A great walk through a forest to a secluded beach which is a breeding ground for penguins. Unfortunately we didn't see any penguins on our visit, but the walk and the beach were worth it in any case. It took approx 1h 20m for a walk out and back again, with a few minutes spent at the beach. It was doable in trainers, and was mostly flat with an even walking surface.

Fantastic place and a nice path ( 1h45 min return) to reach it, but unfortunately it wasn’t possible to see any penguins. Parking is available at the beginning of the trail.

The walk is lovely. Bring long sleeves for the sand flies. It took us 20 minutes to see one penguin travel from the hillside to the ocean.

Not a fantastic beach unless you like sandflies or you're fortunately enough to be there when the penguins are not out at sea, but worth visiting for the amazing trek along the rainforest path that leads to the beach, including the bouncy bridge! Allow 45 minutes each way for the walk.

This hidden beach, nestled beyond a 40-minute walk through a local jungle, offers a unique and secluded escape from the typical tourist spots. The journey itself adds an adventurous touch, making the arrival at the beach even more rewarding. What sets this destination apart is the rare opportunity to witness penguins, creating a magical experience, especially until early December. If you're seeking tranquility, a touch of adventure, and the chance to marvel at nature's wonders, this off-the-beaten-path beach is a hidden gem worth exploring.

I had an amazing experience on the best hike imaginable, through lush jungle leading to a stunning beach. Be sure to bring some spray to fend off the sand flies. With a bit of luck, you might even spot penguins! The trail was easy to navigate, taking only 1.5 hours round trip. Restroom facilities available at the parking area.

A must do activity if you travel Haast - Fox Glacier or visa versa. The walk through the magic forest is very pleasant and you might spot special birds. The beach is beautiful with spectacular rocks and some months (July- November) you can see pinguïns.

We stopped here on our way to Wanaka as a means to stretch our legs & to have a light snack which we had carried with us. Toilets are available. One could get stunning views of Tasman sea. There are few parking spaces also making it an ideal stop for travelers who have been driving for long.

A good account of the road opening of the West Coast and Otago region back in 1965. The views and atmosphere are panoramic looking down the Coast and upwards towards the mountains. Call in and check out the views and history 👌.

Excellent viewpoint and no sand flies anywhere near you! Also has a toilet which is nice. Would recommend going at sunrise/sunset.

Besides having an awesume view,Knights Point Lookout has wifi coverage and public toilets. We had to return to Knights Point Lookout to get wifi and mobile coverage to make an important phone call to family from a freedom camp we had stayed the night before. Both times to Knights Point were welcomed.

Beautiful lookout worth the stop on the way to Haast, but don't use the public toilets they are aweful.

I went on a very windy and rainy day. So not much of a view. But it was beautiful

If you are using Apple Map to come to this place…. don’t! Took us in a long way in to nowhere on unpaved off-road path. Waze map is fine & accurate. This place is also a toilet break stop with extremely dirty toilet & strong unpleasant smell. View isn’t that beautiful… my personal opinion.

Beautiful Lookout, nice walkway at the beach. But better bathe yourself in insect repellent before exiting your car. We got so many bites in the first ten minutes it took us to apply the insect repellent. So many sand flies.

This is a beautiful area with different biomes, beach and swamp ecosystems next to each other. There are little loops for trails and walking on the beach is very nice. There is a lookout tower up a ladder/stairs to see the area. Parking is tight depending on when you go so you may need to get creative, but there is room for RVs.

Great rest area with stunning view of high waves.small track for beach. good parking place with public toilets. There is a small hut where you can see the all view of beach form high.

Nice beach. Cool rock foundations. Small inlet to stream. Pebbles/ rocks. Sadflies. But if you don't disturb the driftwood that shouldn't affect you.

Splendid place for a short walk. There are public toilets with a sink and several spots for parking. Beautiful wooden lookout tower and 2 tracks. Dune lake walk goes to a two other viewpoints and beach, though the forrest and Swamp track goes under the bridge through series of wooden bridges and sidewalks. Very calm and full of bird wildlife.

Beautiful rough beach with interesting information panels, very windy but that just added to the experience. I was here in the beginning of September and there was maybe 1 other person, so it was not crowded at all and very peaceful.

Good place next to the road to get some walking done and ocean air.

