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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from Timaru to Milford Sound?
The direct drive from Timaru to Milford Sound is 375 mi (603 km), and should have a drive time of 7 hrs 52 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Timaru to Milford Sound, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, Te Anau, Wanaka, Oamaru, Cromwell, and Arrowtown, as well as top places to visit like Oamaru's Victorian Precinct and Moeraki Boulders Beach, or the ever-popular Steampunk HQ.
The top cities between Timaru and Milford Sound are Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, Te Anau, Wanaka, Oamaru, Cromwell, and Arrowtown. Queenstown is the most popular city on the route. It's 4 hours from Timaru and 4 hours from Milford Sound.
Oamaru, the largest town in North Otago, New Zealand, is located on the Pacific coast and connected to Timaru and Dunedin by State Highway 1 and the railway Main South Line. The town is renowned for its well-preserved Victorian Precinct, which has been featured in movies and remains open to visitors free of charge. Oamaru has experienced a revival in recent years, establishing itself as the steampunk capital of New Zealand.
23% as popular as Queenstown
9 minutes off the main route, 14% of way to Milford Sound
Wanaka is a charming tourist destination located on the southern tip of Lake Wanaka in New Zealand. The town boasts breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains and serves as the main entrance to Mount Aspiring National Park, which features stunning glaciers, beech forests, and alpine lakes. Treble Cone and Cardrona ski resorts are also nearby. Puzzling World's outdoor maze and sculpture gallery are just outside the town.
44% as popular as Queenstown
8 minutes off the main route, 43% of way to Milford Sound
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Cromwell is a New Zealand town located in the Otago region, positioned between State Highway 6 and State Highway 8. The road leading to Alexandra passes through the Cromwell Gorge, while Lindis Pass can be reached 75 kilometres northeast. Travelers may want to take a break at various stopovers like Cromwell to witness its enormous fruit or at the viewpoints present in Lindis Pass.
12% as popular as Queenstown
1 minute off the main route, 44% of way to Milford Sound
Arrowtown, a charming historic gold mining town in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island, is nestled on the banks of the Arrow River, just a short 20-minute drive from Queenstown. This picturesque settlement offers a delightful culinary scene, with Postmasters serving an array of delectable treats from tea and scones to burgers and beers, complemented by Switch Espresso.
15% as popular as Queenstown
6 minutes off the main route, 51% of way to Milford Sound
Queenstown is a picturesque town in New Zealand that sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by the stunning Southern Alps. It's famous for its adventure sports, including bungee jumping and jet-boating, as well as its vineyards and mining towns. Visitors can also enjoy skiing in winter, with The Remarkables and Coronet Peak being popular ski slopes.
Most popular city on this route
8 minutes off the main route, 53% of way to Milford Sound
I'll never travel to Milford Sound without this trip planner again
Fiordland National Park, located on New Zealand's southwest coast, showcases the country at its most picturesque with towering mountains, rugged glacier-carved valleys and glistening fjords. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the country's most remarkable natural wonders such as Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound and Lake Te Anau. Fiordland National Park also boasts a range of unique wildlife including rare Fiordland penguins, dolphins, seals and sea lions.
We drove through Fiordland National Park mainly on highway 94 on our way to Milford Sound. There are so many picturesque spots to stop at for a break and to take in the awesome landscape. Definitely will come back for some camping adventures
Niki Vasiliadis — Google review
Absolutely stunning National park. I’ve been to all the top parks in the US and this rivals them. Equally as stunning as the Yosemite valley. This is a must-see for anyone visiting the South Island.
Steven Tuhy — Google review
I find New Zealand a beautiful country and even more so at the Fiordland National Park. I hope as many people can see and appreciate this beauty of the place without bringing too much 'progress' that humanity always seems to bring.
Patrick Zuluaga — Google review
A World Heritage Site, Fiordland National Park protects some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Glaciers sculpted this dramatic landscape, carving the famous fjords of Milford, Dusky, and Doubtful Sounds. Visitors here can explore gushing cascades, offshore islands, virgin rain forests, vast lakes, and craggy mountain peaks.
