We stopped off for a picnic after a walk at hauroko lake. Clifden bridge is pretty and the river seems healthier and higher then when we were here a decade ago. Great place for selfies and family pics. Has clean toilets so a good place to stop on your way north. Also since I mentioned the lake here's a look at it...

Historical bridge.nice view of the river below. Plenty of parking. Most important, it has a toilet 😬

A really great example of 19th century engineering still in remarkable condition - built in 10 months. Imagine the timeframe nowadays. Plenty of parking (but lots of free campers). A nice walk over the bridge

This is a wonderful example of good old engineering, and it is still standing (with a bit recent maitenance). Fantastic that this still here. Make sure you drive a bit further up the road to visit Halls Totara, it is huge and a lovely walk through the forest.

Another great tribute to WWI, this is a classic old wooden suspension bridge, progress for the time and available for us to appreciate now.

Must stop if you like history. Old wooden bridge of NZ. Tried a cheese roll at the food truck near the bridge. Taste nice.

It's an amazing feat of engineering you can totally see the cables and wonder about the physics of the bridge. There is a beautiful view of the river and a place to eat with a vista. There's also camping allowed in this area, so feel free to have a sleep over!

An absolute fantastic overnight cruise into doubtful sound. The „Navigator“ is a very nice ship with nice cabins (bath en suite), a nice dining room and two decks for enjoying the wonderful time. The food was very good (snacks on arrival, buffet for dinner, breakfast) and drinks were at normal price. Besides the cruise we enjoyed a kajak tour and the captain allowed us to enjoy a swim in the Tasman sea. The staff was really extraordinary and made this overnight cruise so special. And the Guide on board provided very interesting facts about almost everything in doubtful Sound, incl a 30min presentation. At night, stargazing was so impressive! Thanks to everyone, this was really a great experience.

Fantastic, fantastic trip. We expected a lot on the overnight trip aboard the Navigator, and it exceeded our expectations. Don’t come expecting to sleep! There is so much to see and do. Staterooms were very nice, food amazing and the crew was cheerful and ever present. Kayaking was great and a brisk fjord swim was just the ticket. Would have stayed for a week. Special shoutout to Captain Dave and Brock, the naturalist. Amazing trip!

From ticketing to the end of the day RealNZ were organised, engaging, and knowledgeable. We had a great experience on the water and the bus trip over Wilmot Pass was interesting and enjoyable with great commentary from the drivers. The boat skippers were extremely professional and also sharing current and historical information about Lake Manapouri and Doubtful Sound. There was plenty of wildlife to see on the day and an excellent quiet moment beneath a waterfall.

It is hard to put into words how much we enjoyed our overnight cruise. What seemed expensive ended up being amazing value for Money. We were looked after from the moment we checked in until we disembarked. The staff were incredible, the food was top quality. You didn’t stop feeding us!. With water activities and a nature specialist on board the trip was not only breathtakingly beautiful, but informative too. Well done Real NZ. Richard and Ali.

We had the most amazing time on the overnight Navigator from the boat trip to the bus ride over the Wilmot pass to being delivered to the Navigator. The staff were awesome and all so knowledgeable food accommodations swimming kayaking exceptional And got to meet so many different nationalities who were just as blown away with what NZ has to offer

Fantastic day trip, albeit getting there might be a bit tiresome. It also a bit weather dependent from what I heard from the guides, but we were lucky with calm and sunny November day and it was totally stunning. Shout out to our driver Dan, he is the Absolute Unit of Wholesome - great driving, great chat, great stories, great charisma. Adding 6th star to already 5-star trip.

Well organised cruise, friendly staff, we took a lunch package which was also very good. The Doubtful Sound is so very beautiful, and we enjoyed the little foray into the Tasman to see the seals and penguins ("rough sea warnings" for those less steady on their feet were provided well in advance each time, as well). It is still a group trip, meaning many other people (134 on our cruise), but while we tend to prefer smaller crowds it did not feel crowded on the ships themselves and limiting access like this does does help in conserving nature in the area. The overnight cruise seems to involve a smaller ship and might be more suited to those preferring a more intimate experience.

Staff are amazing, giving a balanced amount of information and quiet time from the 25 minute smooth boat across the lake, to taking small groups of about 10 into the cave onto a smaller boat. Not sure why there’s no photos in the cave, I understand no flash and once you’re in the pitch black, but not on entry. However, an amazing walk through the water gushing caves and then into the pitch black to see these fascinating creatures. Presentation at the end was great too.

The Te Anau glow worm caves are an absolute must and should not be missed. Super friendly staff, easy trip, fantastic experience. Five hundred thumbs up from me. (my 22 year old son rated this higher than Milford Sound 😮)

These caves are a culturally and ecologically important system of limestone caves on the western shore of Lake Te Anau, in the southwest of New Zealand. It is a major tourist attraction for the area, as the part of the caverns close to the lake shore is home to glow worms. No one is allowed to take photos inside the caves where the glow worms live for personal safety reasons. Very popular place, lots of tourists and locals. We boarded the boat at Te Anau that took us across to the caves about 30 minutes away. Fee charged for the trip and entry. Uneven terrain, lot of walking. Inside the caves, head clearances are unpredictable and hence you have to be careful especially as it dark in the caves. The guides use torches but its use is minimal. Part of the journey inside involves travel on small boats that are pulled along a fixed route. The glow worms are amazing to see and it is a wonder of nature. Pity that photography is not allowed.