Museum is great and well worth the visit. However the gardens and water features in particular are in a state of disrepair. A bit sad looking as you walk past it to get to the museum. Hope they can fix water features soon. Used to be a great place to stop for lunch or a break before crossing the HAAST river

From the outside, the building and carpark appear large and impressive, but up close, the entrance feels a bit tired and unkempt. There seems to have once been a water feature surrounding the front of the building, which is now dried up—it’s a little sad, as you can imagine how beautiful it must have looked when it was functioning. Inside, the space isn’t as grand as the exterior suggests, but it’s clean and practical. The staff are friendly and helpful, offering good traveller information and clean restrooms. There’s also a small retail area where you can buy items like t-shirts, bags, and sandfly repellent, along with some informative material about the sandflies, wildlife in Haast and the wider South Island region.

Stopped here on our way to Franz Joseph, found lots of helpful information about local hikes, clean bathrooms, and a neat local museum. Perfect pit stop and near good food options.

The visitor center is very good. So much information about the Haast area, great displays, photos and some gift ware for sale.

A bit of a rare gem I think. Stopped in for a quick look about 4pm and could have spent a while wandering through the exhibitions but for closing time at 4.30pm. Helpful staff greeted and farewelled us, and the exhibitions and displays were interesting on top of the usual maps and guides available. Definitely worth a look if you are in the area.

Must Do. Worth stopping in to get all the info needed on the area. Very helpful/friendly staff. Landscaping around building a must-see. Short Wet-lands walk lovely.

Lovely visitor center with a great set of displays talking about the history and ecology of the area. Great views of the nearby marsh and wild critters from within the visitor's center! The staff are knowledge about walks along the coast and into the park. Make sure to stop here if you want to learn more about the lovely landscape you're driving through.

Amazing, not to be missed ! We took the 40 min trip including landing on the glacier. Really the only way to experience the grandeur and extent of glaciers is to take a heli trip

I was fluid with the day we flew. Got a brilliant morning where we flew over both glaciers. Unfortunately it was too windy to fly near Mt Cook but the flights are always weather dependant. Great team in the office. Unforgettable experience.

First time helicopter flight, so a little nervous. Nothing to be worried about as every interaction with any team member was personable but professional. They take it seriously & for that I am thankful & grateful. The experience - not to be missed! One of the greatest things my wife & I have ever done. We did the scenic flight which included flying close to Mt Tasman, Mt Cook, & landing on the Fox Glacier. Such an exhilarating experience & one we will never forget. Thanks Heliservices, great job, & we highly recommend.

We had a truly spectacular flight over Franz & Fox Glaciers with a snow landing - this is a must do if the weather is kind. It is not often you can stand high on glacial snow & ice with a view of the sea. Thanks & thumbs up all round to a great team.

Great experience landing on the glacier. First day was cancelled due to bad weather but we were lucky the next day. Helicopter pilot was great with short commentary and even took our pictures. One quick feedback - if you are going to cancel - please notify your customers at least. One short line/automated email works. Even an hour before helps as then we can plan something else.

Our action packed day was finished off with the Grand Tour (3 glaciers + Horokoau (Mt Tasman) & Aoraki). Worth every penny, dollar and cent! If you can aim to be up the front, but it is weight dependant due to safety. I let my partner sit in front as he's never been on a helicopter 🚁 before, but semi-regret it. The snow ❄ landing is quite special. Thanks Kevin and our pilot Asher for an 👏 time.

An unforgettable experience. A must do for your bucket list.

A magical experience on this river safari! My family had a wonderful time, all thanks to our wonderful guide Ruth. The weather was perfect, and we were blessed with really beautiful views throughout the tour. Can’t recommend this enough!

We went on a wet day, it was actually their first day back after being closed for the winter, but it was fabulous. Ruth, who greeted us at the office, and then later steered the boat, was friendly and very informative. She stopped the boat a few times to give us information of the area. She also provided us with a delicious morning tea which included apricot scones along the way. My husband and I really enjoyed it, and would recommend it to everyone.

We really enjoyed this tour. We selected it because of its longer duration and focus on nature compared with the adrenaline seeking nature of many of the other tours I looked at, and we got just what we expected. Our guide Ruth was very knowledgeable about the local area and flora/fauna, and you get several stops along the route where you get to take in the scenery. I also really like that you get to see both the mountains and the beach on this tour, quite unique. We traveled from Wanaka for a day trip, and the drive over Haast pass is well worth it. After the tour, we drove to Jackson Bay and had lunch at the Craypot (Ruth's suggestion), and I'd highly recommend adding that to your plans. Beautiful coastline and the seafood was outstanding. Overall, extremely happy we made the drive over for this tour.