Not surprisingly, the park is a haven for hikers with some of the country's best hiking, including the famous Milford Track. Sea kayaking is a popular way to explore the fjords, and visitors can also enjoy a scenic flight over the park for a bird's-eye view of its staggering beauty.
Mukesh Kumar Gadhwal — Google review
One of the most beautiful drives in this park. As, marshes, forests and lakes this is Mother Nature at its finest in New Zealand.
Mike Ortiz — Google review
Very beautiful area worth seeing on a good day by boat.
Lee Young — Google review
73% as popular as Queenstown
6 minutes off the main route, 79% of way to Milford Sound
The Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre is a recommended stop for tourists seeking information about the park. It is an ideal location for a break before driving to Milford Sounds. Visitors can enjoy a breathtaking walk along the lake, and marvel at the stunning views. The centre offers a tranquil and peaceful setting that attracts nature enthusiasts from all over the world. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery while taking in some fresh air.
An absolutely stunning, tranquil and peaceful place to be. I hadn't been to Te Anau since I can't remember when and we loved it.
Carolyn Burt — Google review
Great spot with helpful staff.
We did the Routeburn and the Kepler with a night's rest in-between. After getting our first walk booking confirmation stamped, a staff member asked us to come back between walks to get the stamp for the next walk. I thought it was a bit strange to ask us to return again just to get a stamp, so we asked to get it there and then and it was fine. No dramas.
No hut in New Zealand has ever asked to see a stamped booking from us, so it seems a bit silly that we'd have to revisit the DOC centre, especially when the old legs are aching. The addition of getting a stamped booking confirmation while carrying a print out of an online booking confirmation seems a bit silly, especially if you arrived in town after the visitor centre closes. I can imagine some people could get worried in that situation. Perhaps a stamp isn't required and we were told incorrect info from our bus driver - apologies if that's the case.
That said, DOC are amazing and set the global standard for conservation and tramping. What a great set up with amazing people. Thank you for the unforgettable experiences. We are very grateful.
Cam — Google review
A very nice place to stop and enjoy the view.
Ian Stewart Sime — Google review
Stunning. I booked a guided kayak tour where you fill up your water bottle right from the stream with glacier water 👌👌👌
Annie Nelson — Google review
Absolutely stunning National Park. The landscape is spectacular. Get onto some of the walking tracks or take a cruise on one of the fiords to see it at its best.
Malcolm Dow — Google review
Great place for a break and stop over before the drive to Milford Sounds. Amazing walk along the lake and wonderful views.
Aman Ram — Google review
Staff were lovely and helpful, and provided good information about our upcoming walk on the Kepler. The facilities/building are starting to look a little run down and could do with a spruce up - cobwebs etc are covering the facade and the whole thing is looking a little tired. Understand resources are tight and expenditure needs to be prioritised, but it's noticeable the lack of upkeep there
Grant Daniels — Google review
I really enjoyed this visitor center, not sure I have many pictures but they have a good display of maps as well as species present in the area and other historical information displays including flora and fauna information.
Helpful staff, a 10 min walk to the nearby bird sanctuary though much easier to drive to the actual sanctuary parking lot down the road past the Lakeview holiday park if that's what your wanting to see. But if you have the time the walk over there is nice, but parking at the visitor center is up to an hour only so it's hard to enjoy the bird sanctuary if you park there.
Also loving the Merino wool thin toques with various national park names on them, super practical and light weight. I've only found them at DOC visitor centers for $27-32, I now have a small collection.
Daniel Archibald — Google review
Beautiful pond next to centre and bridge walk across to entrance
Leeann Smethurst — Google review
Very unfriendly and bizarre experience.
Went in just after quater to 12 today to get a clean gear licence. Alot of passive aggression about how they were 'about' to close for lunch at 1pm. If I did this in my job I'd be rightfully reprimanded. Frankly, if they were polite about it we would have been inclined to come back at 1pm.
Bit confused as to how they have so many staff yet absolutely have to close and have lunch altogether when in any other work place half the staff could cover the other....anyway.
