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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 .

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!

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.

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.

This is good fun and a sustainable business as the vehicle is electric. Low speed, spectacular views, good value. Trail follows an eco corridor so no impact to wildlife. Greenstone to be found. Highly recommend and owner very friendly.

Fantastic morning out! So glad we stumbled across you on our search for things to do. The kids had a blast and now hubby wants to buy one when we get back home! Awesome photo opportunities, you'll never get such a beautiful backdrop anywhere else! Thanks Andy

We had the best time with delta discovery today. Andy explained things well and we were super impressed with all the tech. The tour with the atv was east, fun and private and the terrain was incredible. Couldn’t have asked for a better morning!

We had a lot of fun taking two of Andy’s ATVs for five of us at a very reasonable price. Andy is very attentive. He explained in details on how to operate the ATVs following the GPS. He also painted markers on the route to help us not to go off track. The sceneries were spectacular. The tracks were interesting but not too challenging. The track was rather flat so it was not too bumpy. We took a lot of photos on the way and totally enjoyed the experience. I highly recommend this.

We had such an amazing day, Andy was a lovely guy. Help us with my daughter who has a disability, made her feel so welcome. The ride was so much fun, up and down over rocks, water and sand. The buggy was very safe and sturdy. All is gps guided so u won’t get lost. Heaps of room for 3 adults and two containers in the tray to hold ur stuff. Great photo opportunities. Highly recommend

Had the whole track to ourselves. Very beautiful ride and surroundings. Andy the owner, was very accomodating and we felt really safe with all the tech he’s got on his bunk. Must do activity when in Glenorchy.

Absolutely incredible experience and one of the highlights of my trip to Glenorchy. I went on the self drive UTV tour and loved that you get to go by yourself without an instructor and go at your own pace. The track is set up well and there's amazing spots you can stop at along the way to enjoy and take pics. The owner is a super lovely and chill guy. Thanks again for the fun day!

3 girls 1 buggy and a fun fabulous afternoon. What an adventure we had so much fun lots of laughs and got some great photos along they way. Self drive easy instructions we felt safe the whole trip. Great back up support from Andy. Highly recommend.

Do not miss exploring the Dart river with Delta Discovery. We absolutely loved this experience! Andy was amazing and made sure the weather and the river levels were safe for us to do all the crossings. We took all the time in the world to explore guided by the 4x4 GPS system. Really simple rules, quiet vehicle and fun! Thanks Andy! We had a blast.

Today’s horse riding guide was Abby — she was so kind and chatty, always sharing fun little facts with us. When I got a bit scared, she told me to “be strong and firm,” and that really gave me courage. I loved today’s riding experience so much — it wasn’t just about horses, but also about feeling brave and connected with them.

I went as a complete beginner. Have never ridden a horse before. The staff were patient, friendly and very knowledgeable. By the end of the ride i was very happy and confident. Not only did i learn to ride a horse, but i did it while experiencing the most beautiful views of the mountains and river. Unforgettable experience. Also shoutout to Fella the horse for being so sweet!

Highly recommend High Country horses. The guide that took us was very friendly and helpful. The scenic views that you see on the photos are real! We took the 2.5H Rees river trail and probably the best part was crossing the river. As mentioned, the ride is for all abilities and we found it to be not too difficult. Just got to get ready when you come off the horses as the end, a bit hard standing up but it goes away quickly. If you are in Glenorchy, do go and experience this.

Spent the morning with Mexico, a cheeky sweet boy who needed some encouragement to get his feet wet and made funny faces at the camera! Alex was a terrific guide and knew so much about the Glenorchy area and outer region and answered all of my questions about the fauna and flora, and told some wonderful stories. Alex was a very experienced guide and you could tell there was a lot of passion and enjoyment in creating a special experience. Really efficient and easy check-in from the crew, the guides explained everything really clearly and I felt really comfortable getting back on a horse after a long time since my last ride. Amazing experience and easily one of the most stunning places to go horseback riding! The 2.5hr ride is a good amount of time with a river crossing and mountain views, the lupin flowers also out in Nov were a treat. Also a beautiful drive and easy to find/get to, you just need your own transport.

GOT THROWN OFF THE HORSES — UNSAFE EXPERIENCE We went as a group of four, all complete beginners with no prior horse riding experience. Before heading out, each of us received a short one-on-one lesson, which was helpful — but the instructions I got were quite different from what the guide later asked us to do on the trail, which left me confused. The scenery along the ride was beautiful, and crossing the river was a fun experience. We also took some nice photos. Everything was going fine until the last horse in the lineup suddenly started running. The other three horses followed, and all four of us were thrown off. It was frightening and painful. The guide didn’t seem to know how to handle the situation — she searched her bag for a long time and only found one disinfectant wipe, even though two people had multiple scrapes and scratches. We only received proper first-aid supplies (wipes and ice packs) after returning to the reception. To make things more concerning, the friend who was riding the lead horse said that same horse had already been startled by a bird before we even started the ride. If the staff had noticed that, they really shouldn’t have used that horse — especially not with beginners. The place has beautiful views, but safety and professionalism are clearly lacking. I’m still sore and bruised today.