I wish I can give them 10 stars for the review. The boat trip is super fun and informative. And the view along the river is beyond words... Highly recommend!!

We did the Jet boat trip y'day and what a fabulous Valentine's treat. Cheers go out to Wayne our driver who was very informative and supplying the lovely morning tea. It was drizzly rain which added to the ambience. The walk through the forest was stunning and easy walk. The Highlight of our trip to the south island 🤗😎🤩

We didn’t know what to expect from the River Safari, but it was absolutely amazing, a real highlight of our trip! Ruth was so knowledgeable and interesting, as well as being an expert pilot of our boat. The ride was spectacular, so beautiful and fascinating to hear about life in the area.

The Waiatoto River Safari was the hidden gem of our trip! It was a fun ride up the river in a jet boat. The water was amazingly blue, we stopped to take a look at the kiwi sanctuary, we went on a short bush walk, we had tea on the beach area that separated the river from the ocean. My husband and I enjoyed it immensely. Highly, highly recommended.

The trip on the river was very smooth. The jet boats were enclosed, as not to get wet. While doing spins.

This is a quick roadside detour, a place to relax after a long drive between Fox Glacier & Wanaka. The water flows down from very great height and a river flows by. When we went the water in the river was very narrow & we were able to walk over the stones in the riverbed. Ample parking spaces are available.

Shortest hike from the carpark to a scenic spot ever! That said, the views are very worthwhile - you can really get up close with the stream which the waterfall flows into, which makes for a great photo op! Definitely one not to be missed when passing by on the highway!

Thunder Creek Falls is absolutely stunning, one of the beautiful and accessible waterfalls I’ve visited in New Zealand! Located along Haast Pass, it’s an easy 2–3 minute walk from the carpark through a short, well-maintained forest trail. As soon as you reach the viewing platform, you’re greeted by a breathtaking 28-meter-high waterfall cascading straight into a river surrounded by lush greenery. The sound of the water crashing down is so calming. It’s also one of those rare spots where you don’t need to hike far to see something so dramatic, perfect for families, road trippers or anyone looking for a quick yet memorable stop. Parking is limited but it’s usually not crowded if you go early or during off-peak hours. Definitely bring your camera, the scenery is postcard-perfect from every angle. A must-visit stop if you’re traveling between Wanaka and the West Coast. Thunder Creek Falls truly captures the raw, untouched beauty of New Zealand’s South Island. Highly recommended!

“A Hidden Gem!” Absolutely beautiful little waterfall nestled in a serene and green woodland. Just a 3-minute easy walk from the car park—very convenient for all ages. The trail is simple and well-kept, and the gentle sounds of water and nature make it a perfect place to relax. Great for a quick visit, photos, or a peaceful moment. Highly recommended!

This is a stunning falls, super close to the road with roadside parking and a very short walk through a stunning forest to get to the rocks. Well worth a visit.

Perfect stop for a quick glance at the waterfall. I didn't stay long because of the rain. The track is just about 5 mins stroll.

Car parking by the roadside & easy walk in. 10-15 minutes walk. Beautiful view but not spectacular… worth a stopover.

For many the Haast Pass is the scenic drive from Wanaka to the glaciers, with a stop at the Blue Pools. But if you do a little research you will see the drive is filled with fantastic sites, provided you’re prepared to stop often, and take a short walk. In order, on the drive up from Haast, make sure you check out Depot Creek falls (20 mins from Haast on the right, 200 walk metres walk), Roaring Billy Falls (23 mins from Haast on the left, signposted with car park, 15 mins walk on a flat track, but the rainforest scenery along the way is superb), Thunder Creek Falls (40 mins from Haast on the left, 5 mins walk to the right of the car park), Fantail Falls (45 mins from Haast on the right, 2 mins walk from the carpark). And finally, the Blue Pools, which has heaps of parking, but is also popular with bus tours and day trippers from Wanaka and Queenstown. This is about a 40 minute walk each way. There’s also plenty of places to pull over and admire the scenery, the bridges, river etc. There are no shops or cafes between Haast and Makaroa, so stock up.