Multiple people turned away rather rudely after we came in.
We were made to feel like a massive inconvenience and they didn't know where the paperwork was. If the place was more was more organised it would have been less than 5 minutes to get the licence. Except they bumbled around and complaining, so we were there longer than we needed to be in the first place.
Not the best first impression of the area and certainly the least friendly Vistor's Center we have been to.
Alex Ham — Google review
Beautiful lake and full of summer vibes. Must visit Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre. It provides a lot of useful information before we trek and hike, including exactly where trees have fallen on a certain part of track or which trek is now closed. Merchandise is priced reasonably in the shopping gallery compared to shops in the town.
Celine Chen — Google review
8th wonder of the world. Well many other places just as beautiful in NZ at least.
Long fantastic drive to get here.
Many many people - a bit too many.
It were very cloudy. Shame but is of course part of nature. Still worth it!
Jackie Frandsen — Google review
A nice information centre that tells you important things that you need to know for the surrounding area. The centre also sells essential camping and hiking gear should you go on a multi day tramp at the nearby trails.
Sophie Zhang — Google review
Rained... Still worth the trip! The waterfalls were everywhere en route to Milford Sound and the boat cruise there was spectacular even with the dodgy weather
Greg Whitaker — Google review
Beautiful scenery. Awesome on a sunny day. Spectacular in the rain. Probably the least amazing is a cloudy day with no rain. Recommend insect repellent- sandflys can be really irritating. Take a waterproof jacket for a surprise part of the cruise portion of the tour. Recommend Southern Discoveries.
Shireen Tresslor — Google review
Great experience, beautiful scenery. We took a scenic cruise with lunch picnic and visit to the underwater observatory. Nice choice of snacks, sandwiches and fruit, even cookies and chocolate. Observatory was educational. Interesting lectures by staff, would not have liked to miss that. Will sure be back with friends and family.
Gabriele Auer — Google review
Do visit the tourist centre to find out more information before you go for the hike.
Nice walking pathway to the first shelter. Took me 1.45hrs one way, a lot of sandflies so be prepared. Our target was to reach the first shelter and return after that.
Vincent 17 — Google review
68% as popular as Queenstown
3 minutes off the main route, 79% of way to Milford Sound
Best stops along Timaru to Milford Sound drive
The top stops along the way from Timaru to Milford Sound (with short detours) are Queenstown Gardens, Te Anau Glowworm Caves - RealNZ, and Lake Wānaka. Other popular stops include Moeraki Boulders Beach, Kiwi Park Queenstown, and Otago Central Rail Trail.
Niche museum housed in a grain elevator with multimedia sci-fi exhibits focused around steam power.
A great museum showcasing some truly incredible and out of this world thought processes of talented artists. For $10 for adult entry, you're not going to find much better value entertainment. Good engaging exhibits and stories about the artists.
Kenny W — Google review
This was lots of fun to do with the kids. We took a 3 year old, an 11 year old and two teenagers and they all had lots of fun. So many cool things to look at, but my favourite part was the ‘Portal!’ Beautiful and relaxing. This is a must see attraction if you’re in Oamaru. The best part about taking children here is the sign at the entrance that says you’re allowed to touch everything! Such a cool experience!
Lisa Alderton — Google review
Very interesting. Well worth the entry fee. I loved all the interactive pieces too. Some quality artwork in here and the industrial vibe was good fun. Good for kids and adults with an inner child that likes pretending to be in mad max.
Mark Greene — Google review
Make sure you have lots of $2 coins to put in the big train outside, absolutely wonderful experience.
Steampunk HQ was the highlight of our trip to Omaru and the train outside was great, we even went back at night to see the flames and lights 🚥 go again.
Inside the exhibition was amazing, such eclectic workmanship, well done and worth a visit
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Sandra Lee Lovering — Google review
Steampunk HQ initially caught my attention due to the numerous reviews praising its interactive installations, secret chambers, and cool atmosphere, sparking my imagination. However, my actual experience left much to be desired as I discovered several areas in need of improvement:
1.
The overall lighting was dim, requiring enhanced atmospheric illumination.
