster than I expected! I’ve already recommended him to all my friends and will definitely be booking more lessons with him.

The slopes are very good provided you get some good snow. The whole place is not that big but they do a good job in maintaining it. The bus shuttle service and parking is good. Tha biggest problem I have with the place is that it’s too damn crowded and during the lunch hour it’s impossible to find a place to sit down. Either don’t sell so many passes or expand the area. The skiing is almost twice as expensive as Europe but nowhere close to Europe in facilities. That being said, this best is best option in NZ and Queenstown is so much more than just skiing. Btw, the staff is great and super helpful! 5 stars to the staff and none for the management/owners.

A must visit lake in New Zealand and I personally love this more than tekapo 😆

Picturesque lake and town that has a really nice laid back vibe to it. Very different to its bigger bustling tourist town cousin of Queenstown. The mountains with snow on the peaks with the clear water make for some great photos. The walk around the lakes edge is nice and flat and perfect for a stroll. The town has a good selection of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Loved it.

Beautiful lake with chalets and hotels lining is shores on the one end and massive mountain ranges on the other. Roy's peak is accessed from here which is a hike that takes you to that place you see on Instagram with sprawling views of the lake in all its glory. For the less adventurous, there are kayaks available to rent and other adventure activities

The must beautiful lake

A highlight of the town and a nice place for walking around. I appreciated that there were so many nice public toilets, especially in the part that touches the town. It just means that anyone can really spend a long time at the lake and chill there.

Small little town and a big lake. The famous tree is about a 15 minute walk from the town and can be done near the road or the water. The tree is much closer to the edge of the lake than expected, and much smaller than the photos. Nice pit stop in between a long car or bus ride. The weather can change the experience, definitely plan ahead if this is something you want to include in your trip!

A special tree that can give you great inspiration ! The Roys Bay of Lake Wanaka is only a a very small beach but there stands a very special and expensive tree. People call it the "Lone Tree" This willow tree submerged just off the shoreline of Roys bay in Lake Wanaka has become an iconic feature of the town . This photo album is only for this one tree ! Hope you like it .

Probably the best ski resort for a general good day out for everyone in New Zealand. If you love terrain parks and pipes then this is the place to be in Australasia. Great facilities and well groomed trails. Off piste has certainly got better with the opening of Soho.

Was a wonderful ski field. Had a lot of runs to do and was great with all the lifts and covered escalator for the learners.some staff had no ideas about colours of runs so maybe something for staff to learn up on but we managed to find a ski instructor and they were really knowledgeable about the different coloured runs etc. A lot to do here and a lot of runs. Spent a good day here. Have to get here early if you want a park otherwise you won’t see your car for the day so come prepared. Cafe is on the expensive side, tourist prices of course but still a great day of skiing had. Would definitely come back for more.

Fantastic ski resort with amazing views and well-groomed slopes! Great for beginners and experienced skiers alike. Friendly staff, good facilities, and a fun atmosphere. One of the best places to ski in New Zealand! 🎿🏔️❄️

Great place for beginners to expert, but over crowded place for first timers. Should probably go to Remarkables if it’s your first time. Rentals are good quality. And the stuff is friendly and helpful. A lot of easy runs for beginners at different levels. I found it great to instruct people at different levels from beginner to intermediate. Great place for both snowboarding or skiing. Plenty of runs open and the jumps are well groomed.

Very positive and friendly Team running the resort. Private ski lessons are high quality, recommended. Moderate busy. Accommodation is very hard to book, but worth it. Rooms are clean and confortable. Several food options and coffeshop. Not your 5star level meals, but very good considering how remote the location is and supply challenges. Equipment appear to be very well maintained, including lifts, no visual signs of significant wear.

We came in the first week of September. Spring just started. It treat us well with a sunny sky in the early morning then massive snow in mid day. The field is well maintained and lots experiences for different ski level. We had fun!

Great place with great snow in 2025. Hope to get back there soon. If your car is two wheel drive, best to just catch the free shuttle from the base of the mountain to the top.

The experience was okay, but I found the winery to be quite commercial and lacking the charm and personal touch you sometimes get in smaller places. It was also very busy, which made it feel a bit rushed. The wines were fine, but in my opinion it’s not really worth the stop when there are so many other wineries in the area that offer a more special and memorable experience.