I love this drive, love the waterfalls, forest and the road is good!

This is an absolutely amazing drive and don't forget to stop here just on the way into Fox Glacier from Wanaka. The Haast Pass is amazing with so many photo opportunities and waterfalls 👌👌

Wonderful photos

Definitely with a stop at some waterfalls and the breathtaking view over the bridge.

Stunning place with great views all the way. The scenery is constantly changing and no matter where you look you will get breathtaking views of snow capped mountains to massive forests and roaring rivers. there is so many differnt places to stop along the way especially along the haast river where there is so many waterfalls including the thunder creek and fantail falls. another stop is the blue pools which are great for swimming. Both sides of the drive have great final destinations whether it be the seaside town of haast with massive waves and great seafood or the great place of wanaka with skiing and lots of other stuff.

Mountain scenery, rain forest, tree ferns a water fall and cicadas. Don't miss if you are touring South Island. The only services are at Haast or just north of Lake Wanaka at makarora. There is a rest area and campsite about half way with drinking water and toilets. Apart from that this is unspoilt countryside.

Great trip out with Alec down the Makarora and Wilkin Rivers. Such clear water we saw brown and rainbow trout and stunning scenery along the way. Would recommend this to anyone traveling in the area.

Absolutely incredible! Our driver was informative, professional, and most importantly a fantastic jet boat driver. We used the service to start and finish the Gillespie Circuit and it totally elevated what was already an amazing adventure. Worth every penny!

Wilkin river jets were awesome to deal with and they provide an amazing service. We were a group of 5 women who walked out of Gillespie pass a day early and they managed to accommodate us. Of course they can’t always deal with last minute unexpected occurrences but they were wonderful for us. Thank you!

Did the Siberia Adventure day trip with Wilkin River Jets & Backcountry Helicopters this season and can't recommend it enough. Amazing flight into the National Park, followed by a couple hours hiking down to Kerin Forks where we met the jet boat. The driver gave some great info into the history of the valley, and threw in some spins as we headed back to Makarora. Highlight of our South Island trip!

We did their Siberian Wilderness Adventure (extended) and had the BEST day ever - wish we could give them 10 stars! A helicopter flight across mountain glaciers and an alpine landing, a great walk out of Siberia valley through wonderful nature, and then a jet boat ride down the crystal blue Wilkin river - it doesn't get better than that! Best value for (helicopter flying) money in NZ for sure!

We really enjoy the experience! Great guides, they know a lot about the area, and they’re great jet boat drivers, you feel super safe. Will definitely do it again 👏

We had an amazing time in Siberia Valley. What a unique and special New Zealand experience. We felt in really safe hands with our jet boat driver Harley who is an awesome driver and guide. The scenery in Siberia Valley is pristine and the jet boat on the Wilkin River is superb. I would highly recommend this trip!

Mount Aspiring in New Zealand is a true gem of nature that will leave you spellbound. This majestic peak, located in the heart of the Southern Alps, offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking adventure and stunning natural beauty. The hike to Mount Aspiring is a challenging yet rewarding journey. The track takes you through breathtaking alpine landscapes, ancient glaciers, and awe-inspiring valleys. The ever-changing scenery keeps you captivated throughout the entire climb, making every step feel like a magical exploration. The panoramic views from the summit of Mount Aspiring are simply extraordinary. Gazing out over the vast and untouched wilderness, you can't help but feel a sense of wonder and tranquility. The snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls create a picture-perfect backdrop that will forever be etched into your memory. One of the highlights of Mount Aspiring is its sheer remoteness. As you venture deeper into this pristine wilderness, you'll feel a sense of solitude and serenity like nowhere else. The untouched beauty of the surrounding landscapes is truly a treat for the soul and offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. The accessibility and safety measures in place at Mount Aspiring are commendable. The Department of Conservation has ensured well-marked trails, adequate facilities, and informative signage to guide visitors along their journey. It is important to come prepared with the right equipment and supplies, as the weather can be unpredictable and conditions can change rapidly. The rich biodiversity surrounding Mount Aspiring is another aspect that adds to its charm. From rare alpine plants to unique bird species, this area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The opportunity to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat is a privilege that shouldn't be missed. Whether you're an experienced mountaineer or simply a nature enthusiast looking to immerse yourself in New Zealand's unparalleled beauty, a visit to Mount Aspiring is an absolute must. The raw power and untouched landscapes found here will leave you in awe and provide an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Don't miss the chance to explore this hidden gem and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Amazing place with beautiful views. In the early spring time when I have been there I could observe several avalache from the safe place. Totally recommend that National Park ! You can also admire there Greenpeace valleies surrounded by high mountain with snow and ice!