It was an awesome first time experience to see glow worms in the cave. The journey to the cave was by a boat which itself was amazing. Friendly staff keeping all visitors well informed about the facts and history of the cave. I will certainly recommend others to experience nature and its creation.

Wow, an unforgettable and magical experience that left me in awe. Our guide was wonderful...and then she sang "Hallelujah" in the middle of the cave...I had goosebumps and there might have been something in my eye...I was very moved by her beautiful voice. The trio to the cave was equally as wonderful...the amazing views are truly what makes New Zealand so special. Highly recommend!!!

Pictures on Google are deceiving - there really aren't that many glow worms in the cave. Most of the tour is the boat ride there or educational filler. If you don't believe me, read some of the other "bad" reviews. That being said, there are a couple of memorable experiences where they take you down a pitch black tunnel on a boat and go right under some gloworms so that's 30cm from your face. While the experience was ok overall I'm really not a fan of the company RealNZ. Booked in a 5:45 session and was cancelled 10 mins right after doing so with a vague reason - no follow up to try and reschedule. When we get to the wharf, there's the 5:45 session coming in and our boat was 30+ mins late. Their other tour (Doubtful Sounds) was again mainly transport and educational filler.

The entire experience is amazing, beautiful views on the boat ride to the caves as well and knowledgeable staff. We were fortunate to see close to a hundred glow worms light up

A beautiful lake where you can chill out with your family. I would suggest to stay here for 2 days, and make a day trip to Milford sound from here. Nice to have a morning walk or jog around the lake. Nearby are supermarket and restaurants where you can get your necessity and meals. There are cheap & good motels around this place, and you can spend quality time with your friends and family

Well a true gem hidden down south of Queenstown, only two hours on the bus. You must visit Doubtful Sound, while you're in Te Anau. It is mesmerizing, enchantment with every blink of your eyes. Dress warm, turn aeroplane mode on so your cell battery doesn't deplete cruising around the breathtaking Doubtful Sounds.

Amazing view,good for family walk,friends meet up,evening and morning dog walk,good for children play,also it has good amount of facilities near where you can eat and also go for cruise.Go for boating.

We used Lake Te Anau as an overnight stop so that we could visit the Sounds. We left Queenstown early in the morning and arrived at Te Anau before lunch. It was a rainy day, so we decided to drive down to Milford Sound - even though it was torrential rain, it was worth the drive as the scenery was spectacular. We didn't get to see much of Milford itself though, as the weather prevented it. The next day was an amazing day trip to Doubtful Sound - well worth the trip.

Magnificent

Simply beautiful

Deep Nature

It is a pretty area. You probably don’t need to stop. It is nice to enjoy as you drive through. If you’re not in a hurry then you can stop, but beware you may get stuck behind some slow campers. There are a bunch of small pull offs along the stretch, and it is nice if you get the lighting right.

Views of the valley with small parking spaces. The light & the wind makes the place more dramatic.

Fascinating views along the Milford Highway. A good place for taking pfps or just a little walk. Highly recommend you to step out of your car and feel it yourself.

Great pull off between Te Anu and Milford Sound. The views and the expanse of this is area is memorable.

We stopped there while going in milford sound and its a nice place to see but unfortunately it was raining so couldn’t enjoy much and full of fog so Didn't get that view i was expected.

Nice IG spot... 1. Lord of the Rings battlefield. 2. Mission Impossible - Motorcycle Jump.

Visited during early winter, mid morning. Scenic and very calm place, with many cars stop and go quickly after photo taking. Nice 5-10 mins stop.

I think the photos speak for themselves. It’s not an easy track and can be tough on the body, but the views make it all worth it. Just a heads-up—please avoid Deadman’s Track. It’s named that for a reason, and from what I saw from above, it was actually quite boring too.

It was an amazing experience! We took out 10 and 14 year old boys along. Highly recommend.

Absolutely beautiful track

Wonderful experience but I’d suggest best to go from routeburn shelter to Harris saddle shelter and then back

An amazing trek! The scenery is breathtaking and diverse. The hike is moderately challenging and suitable for a variety of hikers. I recommend taking 2 nights to make the most of your days. Just be aware that it's not a circular trail; we took a shuttle between the two points to avoid backtracking.

One hour drive away from Queenstown, magnificent view, walk 2 hours short loop track.

Great hike, our watch shows 36 km and we didn’t take any sidewalks. Average space was 20 minutes per kilometre. Completed it in two days. It’s almost always raining over there, so you will not have a possibility to stop. Sit relax and eat something while watching the views, prepare to be always on the go because of wind and rain.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!