We were a bit underwhelmed with the winery itself - could really use a refresh to the interiors and perhaps even the branding. The wine was nice, but not a stand-out in the region. The saving grace for us however, (despite the commerciality) was the cheesery! We sampled a bunch of delicious cheeses (unfortunately we couldn’t take any home to Australia) and we also purchased some of the Pinot noir truffle chocolates which were DIVINE! So much so, we made a special second trip back to the winery just to purchase more for ourselves and for a gift. Didn’t try the Chardonnay chocs (not into white choc) but highly recommend the Pinot noir truffles and the Pinot noir fudge - 5 stars for those!

Stopped here for a self drive wine tour of the region and was a great way to start the day! The venue was great and the cellar door is set up nicely. Our main waiter was Jules who was amazing. He was very interested in our likes and plans for the day, passing on his recommendations for other stops on the way. He made sure to talk us through each wine we tried and how it was created. The wines were delicious and sitting by the fire was very cosy.

Our tour with Ange was absolutely incredible! As someone who doesn’t know much about wine but loves drinking it, I really appreciated how he shared so much interesting information without getting too technical. He took the time to make sure we understood each tasting profile, and his friendliness was unmatched. You could really see his passion for what he does, Gibbston Valley is lucky to have him! Hard to believe it was only his third time running a tasting tour; he definitely deserves a pay rise! Micah + Ben

This winery is beautiful! From the outside seating area, to the cellar door inside and the wine cave with it’s constant temperature of 14 degrees. The scenery in the valley is stunning and the whole layout of the winery is well thought out. As we were a little early for our booked tasting, a glass of pinot noir helped the time fly by. Well as they say….when in Rome 😛 Our tasting started with a small tour and explanation of the vineyard before heading over to the wine cave for our tasting. We tried a variety of reds and whites as well as the bubbles and I enjoyed them all. Usually, there is at least one that I don’t like but not this time. There is a cheesery and deli on site but to be honest, I forgot to have a look. Unlike me as I’m a big cheese and charcuterie fan! I did get to sample some chilli salami from one of the guys on our tour and it was delicious. Recommend popping into Gibbston for a wine tasting, but suggest that you book.

We did the winery tour and tasting on the 22/10/25. It was fantastic! Our guide, Jules, was very charismatic and funny. We were only supposed to try four different wines, but because there was only three of us and we were the last tour of the day we tried six wines, which were all lovely! Great way to spend the afternoon, definitely recommend!🤩

Tough to rate this in entirety, but we love the salmon and thought the cave wine tour was just alright. 🐟 having arrived early, we decided to take a seat in the restaurant and get some bites, but was tempted by the market fish which was a salmon and thought to share a plate - and it turned out to be the best we had! The salmon was really fresh, cooked to perfection, and had the right amount of seasoning too 💯 🍷 While we didn’t book the wine tour online, we reached at 2pm for the 3pm tour and didn’t get a good first experience before we even booked the visit. The wine tour itself was alright, started off at the vineyards with a brief description of how the vineyard came about and some background on the wines they have. This was followed by a cave tour, which if we heard right, took 3 months and 1.5 tonnes of explosives to create - definitely a unique experience. That said, the wine tasting was done right inside the cave, which to some extent was alright but felt a little rush since the entire experience was capped at 30 minutes, i.e we had to finish all 3 wines and leave within the allocated time slot. It most certainly wasn’t our favourite wine tour nor the best wines we have tried nor the best overall service. One that we find hard pressed to rate since we really enjoyed the food and the ambience with the alfresco dining - with a sub par wine tour experience.

I recently came across the Cardenas Bra Fence, and it's definitely a creative and eye-catching installation. It's one of those quirky roadside attractions that makes you stop, smile, and take a photo. The idea of using bras to create a visual message about breast cancer awareness and women's strength is powerful, and the fence definitely stands out. It adds color and character to the landscape and invites community involvement in a lighthearted, yet meaningful way. Overall, it's a fun, iconic stop that’s both playful and symbolic. If you're passing through Cardenas or nearby, it's worth a quick visit — and maybe even contributing a bra for the cause.

We chanced upon it while driving from Queenstown to Wanaka. This is a nice stop over on the way to Wanaka. They are asking for donations for breast cancer. Seeing the fence full of bras of different sizes and designs is quite amusing hahaha. Do stop by for interesting pic if u have time.

Before heading to the Cardrona Hotel, make sure to stop by the Cardrona Bra Fence, affectionately known as “Bradrona.” This unique roadside attraction, located just down the road from the hotel, features a fence adorned with thousands of bras, each carrying personal messages and contributing to breast cancer awareness efforts.