2.
The interactivity of the installations was lacking; despite the presence of many buttons, pressing them yielded no response.
3.
There was no clear delineation of which installations could be touched, with inconsistent signage, some handwritten, some printed, and some absent altogether.
4.
Safety concerns in the backyard need to be addressed; I suggest establishing a designated area for miscellaneous items to prevent harm to children.
5.
The lack of quality was evident, such as in the two installations in the yard with audiovisual effects; while the effects were impressive, exposed wires, abrupt endings to sound files, and a lack of clear instructions were disappointing.
6.
The presence of too many miscellaneous items detracted from the overall aesthetic, such as the clutter within the train carriage and poorly maintained handles, giving the impression that the venue lacked attention to detail.
7.
Overly obscure and excessively artistic installations may not be the best choice, considering the significant funds required for maintenance. If funds are insufficient to maintain such a large area of exhibits, it may be wise to reduce the scope and focus on refinement.
I strongly recommend taking inspiration from The Lost Gypsy Gallery in Papatowai, where although the number of exhibits is limited, each one demonstrates exceptional dedication and creativity, serving as a valuable example to emulate. Overall, Steampunk HQ falls short of being a recommended tourist destination in its current state.
J K — Google review
The greatest. Even my dad enjoyed himself. Wasn't what I expected but I don't know what I was. Loved it. Very different. Blew my mind. Thank you. Never seen anything like it before.
kimberley O — Google review
I've never heard of the place until we visited Oamaru!
I was absolutely in love with this place! The workmanship and talent to make this happen is insane. I would definitely recommend to go visit. For $10 entry, I was shocked at what we got for that price! It was like a mini amusement exhibition. So so SO good!!
Emma Walker — Google review
Such a cool place, kids had heaps of fun with the interactiveness of the displays. Pricing was great for family outing.
Felt like more things should have functioned in the first half of the displays...maybe a few broken items?🤷♀️
Leisha Bell — Google review
Had went today at this place.i had explored many things but felt that somethings are unnecessarily placed and some things are not worth it.
Had been with my family and fees we paid i felt was overly charged with the experience will have.
NIDHI (Nids) — Google review
This is a very cool place. Steam punk art is a vibe here. $15 to get into the museum otherwise free to roam around at the front and look at all the art display
Prisila Tuungafasi — Google review
We enjoyed our visit to the HQ, very interesting, there are lots to see, some are interactive. We spent over 2 hours there so we got our money's worth. Hubby spotted an old metal working machine from Otley Yorkshire 😁
Kat Smith — Google review
The coin-operated "steampunk" railway engine outside the building is so cool. There is a gallery that presents a theme of a dark post-apocalyptic vision of a future and it cost $10 adults/$2 child to go in.
Faye O — Google review
A fun excursion with very interesting and eclectic pieces of art. Fascinating story of its creator as well. This a hands on experience for the senses and a pass through a whimsical fantasy land.
c ?cfl? lane — Google review
Bloody fantastic. The portal room alone is worth the entrance fee. It was quite quiet when I was there and I spent a happy 40 minutes tootling around the odd bizarro carefully curated exhibits. Really fun.
Diana Gordon — Google review
If you visit Oamaru, make this your 'must see'. Some very clever work. Take a slow meander through so as not to miss anything. Lots of interactive participation, nothing you can't touch. Have fun
Daphne Keller — Google review
What a wonderful place to visit. It's just so much fun to see and do. Exhibitions are interactive, and you get to touch and play with the equipment. Well, most of the equipment.
The imagination and work put in to repurpose old industrial items to steam punk sci-fi is fantastic. It's like living in BioShock rather than playing it.
If you want fun and escapism for an hour while travelling to Dunedin, then I can thoroughly recommend Steam Punk HQ in Oamaru.
Michael Salvage — Google review
Nice place . You can easily spend couple of hours . It’s all about metal crafts having all such things from bike to train and baloon.
Kids going to love this place they do have sovereigns as well even you can rent dresses for 10$.
Even entry fee is 10$.
Staff is nice and friendly.