It's great to see such well looked after horses at a trekking business. The instructor (Abby) was very helpful and knowledgeable about the beautiful mountains and rivers. The scenery was spectacular and the horses remained very calm even when the wind whipped up clouds of dust and the river was flowing quite strongly. I have my own horse (who is no-where near as brave), and I thought it would be nice for my hubby to come for a ride with me. He is a beginner and found 2.5 hours a bit long for a first go. In hindsight, 1 hour would have been better for him.

For several years now, whenever I visit places that allows it, I always look for horse-riding tours. While planning our trip to New Zealand, I spent days searching for an experience that combined horse riding with The Lord of the Rings — and I found it in the Ride of the Rings experience by High Country Horses. Sophie was an exceptional guide: she pointed out the filming locations from Sir Peter Jackson’s trilogy, and even more importantly, she reassured and helped my wife, who had never ridden a horse before. We were also very lucky — we were the only two people on the tour that morning, which made it even more romantic and genuinely special. Thank you, Sophie, for the guiding, the fun facts about the films and the Glenorchy area, and thank you, Brit, for your support during check-in. For horse-riding enthusiasts and LOTR fans alike, I strongly recommend this visit to Isengard and the areas along the Anduin River.

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.

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

Stunning Scenery and Amazing Experience!!! When we reached at the office our check i. Was very smooth and Our Pilot Mike was very experienced and knowledgeable, we enjoyed our first ever heli ride as locals we wanted yo do this from long and couple if times got cancelled bcs of weather. Highly recommend Heli Glenorchy for a memorable trip!!!! Overall a stunning experience.

Wow! This is a must, from the beginning at check in, to getting into the helicopter to flying in the air, all the way to the end. I had 2 children under 5 and every single person from the receptionist to the pilot made my kids feel so welcomed. The take off was so smooth I didn’t even know we had taken off, to landing. To the pilot interacting with my 5 year old who was clearly excited and wouldn’t stop talking through the headpiece. I would highly highly recommend, and was the cheapest one out there. 25 minutes doesn’t sound like a lot of time, BUT it felt longer. It is an hour drive from Queenstown but the view from the drive was amazing. Would highly recommend.

We flew with Heli Glenorchy to the Earnslaw Burn with an additional landing onto a glacier. The trip was absolutely spectacular, beyond words and beyond our expectations! Our pilot Matt was exceptional in his knowledge of the area, friendliness and ability to fly the helicopter. Matt made our trip extra special! The team were also brilliant to deal with, keeping us informed and able to make changes to our itinerary due to the weather. I can't recommend this experience highly enough. If you are thinking of doing a flight...just do it!

Wow,wow,wow! We did the glacier landing and it was amazing. We got picked up and driven from Queenstown to Glenorchy by Mark. He was a fantastic young man. He was friendly and gave us a great commentary on the trip. He's a credit to the company. After weighing in and watching a safety video we were off to meet our pilot Eric. He was informative and extremely knowledgeable about the area and no question was too much. To say the flight was amazing is an understatement. The flight goes for a good amount of time and covers so much, it's a once in a lifetime experience. Amazing way to see the snow covered mountains and surrounds

Professional team, talented pilot, amazing views. Highly recommend and would do again. It was the highlight of our trip, thank you!

Matt Our pilot was absolutely amazing! Followed Kea up in the mountains, searched for deer and shared stories of the area. It was an awesome 40th Birthday Present for both of us and our partners enjoyed every bit of our flight lol I was a little chicken but this was the highlight of our south island holiday xox

The most amazing experience ever! The fantastic views and the sensational snow landing. We absolutely loved it and will do it again! The pilot was very informative and we felt safe the entire time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Wow, there is a range of older aircraft that I haven't seen before. You can fly in a Sopwith Camel biplane. Didn't cost much to get in $10. it was well worth it.

Lovely little place to stop whilst on the road. $12 each to go in and see the aircraft which is pennies to support local. If you've got a bit of cash, treat yourself to a flight around NZ! Very clean, well managed and maintained. Support local ❤️🙏🏽

This place was awesome I went for a ride in an old Tiger Moth plane , you can go for helicopter rides they have a great cafe that you can get a cuppa or full on lunches nice food really friendly and helpful staff the pilot was friendly and helpful great day out alround nice want to do something different then visit this place 😀 awesome

This is a wonderful place to educate children about aviation, especially aviation history in New Zealand. Accompanied children can enter the hangar for free to see the collection of airplanes, some of which still fly. Adults need to pay a small fee, but it is worth it.

Such a wonderful museum with knowledgeable and lovely staff! An awesome family visit, learning about various aircrafts and a train with a steam engine. We were treated to one of the aircrafts taking off and landing whilst we were visiting. There is a charming cafe/restaurant, as well as a retail boutique by the museum.

I’ve always just driven through Mandeville and never really stopped. Glad I did! Was looking for something to do with the family and everyone really enjoyed the heritage centre. Great restoration work and museum of old planes. The lady working there was great and very helpful.

A great place to visit especially with the children. They will love this place which has some display aircrafts with some of them have their miniatures as well. There is a ticket for adult, but free for kids.