Losing my mum to breast cancer in 2020, this was definitely something that hit home for me. Reading all the notes and bras hanging with pride had me bawling. Such a special moment to reflect and honour all our beautiful soldiers 🩷

A lovely message and worth the spot on the way through to Wanaka or Queenstown.

I did not want to miss this quirky spot while visiting the area! Found this place while driving on our way to Queenstown and sits in the middle of beautiful valley, the fence packed with a ton of bras! We found bras with some writings and funny notes from women with stories from around the world. There is donation box for NZ Breast Cancer foundation where you can contribute too to the fund. Would happily stop here again as the area is incredibly peaceful.

Yes, it is a controversial tourist attraction in Otago, New Zealand. For some, it is an eyesore and embarrassment, but for others it is just another NZ local wisdom of 'love lock bridge'. It is located on a public road reserve just at the entrance of Cardrona distillery. It you are not travelling this area, it is good to know that the location is out of main highways so you need to have a special intention to go there unless you are skiing at Cardrona.

We had an easy drive followed by a really nice walk leading up to the hut. Beautiful weather for the most part besides the howling wind. Cozy outside bath with a great view. (ensure that the host has stashed enough firewood) Would recommend staying for 2 nights if you want to explore the tops and the area around the hut.

My family stayed in the Slate Hut. We were unlucky with the weather so didn’t get to explore the trails much. When the weather cleared in the morning the views were stunning! However, we found the hut pretty run down and dirty (stained mattresses and blankets, mouse droppings everywhere, gas stove barely working, etc). Compared to the DOC huts we stayed in it was really run down and in need of a clean and fix up. Also, critically there is NO HEATING in the Slate Hut. Maybe this is clear to other guests, and there is a recommendation to bring warm gear (which we did, luckily as the temp got to 0C overnight). I would suggest this is explicitly spelt out in the description of the huts as it is a critical bit of info. The bath was great, the kids loved it. It took us 5+ hours to heat it (a sign in the hut suggests that it takes 3 hrs), maybe because of the cold weather.

Unbelieveable experience in completely exposed side of the mountain to the wind and cold. The hut feeling so remote like you're the only person in the district. And the outdoor hot tub was unique in set up and brilliant to experience. Loved it.

Had an amazing stay at Kits Cabin. The Outdoor Baths are really a highlight. Beautiful scenery, well thoughtfully provided cabin. Put our phones away for the whole stay and what a beautiful way to recharge and reconnect :) Can't wait to come back would highly recommend.

Slates Hut did not live up to our wanderlust dreams - pretty dirty/run down/missing supplies. We had a nice stay at Kit’s Cabin the night before although wish the entrance from the road were better marked. Simple and small. Next night we hiked into Slates Hut. Here were our issues: - Trail when wet is narrow and slippery - Hike in to Slates is 3.5 km on the trail, not 2.5 km as stated on maps and guides from Welcome Rock - Cabin has an old gas burner that puts soot all over things. Dish-ware is either dusty from never being used or smeared with soot. - Cabin was low on key supplies. We almost thought we’d miss a meal because there were only 2 lighters that did not work at first, and 1 match. Also only 4 sheets of toilet paper. Yikes! - visitors book is full, last entry was over a year old when we stayed - bed/bedding just stays at the cabin for use, it’s not cleaned. Dusty old sheet, old pillows, and a bunch of sleeping bags that you hope are okay to sleep under. Overall I wish Kit’s Cabin had its own Google Maps location and reviews, and that the owners cared about updates to the Slate Cabin trail, supplies, and information. I emailed them our issues with no reply. I would not stay again on the trail cabins, and very glad we did not try to bike as the trail would be a slogfest when damp and too narrow for me even if dry. Beautiful views up here though!

Stayed at the Red Shed. Nice set up, comfortable and clean. The baths are lovely. A good spot for a chill getaway.

Awesome location and great track. Only a couple things to be careful of. The road up to Ski hut requires a vehicle with good clearance and if wet might need a 4wd. For some reason this isn't mentioned in any of the booking information. Also the cookers are a bit average. Don't really burn very well and puts soot all over pots and pans which is hard to clean off.

If anyone wants a glimpse into how corrupt these folks are, listen to the 3ep series The Underdogs, from The Outside/In podcast, produced by New Hampshire public radio. You'll get an even better picture how they've earned all the negative reviews you'll find. Truly terrible people.