Nice view

Breath taking view that I will never forget. Also a must-see for Lord of the Rings fans.

New Zealand is a beautiful country I need visa

If heaven's a real thing🤔 this is what it would be like! Soooooo amazingly beautiful.

Mt. Aspiring, New Zealand 🇭🇲 👉 #NaturalbeautyoftheEarth

There are tons of places to stop along this drive. Not many people seem to stop at them, which was surprising. I would recommend pulling off if you have some time, especially if the weather is clear. Don’t always rely on google maps to have the stops marked.

Perched on SH 6 is one of if not my favourite lake viewpoint in NZ. There is something majestic about Lake Wānaka, especially in this area which is somewhat remote. The photos should hopefully explain why this is a great spot, no cost besides petrol to get there and if you do in winter or the early spring months, you will see snow off in the distance. This is just another amazing attraction to stop at.

#NZ 04 2024 FamilyTrip# Another stunning view all along the mountain. Enjoying the drive and view. Must stop by to have a break to enjoy the view and fresh air!

Great lookout and worth a pit stop to do some light stretching and enjoying the beautiful view.

Nice view of the lake. Heading north towards Haast there is limited toilets, food stops & petrol on the way. Just be prepared especially if you have children, elderly or pets.

The lookout at Lake Wanaka is nice but not wow. We enjoyed the views much more at Lake Hawea Lookout, which is much more impressive in my opinion. The backdrop with the beautiful mountain range, especially at sunset, is just incredible. Nevertheless if you are passing anyway, this is a great stop!

Beautiful scenery, people must stop here to urinate though as it smelt like urine. There was also toilet paper in the bushes.

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 .

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.

Such a lovely place to visit, and definitely suitable for families with kids. Even though we came during the non-lavender season, there were still plenty of things to see and do. Like cute farm animals, peaceful gardens, and lots of photo spots for everyone to enjoy. Their small in house cafe was a pleasant surprise too. The honey lavender ice cream was really good. Was creamy, floral, lightly sweet, and refreshing without being overpowering. There’s also honey tasting available, plus a whole range of lavender products and gifts to browse through and bring home as souvenirs. The entire place is well kept, and the toilets were clean, which we really appreciated. Worth a visit even when the lavender isn’t in full bloom.

Rating the farm and cafe as a whole, since we didn’t get to visit when the lavender was in season. 🫖 we sat down for a cup of purple tea, which happened to be the blend that sold out in the souvenir shop itself - but actually wasn’t the best i have had, though it still has a good tone of lavender to it 🍨 the ice cream was served in a cup which kinda surprised us as we expected a cone and was mainly lavender not chocolate - but well, how we feel are mainly based off expectations right? That said, the ice cream tasted mainly of chocolate so it wasn’t great either. Scone was affordable for the size, a little oily and slightly herbalicious, for those who enjoy that. 🌷 the lavender as mentioned wasn’t in season hence we couldn’t review that, but we do see patches and patches of those and imagined it would look amazing when it’s in full bloom and when there’s blue skies! The few cherry blossom trees around the farm was a welcoming sight though 🌸 🦙🐴 the alpacas and ponies are way too adorable, and was probably the highlight of our trip here, definitely one that is available all season long! Based on our trip here, we would probably not return if it’s not in season since the cafe didn’t have anything that we enjoy, but would see the lavender patches very worthwhile to come by and soak in (edited an image to show its potential)!

We visited the Lavender Farm on 15 October and there were some flowers blooming but no lavender. The shop had alot of variety but the packaging was quite minimalistic. The lavender ice cream was premade in a tub and not a soft cone. We ordered the manuka and lavender ice cream but there was no lavender taste so I don't recommend it. It tasted like a honey ice cream.

Lovely and well kept lavender farm. Very well maintained and clean, gorgeous flowers and plenty of plants and rows and rows of lavender 🪻. Nice shop selling lavender products and delicious ice cream. Cute animals, great place for the whole family and especially the children will enjoy seeing the animals. Very nice afternoon spent in this place.