NIKHIL JOSHI — Google review
Very fun and interesting attraction. Amazing art pieces and the place has an eerie vibe, they've nailed it!
Everything is interactive/touchable and some things have a fun story to them too.
Good activity to do on a cold/miserable day!
Michael Engemann — Google review
Go here!
Do nót skip this HQ of steampunk!
Entrance is only 15Nwz dollars and that is worth it!
You will see amazing art, crazy stuff and it is also interactive.
I had a good laugh and I was by myself.
Go with family or friends and just touch and explore all things!
Really cool stuff.
If you do not go in?
At least put a 2 dollar coin in the train ánd the zeppelin!
Camera's ready.
The outdoor activities?
With the canon and the train?
Great!!
The room with all the lights?
Amazing!
Enjoy!!
Nicole van den broek — Google review
Pretty cool, some really quirky stuff, a bit shorter than I expected but still worth the $15 for a look around, and you can play with the stuff too.
Automated Zero — Google review
Quite impressed, there was a lot more sustenance to this museum than I thought. Plenty on hands on things for the kids.
With kids, easy to spend a couple hours here. As an adult, unless you are really into examining the finer details, a half hour would be plenty
Steve James — Google review
Amazing sights and wondrous items to look at. The best part? You are encouraged to take photos and so much of the pieces are interactive. So much fun!
Closest thing brings you back to the Victorian era. Amazing structures, untouched by time. Architecture and design, a first hand experience of the past. And, much much more to offer.
Quinn Cueto — Google review
Fun to see but the real question is - why did this hugely prosperous Victorian port go downhill? Full marks to the local council for reinventing themselves. The stone built buildings (so rare in NZ due to earthquakes) are absolutely amazing and really worth seeing - banks, public buildings, art galleries etc. Shout out to the bookshop Slightly Foxed - nice poetry section and old fashioned ledgers, wrapping etc
Ian Witham — Google review
One of my favourite days in New Zeeland has been here Started with a great meal at the Star & Garter then went to the steam
Punk museum with a walk through the precinct Stoped at a great bakery the Victorian dressing up shop the museum and gift shops
Well worth a stop so interesting and great to see the old buildings restored
Banquet Inn — Google review
A beautiful historic town which has kept their heritage if beautiful buildings. A must visit!
Donna Collier — Google review
a real treasure, loads of amazing shops. great kiwi banter. and bargains to be had will be back there soon
tristan port — Google review
Best thing Oamaru did was restore these masterpiece historical buildings. Fantastic. Should ban parking in the precinct and make it more pedestrian oriented.
M N Scott — Google review
Great area for a walkabout. Nice galleries, shops, hotels and cafe options. Good for git shopping or just browsing around.
c ?cfl? lane — Google review
Tiny corner of Victorian warehouses and stores, with shops hidden down inner walk ways. With Scott's brewery one end and Craftwork in the middle worth visiting for those alone.
Fiona Edge — Google review
A must visit even for just a few minutes. Old beautiful buildings filled the entire row, better than Dunedin's. I fee like being in a time capsule.
Line S — Google review
Quirky shops. Some creative steam punk. A lovely pub with great food. Beautifully restored / maintained buildings all around. A lovely surprise for a break on the road from Dunedin to Christchurch.
Chris Peake — Google review
This amazing street looks fab and while walking it gets the feel of europeon streets.The buildings looks very historic and omaru does have good beauty yhrough this street.
NIDHI (Nids) — Google review
Interesting but, unlike similar quarters in other cities, has yet to be properly repurposed and to take off. Am sure that will do so in due course.
John Tanzer — Google review
Mate, if you've never been to Oamaru then this place will blow your mind. The architecture and "old" historic surroundings have time stamped this place to give it an authentic 1800s feel. So happy I stopped by. The train trip to the penguin colony was great too.
Uncle Locks' Kakas and Mimis — Google review
What a beautiful city, so different than your average coastal town. Architects went crazy with limestone back then. Even has an opera house. Now there are great bars, restaurants, a beautiful harbour, and of course quite some wildlife (penguins, fur seals...). Will have to come back to explore further.