DO NOT BOOK!! Do not book anything through these guys. They cancelled the day of. I am owed over $500. Won't pick up the phone or answer emails. Been over a year.

DO NOT BOOK THIS TOUR!!! So disappointed. This is the 3rd time we have been to Queenstown and we have nothing but good things to say about all the many experiences we have had. Our sled dog tour was cancelled and like so many we have not received our refund either. This has been promised in emails but now we get no response. Terrible service, we had another experience cancelled and they refunded us immediately. I fail to understand when payment is made in advance why refunds take 5 to 10 days and then not at all.

Our winter tour was cancelled by UnderDog Sled Dog tour. They agreed to refund me the money. According to their website cancellation policy, it takes 5-10 working days. However, after many text messages and phone calls, still no refund after a month. They even don’t feel any apology for their action. This shows how careless they are to their customers.

Like others our tour was rescheduled and then cancelled. A month later and still no refund... It's a considerable amount of money. Have tried to contact via email, phone and text to no avail. Please get in touch UnderDog Sled Tours. Update - We're now 2 months and counting waiting for our refund. There have been many excuses and many assurances of payment, but now texts are being ignored completely. DON'T book with these guys, they'll take your money and run.

SCAMMERS AND THEIVES: Do not book anything through these guys, if they happen to cancel your tour for some reason, which is perfectly acceptable. They will not refund your money. I have been promised a refund for 2 months now. I am owed over $500. Won't pick up the phone or answer emails.

** edit - over a YEAR later and still no refund, now ignoring all my communications. Awful awful awful. Like others my tour was cancelled and I have spent 3 months trying to get my money back to no avail. Constant lies / excuses over emails about the bank ‘rejecting the payment’ ‘finance department thought they sent it’. Terrible form.

Like others my refund is well overdue. Booking was cancelled due to Covid and met the criteria for a refund supposedly to occur in 5-10 working days . I was advised it had been “passed on to the accounts department”. Now 25 days overdue. Warning: DON’T pay in advance especially that they are taking bookings for 2023. I’m taking legal action now.

Tour was rescheduled by UnderDog and then cancelled the day of. Despite many emails still no refund. Don't bother booking, they'll just keep your money. Poor form UnderDog.

This place really impressed me! I didn't have high expectations going in but was blown away by the volume of interesting artifacts. Everything from antique spoons to X-Men toys. It also feels like they continue to add, maintain and build upon the collection and venue. Great spot, would highly recommend.

Great place to visit, brings back memories of toys from my childhood and more recent ones my kids have had. Lots of great old cars, trucks and planes. Model trains are great also. Lots of lego put together. Very good to just walk around and non stop looking at all the pieces.

A huge and great museum for automobile enthusiasts! With a myriad of cars, fighter/passenger planes, tractors, trains, tanks, ambulance, fire ambulances and model cars on display, those who are really into them could really spend hours and hours here! ✈️ 🚗 🚒 🚋 🚜 The cars aren’t really arranged in a particular fashion, with bits of an assortment kept in each hangar, with some being really dusty as they are kept on sand, perhaps for a particular reason. The model cars selection wasn’t too huge, though there’s some unique Oxford ones i haven’t seen before - can’t find a souvenir to bring home unfortunately.. Definitely a must visit if you are into automobiles, particularly classic ones!

This is a bit of a hard one because I loved a lot about the place and certainly the idea of it. Undoubtedly the collection is impressive and almost too much to take in. And it's understandable that the upkeep of such a private collection is no doubt costly and time consuming. It's definitely impressive, but also basically more like several sheds full of stored stuff than a 'museum'. Still recommend a visit but don't expect a pristine display, more of someone's clear love for collecting an interesting and large eclectic store of items, mostly in an as-is condition and squeezed into very limited available space. If you like nostalgia, especially toys, you will love exploring this space and spending several hours. Enjoy it for what it is. If you have very high expectations, you might be disappointed.

The Vintage Transportation Museum is a great place to visit. It has a full range of classic cars on display, all very well kept and interesting to see. There’s also a wonderful collection of old-time toys, which adds extra charm and nostalgia. It’s an enjoyable spot for both car lovers and families. Highly recommended!

This is one of the most enjoyable 2 hours I have spent in a museum. So much to see and just when you think you have seen something, look up and there is more. Old cars, planes , toys, there is so much to see.