Very lovely open acreage of lavender fields. They weren’t in season during our visit however it was still lovely to stroll around and see the animals. Very cute shop inside too with some lovely products.

This was the highlight of my NZ holiday. The most beautiful warm welcoming from staff, exceptional value. The BEST hot chocolate I have ever had (must try the lavender hot chocolate) and the ice creams were nothing short of phenomenal. The animals were soo beautiful and funny especially the alpacas, the tall white one has a LOT to say and I will think of him every day until I return to chat again. The lavender farms are incredible even in winter when not in bloom so I can’t wait to return in summer and see them in their full glory. The shop is filled with beautiful handmade organic lavender products, the muscle and ache cream, silk hand lotion and lavender sleep balm are incredible and I will be purchasing these online when I finish them. Thankyou so much for an incredible memory Wanaka lavedner farm.

The weather wasn’t great, we were feeling a bit down because we weren’t convinced by our hotel, and after a full day of driving we had no idea what to do in Wanaka. Then came the revelation: let’s visit a farm we’d heard about, which also produces lavender-based products and has large fields and gardens dedicated to it. And so we did. We breathed in fresh, lavender-scented air, interacted with and cuddled goats and cows, took wonderfully colourful photos, and enjoyed a delicious ice cream. Whether you’re travelling as a family, solo, or as a couple — and if you’ve realised that standing in front of the Wanaka Tree to take a photo isn’t anything special — then come here to relax and have a great time!

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.

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.

The horse riding experience was overall great, and the horses are very well trained. Danny was such a good boy—even though a little grumpy at times, he knew exactly what to do ❤️. However, as a beginner rider, I felt that the coach, Ashley, did not pay enough attention to those of us at the back. She mainly focused on the guest in front and often gave instructions without checking if we could hear or understand them. For beginners, this is really important for both safety and confidence. I hope the management can look into this, as equal attention to all riders—especially beginners—would make the experience much safer and more enjoyable. The price (499) is on the higher side, but overall it was still an enjoyable ride thanks to the well-trained horses.

I'll be honest, I'm no horseman although my wife and son manage fine. However even I managed the 3+ hours tour in the magnificent Cardrona Valley. The guides were very helpful and didn't push the pace too far. We had a welcome stop at the Cardona Hotel (reputedly haunted) and we were on our way again.

It was my second time for booking the Quadbiking. I was there in June 2015 and May 2025. I can highly recommend the tour. The stuff is very friendly, explained a lot about the area. We learnt a lot from them. Also I appreciate that it is run only by woman. Next time I will try the horse trekking. I promise!

Had a fantastic time quad biking through the Cardrona Valley. Thank you to the team for looking after us all. We had a fantastic time and enjoyed our experience, especially the amazing views and wild ride. Highly recommend checking them out.

I honestly had the best time, phoebe took me out on a private tour and I haven’t ridden in 5 ish years and she gave me the best experience. So knowledgeable on the surrounding land we ride on and made sure you are comfortable the whole time. Plus she’s a fantastic photographer and will just capture the whole experience for you perfectly

We had such a great ride with Hanna! A chill one since it was Tom’s first time on a horse. Very gentle horses (Charlie and Dembe). Highly recommend! Thank you!

This was the best horse trekking we have ever had. We were only three and they have a max of six. The ride we did allowed only riders with some experience. You get to canter and trot. The guide gives you some good info ok the history of Cardrona along the way. You go up the mountains and back down for a free drink at the famous Cardrona Hotel before heading back the stables where you feed the horses before calling it a day. Highly recommended.

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.

Absolutely adorable little shop. Nice mix of clothing and accessories. They also have a small yarn section! Very friendly shopkeeper.

This is a lovely shop specialising in merino wool. The Perriam family own nearby Bendigo station and grow fine (16 micron) merino which is made into elegant garments and soft as soft yarn. It's a delight to wander through this enchanting store.

Lovely shop full of gorgeous things.

Gorgeous shop! And a wonderful shop assistant as well. Thank you for having us.

this lady in a toyota very rude and very just nasty will not want to come back.

Nice​ shop

(Translated by Google) There were a lot of merino products and souvenirs. (Original) 메리노 제품이 많았고 기념품도 있었다

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.