Jens Hartmann — Google review
Interesting to look around. Some units were closed as it was boxing day.
Enjoyed what we saw.
David Duffy — Google review
You can play with most of the things. Pretty good fun for kids. The staff we got today seems to be in a down mood, But the place is amazing. $20 for a family. The kids doesn't get free whatever the age, would be $2 if you buy separately.
Tom Wang (tomgeniewang) — Google review
We are following the film taken her “the power of dog
We like the good old day street
George Zhao — Google review
4.6
(848)
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4.5
(786)
Harbour Street, South Hill, Oamaru 9400, New Zealand
Moeraki Boulders Beach is a stunning destination located in the southern part of New Zealand. The beach boasts an incredible array of spherical boulders that resemble those from prehistoric times when dinosaurs roamed the earth. These mammoth rocks are incredibly heavy, weighing around two tonnes each! The best time to view these wonders is during low tide, allowing for unparalleled views of this picturesque landscape.
On a tour of the South Island, we ran across a sign for the Moeraki Boulders Beach. I had recognized the name from a postcard I had spotted in a shop in Dunedin. Not knowing what to expect, we pulled in for a look. The beach was incredible, and the spherical rock formations look like artifacts from another planet! The beach is spacious and teeming with wildlife. Not too crowded with people, although we visited in winter and summer crowds might be thicker.
There's a small restaurant on the bluff above the beach. A boardwalk and stairs take you down from the restaurant to the beach itself. Moeraki Boulders Beach is pretty incredible; you'd be hard-pressed to find anything else like it in your world travels.
Jack Sweeney — Google review
The most extraordinary beach with large spherical boulders along the beach!
Moeraki Boulders Beach is a must-visit and there is ample parking space for visitors. The beach is just walking distance down the stairs from the car park and there is a restaurant near the entrance of the beach.
This beach is a perfect place for a photo shoot and it was interesting to see the different sizes of boulders lying around the beach. A beautiful place in New Zealand!
Ting Ting — Google review
Special rocks and beautiful on cloudy or sunny days, nice place to walk the dogs and children, a lot of parking lots.
Juanita Huang — Google review
Crowded, but free and pretty interesting to see. The spherical rocks seem to be lower in the sand than some older pictures. You can see one coming out of the hillside. It's a short walk and the beach sand is firm to walk on.
Trypp Adams — Google review
A different beach with some wierd looking round stones which i found amusing. TBH,I was expecting to see a lot after reading about it and felt a bit disappointed as these rocks are few and don't span a major portion of the beach. Main reason for my 3 stars is the lack of any public bathrooms in the area.
Just need to be a bit careful on the rocks as its slippery😉
I would still recommend this cos its unique.
Abin Moses — Google review
The boulders looked more like regular rocks and we would have not have noticed them if it was not hyped up. That said, managed to see one of the untouched fully round boulders still in a cliff and only then did we appreciate it for what it was. Parking is free if you park at the public park(a slightly longer walk) as opposed to the cafe where there is fee charged as it is privately owned.
Bryan — Google review
Not a bad place to stop while driving past. It’s better to park at the cafe as it’s closer and has a toilet available if you buy something. Your GPS might take you to the beach parking but you’ll see a large sign for the cafe, that’s a better place to park. The rocks are quite interesting
Mark Greene — Google review
Amazing place to visit if, like me, you're a geologist by background and therefore they are one of the unique geological features you need to see before you die! To others they are probably just rocks on a beach. Best time to visit is not after storms as they can half bury the boulders but they are still awesome.
Park in the public carpark to the right (next to the red building) as that's free. It's a five minute stroll along the beach from there. Otherwise the cafe to the left will let you park there but then charge you to take a shortcut to the beach down their steps!
Adrian Walter — Google review
Always a great inexpensive place to visit with friends and family. Enjoy something tasty off the menu before you walk it off with a stroll to see the boulders. You need a low tide to see the boulders and the amount of Boulders visible depends on whether the tide has covered or uncovered them. Gift shop available and you can buy food to feed the deer and alpacas.