I had no idea where I was heading into - but this place offers sensory overload for transport and toy fans and horrified me in how much stuff as a generation has landed in landfill rubbish cause no one kept it. here they have kept everything!

Food advertised fish. 'what kind'? Blue Cod $26.00. Expectation of a piece of cod turned out to undefinable nuggets. Shoestring fries and a salty cabbage coleslaw. Really disappointing food and not worth the price. $10.00 would reflect the 'quality' or lack there of. Won't be back. Good luck. Coffee was fine. Cheers Rex

10.02.2025 What a terrible meal of fish n chips! The fish was dry and burnt to buggery, rock hard, coleslaw was salty and unappealing, chips were great, (thought we were at mcdonlds for a moment). What a waste of $62, never again! Be warned.

Visiting NZ from the US… Texas. Passing through to Christchurch and I’m delighted to say that the simple toasted ham sandwich served with exceptional customer service was amazing!! You can’t help but be happy in this country ☺️

Súper tasty and lovely food! The people is super nice and such a good service! You can find lots of variety of food. 100% recommended

It says it is opened from 12 to 4:30 for lunch but we got there at 1:30pm and they said the kitchen had closed… Don’t recommend this place

We have stopped over for lunch before continuing the road trip. All the dishes were freshly prepared and simply delicious. The cute owl looking over the cafe is a nice accent of the cafe we liked. Thank you for such friendly service too :)

Fish burger was okay. Fries were salted enough.

Loved the day out here, had a walk around the Chinese camp, tour, gold panning, and a beer at the bar. Our tour guide was fantastic, he was very enthusiastic and easy to talk to. He showed us how to gold pan (we didn't find any) and we chatted with him afterwards too.

My sister and I both really enjoyed our time here. I would advise sturdy walking shoes. We both have health issues and we did the short walk. The staff were amazing and the retail space is very tempting, and yes we were tempted.

Not much to see unless you pay $45 to enter. We didn't think it was worth it. Would have been happy to pay $20 to $25. There is a bridge across the river. Definitely worth walking across to see the power of the water. Certainly wouldn't want to fall in.

Definitely a fun little exercise and pretty cheap it was worth a look, you can pan for gold and if you are lucky enough to find something you get to keep it

A great intro to old mining techniques in a beautiful riverside location. Our guide Richard was outstanding in his delivery of his knowledge and expertise. The onsite bar and restaurant, Panners, was also very good.

Amazing location and people. Loved the experience, even found a bit of gold! Would highly recommend.

We picked a day for it! Pretty cool experience walking through Chinatown, honestly hard to believe that thousands lived like that! The old machinery is impressive and we enjoyed our wee history fix. Panning for gold was a fun way to top it off, big thanks to our guide who was flexible with limited time :)

Mt Difficulty is an absolute gem in Central Otago. The team is professional, attentive and friendly. The food is outstanding, beautifully presented and full of flavor. As my sister likes sparkling wine so we ordered a bottle. Will definitely come back next time for the wine tasting. Highly recommended for anyone wants memorable food, wine and landscape experience 🍷👍

We have a lunch session at the winery and shared a couple of dishes. The vegetarian ravioli was really good, as with the tiger prawns. The crispy pork belly was OK but not fantastic. The wine tasting was good although I think it was overpriced for a winery which should use the chance to promote their wines.

A must!!! Every aspect of the food was sensational. Chef Chloe and Ruby in the kitchen have a real eye for presentation and flavour! On top of that the wine tasting and views were breathtaking. Cannot wait to rebook another holiday and drive this beautiful scenic road and have the best lunch in NZ 🍷

Wow! If I could give more stars I would. Our group lunch was phenomenally delicious & the hospitality was excellent. We had a time crunch so the staff ensured we had a relaxed experience whilst still leaving on schedule. Thank you so much Claire & Markis who served us... chefs too! Will definitely be back & recommend to all my friends & family etc :)

We had lunch here and the food was amazing. Humble, simple and delicious. And there are couple wine tasting options which it’s not mandatory to order 1 per person.

One of the best experience and my favourite in Central Otago! Scenic location, friendly staff and great Pinot Noir wines! I visited on 01 August 2025 and sampled their premium range. The staff shared excellent knowledge about their wines. Nothing beats sitting out on their patio and sampling their Pinot Noir! I will be back for sure!

Every element of our lunch experience at Mt Difficulty winery was exceptional.. Boasting a beautiful view across wineries, orchards and mountains, this restaurant could be forgiven for offering average fare.. This is most certainly not the case! Delicious food pairs with high-quality wines, in particular, I enjoyed the burrata with their Chenin Blanc and eye fillet with their Manson's farm pinot noir..

It was my first time trying go-karts and it was truly an amazing experience! My 10-year-old son had an absolute blast too. Even if you bump a little, it doesn’t hurt. Before that, we played mini golf, and it was really fun doing it with the wind blowing hard—it added to the charm!

Pop by to take a quick look during our road trip. Beautiful, powerful cars on display in the area. You would love this place if you are a race car enthusiast. Heard it will probably be one of the f1 race track in the near future from one of the locals.

Love this place, Tony has injected so much motorsport passion into NZ, recommend stopping by! Also, the team at Highlands are always so welcoming.

During our road trip through New Zealand, we stumbled upon the Highlands race track quite by chance. We were hoping that an opportunity to either drive or ride along would be available at just the right time. And I was in luck! Shortly after arriving, I was able to enjoy a very dynamic ride in a Lamborghini Huracán with a professional driver. The track is very interesting, with tight corners, fast sections through hills and valleys, and bridge crossings. I had a lot of fun and highly recommend it.

Did the 7 lap Mustang self drive. Well worth the money. Great instruction and very friendly. I would recommend. Even if you aren't a ford man like myself.

Absolutely amazing experience with instructor Matt during clay shooting at oxbow. The place is stunning, super indulged experience, safe, lots of rounds and worth every cent. A must try.

Awesome track and facilities. Staff are very friendly and helpful aswell. Look forward to coming back and racing next year

Great explore to what people used to have back then. Impressed by the estates being preserved. Attendants at the shops open were welcoming and helpful. Definitely worth the trip.

Interesting place to stop and stretch your legs. Small gold fields style town buildings with most that you can explore inside. The whole town sits on the banks of Lake Dunstan so can be a very scenic lunch or coffee stop

A selection of old town buildings rebuilt after part of the town was flooded for the building of a dam back in the 70s. These shop fronts portray the late 1800s though so a step back in time. Worth a little wander around. A couple of places to eat and drink too.

This is an amazing spot, so much history here and its worth the walk around to see everything. Today was our very first time seeing the 'Old Cromwell ' we traveled up from Dunedin. Come check it out 😁

It's free, it's got great parking it's well set up . Interesting exhibition. Shops to browse. Recommended.

Amazing place, hands down better than Arrowtown! Try the Angus beef sausage roll at Grain Store cafe too!

Gorgeous little location. Was not expecting this, all working shops with lots of lovely gifts.

19/4/2025 We have just finished a 5 day adventure through Bike it now. All we can say is wow. A massive than you to Kate at Clyde for the exceptional experience she put together for us. From information about the trails and amazing accommodation she organised . The people we met along the way were awesome and so friendly. Food was amazing and weather spot on. Thanks again bike it Clyde and Kate. Phil and Chrissy Hobson Darren and Jo Clark

Absolutely have to do the Lake Dunstan trail when visiting the Otago Region! All the staff were fantastic at Bike It Now from organising our ride, setting up our bikes and were so friendly and knowledgeable! Add it to your to do list when visiting the beautiful towns of Clyde/Cromwell

Im usually not big on tours but fletch and her team have convinced me. It was so much more fun doing it with them, they are all delightful and the locals they work with for accommodation and food are also amazing. We loved it. Will book with them again.

My fiancé and I had an amazing experience with Bike It Now. Their attention to detail was great and we felt reassured the whole time! We did the Otago Rail Trail over 4 days, 3 nights (on e-bikes) and it was such a pleasant experience, we had lots of time to stop along the way. We can't wait to book in for the remaining trails. Thanks bike it now team!