Sandyxo07 — Google review
Fun place to visit - large spherical boulders too see, and on a nice sandy beach. There are usually quite a few people there, but it's easy enough to get a picture or two. It's only a very short walk down to the boulders from the cafe, or about a 20 minute walk along the beach from Moeraki Reserve at the north end of Moeraki township.
John E — Google review
A very long time since last visit, but well worth the wait. Photographer's/rock lover's paradise. A must do.
wyldecreations — Google review
Nothing too crazy but a lovely location. Pretty beach area. The cafe was in a lovely location. with views of the beach. Good coffee and great sausage rolls
Elizabeth D — Google review
Exceptional roadside short-call stop. If you are on the road between Christchurch and Dunedin, you’ll see the signs, and DEFINITELY stop here. Free car park, and a 10 minute walk up the beach to see these extraordinary spherical rocks.
The photo shows me standing atop one of them.
Stephen Asbury — Google review
Moeraki is famous for its boulders. These mysteriously spherical stones scattered across a beach. Each boulder weighs several tonnes and is up to two metres high. Scientists explain the boulders as calcite concretions formed about 65 million years ago. The boulders give the beach a terrific sight!
Diny van Hal — Google review
If you travelled a bit around the world and saw different landscapes and some natural highlights, there are not many reasons to stop here. A handful round stones laying on a long endless beach.
Off course you can take great pictures and give them a completely different atmosphere than it is in real. The real scenery you can see on the picture below.
TiSc — Google review
Beautiful beach with unbelievable rocks. Special place for people who want to see nature's wonder.
Sohyun Kim — Google review
The Moeraki Boulders are a group of large spherical “stones” on Koekohe Beach. These boulders are actually calcite concretions that have been exposed through shoreline erosion from coastal cliffs.
They originally started forming in ancient sea floor sediments around 60 million years ago, and the largest boulders are estimated to have taken about 4 million years to get to their current size. Each boulder weighs several tonnes and is up to two metres high.
Even today, there are still boulders remaining in the mudstone that will, eventually, fall on to the beach as they come lose due to erosion.
According to Maori legend, the boulders are gourds washed ashore from the great voyaging canoe Araiteuru when it was wrecked upon landfall in New Zealand hundreds of years ago.
Hakan Derin — Google review
Incredible boulders, beautiful beach and location, interesting story.
Sad that some people deface them writing their names on them. Saw some dolphins nearby, it was a nice bonus.
Tehaunui — Google review
From the other picture I’ve seen, the boulders do move around.
I took some pictures in the evening and at sunrise.
Christian Nelson — Google review
Quick stop off the highway.
Short walk from the visitor center. Please wipe boots/shoes before going down.
Crazy how they are so round. They kind of look fake with how they stay together or when they Crack apart and have a resin looking layer. (See photo to understand)
Gift shop also has alpaca food if you want to feed the animals a short walk away.
Lots of parking
Its Jess! — Google review
This was our first stop between Dunedin and Lake Tekapo, a short distance off Hwy 1. These round boulders buried in the sand come from calcification of dinosaur mud. Some are nearly perfect round. Others look like petrified tortoise shells with hexagonal patterns of yellower rock. Very interesting walk down the a short beach to see dozens of them. A few stairs to reach the beach, but nothing strenuous.
Moeraki Boulders Beach is a stunning destination located in the southern part of New Zealand. The beach boasts an incredible array of spherical boulders that resemble those from prehistoric times when dinosaurs roamed the earth. These mammoth rocks are incredibly heavy, weighing around two tonnes each! The best time to view these wonders is during low tide, allowing for unparalleled views of this picturesque landscape.
On a tour of the South Island, we ran across a sign for the Moeraki Boulders Beach. I had recognized the name from a postcard I had spotted in a shop in Dunedin. Not knowing what to expect, we pulled in for a look. The beach was incredible, and the spherical rock formations look like artifacts from another planet! The beach is spacious and teeming with wildlife. Not too crowded with people, although we visited in winter and summer crowds might be thicker.