Did the Otago Rail Trail with Bike It Now – absolutely brilliant experience! Everything was so well organised, from luxury accommodation to dinner bookings and luggage transfers. The team were incredibly informative and made the whole journey seamless — all we had to think about was pedalling, enjoying the food, and sampling some great Otago wines. Created amazing memories along the way. 100% recommended! 🚴‍♀️🍷

Today we did the ‚One Day Wonder‘ cycle tour and we are absolutely overwhelming. We have to give a very big THANK YOU to the fabulous team of Bike It Now. They are brilliant, help you with everything….., take fear away you may have because you might believe too hard 4 me‘ or whatsoever…. SUPER ! The e-bikes are very good, quite new best standard. The trip we did was breathtaking and worth every dollar, DANKESCHÖN aus Hamburg, Frank and Claudia

I had a great experience doing the Lake Dunstan cycle trail with Bike it Now. The mountain bike I hired was perfect for the trail, and fitted with everything I needed. The pre- departure talk was very informative and made me feel more confident about tackling the ride. I caught their shuttle to Cromwell and gained a lot of local knowledge along the way from John the driver. The trail is great.

We have stayed at multiple top 10 parks during our 3 week travels and this is by far our favourite. Christine was super friendly and very helpful with any questions we had. The park is extremely well kept and very very clean. Shower/toilet ensuite blocks are very neat and tidy, shower pressure is so good too. The camp kitchen was also very clean, and it didn’t have that yucky camp kitchen smell that many do have. It was an all around great stay for us, we highly recommend staying here.

We had a wonderful stay at the Roxburgh Top 10 holiday park. I had booked the wrong date for our stay (out by a week!) and Christine was super helpful, changing our booking and finding us somewhere indoors to stay, as the forecast was for thunderstorms (and it turned out to be intense!). The cottage was super cute and comfortable and the setting was lovely. Highly recommend!

Great park and facilities upgraded and modern. If coming off the cycle trail from the river using the back entrance be aware there is as VERY steep slope up to the camp with a loose gravel surface, the road is better. A very peaceful location.

Beautiful gardens. Very quiet site. Emplacement was jolly big. Wished we had booked more than one night in order to explore the area. Didn't use the showers which are a two dollar charge.

Really enjoyed our stay in one of the cottages. Perfectly set up with everything you need. Immaculate and cosy. Great operators, very thoughtful, and easy to communicate with.

Well what a find, not a big brash Top10 park & probably now my favourite. I stayed in my sleeper van and didn’t require power hook up. Very reasonably priced, grounds immaculate, facilities practical & very clean, Christine the owner was great. Close to the cycle trail, track down to the river, short walk or ride into town.

This is an absolutely delightful spot. The grounds were beautifully maintained and there is so much for the kids to do - huge playground, games, bikes, places to explore. We stayed in a cabin and it was very spacious, comfortable and welcoming - honestly more homely and enjoyable than many hotels I've stayed in! Highly recommend, look forward to coming back for a longer stay in future.

Great service from Shebikeshebikes meant we had a great day on the trail. We were a really mixed group in terms of experience and ability, but electric bikes and the crew's recommendation for what trail to ride meant we all had a fabulous time. Thanks for the care you took making sure we had what we needed. Ngā mihi!

This was my first taste of Otago trails. Staying at Ranfurly, I chose to ride what was recommended to be the best section of the Otago Rail Trail, ie Omakau to Ranfurly. Shebikeshebikes were able to shuttle me and my ebike to Omakau from where I was able to cycle the trail back to the motor camp at Ranfurly. Shebikeshebikes provided the perfect service; a very enjoyable drive with a lovely driver and at a remarkably reasonable cost. P.S. Two days later I used Shebikeshebikes to shuttle me and my bike from Clyde to Cromwell so I could ride the amazing Lake Dunstan Trail back to Alexandra Holiday Park. Again the shuttle service was superb.

Amazing experience with shebikeshebikes on the Otago Rail Trail. Service was great before the trip, prompt and clear communication, and on the trip. Bikes worked well, shuttle bus and luggage transport was great. Suggested accommodation on the trail was also wonderful. Thanks for a great experience!

Very satisfied repeat customers having biked both Clutha Gold and Otago Central Rail Trail with Shebikeshebikes. Great service, very comfortable bikes, and some wonderful accomodation options we never would have found by ourselves..

Hired an E bike for my lovely wife to do a portion of the rail trail. Really easy to deal with, plenty of information. They even have an after hours return option. Nice bike that was well maintained. No chance of keeping up with her on my 'normal' bike. Perfect way to see the rail trail.

This is the go to place for bike hire in Clyde..well versed in the local trails..able to have our bikes delivered to Cromwell which made for a easy return to Clyde...Dunstan Trail 10 out 10

Fantastic experience with shebikeshebikes - the 3 day rail trail was perfect for me . Travelling alone I met lovely people every step of the way. Fabulous accommodation esp behindthebikesheds!!