There's a small restaurant on the bluff above the beach. A boardwalk and stairs take you down from the restaurant to the beach itself. Moeraki Boulders Beach is pretty incredible; you'd be hard-pressed to find anything else like it in your world travels.
Jack Sweeney — Google review
The most extraordinary beach with large spherical boulders along the beach!
Moeraki Boulders Beach is a must-visit and there is ample parking space for visitors. The beach is just walking distance down the stairs from the car park and there is a restaurant near the entrance of the beach.
This beach is a perfect place for a photo shoot and it was interesting to see the different sizes of boulders lying around the beach. A beautiful place in New Zealand!
Ting Ting — Google review
Special rocks and beautiful on cloudy or sunny days, nice place to walk the dogs and children, a lot of parking lots.
Juanita Huang — Google review
Crowded, but free and pretty interesting to see. The spherical rocks seem to be lower in the sand than some older pictures. You can see one coming out of the hillside. It's a short walk and the beach sand is firm to walk on.
Trypp Adams — Google review
A different beach with some wierd looking round stones which i found amusing. TBH,I was expecting to see a lot after reading about it and felt a bit disappointed as these rocks are few and don't span a major portion of the beach. Main reason for my 3 stars is the lack of any public bathrooms in the area.
Just need to be a bit careful on the rocks as its slippery😉
I would still recommend this cos its unique.
Abin Moses — Google review
The boulders looked more like regular rocks and we would have not have noticed them if it was not hyped up. That said, managed to see one of the untouched fully round boulders still in a cliff and only then did we appreciate it for what it was. Parking is free if you park at the public park(a slightly longer walk) as opposed to the cafe where there is fee charged as it is privately owned.
Bryan — Google review
Not a bad place to stop while driving past. It’s better to park at the cafe as it’s closer and has a toilet available if you buy something. Your GPS might take you to the beach parking but you’ll see a large sign for the cafe, that’s a better place to park. The rocks are quite interesting
Mark Greene — Google review
Amazing place to visit if, like me, you're a geologist by background and therefore they are one of the unique geological features you need to see before you die! To others they are probably just rocks on a beach. Best time to visit is not after storms as they can half bury the boulders but they are still awesome.
Park in the public carpark to the right (next to the red building) as that's free. It's a five minute stroll along the beach from there. Otherwise the cafe to the left will let you park there but then charge you to take a shortcut to the beach down their steps!
Adrian Walter — Google review
Always a great inexpensive place to visit with friends and family. Enjoy something tasty off the menu before you walk it off with a stroll to see the boulders. You need a low tide to see the boulders and the amount of Boulders visible depends on whether the tide has covered or uncovered them. Gift shop available and you can buy food to feed the deer and alpacas.
Sandyxo07 — Google review
Fun place to visit - large spherical boulders too see, and on a nice sandy beach. There are usually quite a few people there, but it's easy enough to get a picture or two. It's only a very short walk down to the boulders from the cafe, or about a 20 minute walk along the beach from Moeraki Reserve at the north end of Moeraki township.
John E — Google review
A very long time since last visit, but well worth the wait. Photographer's/rock lover's paradise. A must do.
wyldecreations — Google review
Nothing too crazy but a lovely location. Pretty beach area. The cafe was in a lovely location. with views of the beach. Good coffee and great sausage rolls
Elizabeth D — Google review
Exceptional roadside short-call stop. If you are on the road between Christchurch and Dunedin, you’ll see the signs, and DEFINITELY stop here. Free car park, and a 10 minute walk up the beach to see these extraordinary spherical rocks.
The photo shows me standing atop one of them.
Stephen Asbury — Google review
Moeraki is famous for its boulders. These mysteriously spherical stones scattered across a beach. Each boulder weighs several tonnes and is up to two metres high. Scientists explain the boulders as calcite concretions formed about 65 million years ago. The boulders give the beach a terrific sight!
Diny van Hal — Google review
If you travelled a bit around the world and saw different landscapes and some natural highlights, there are not many reasons to stop here. A handful round stones laying on a long endless beach.
Off course you can take great pictures and give them a completely different atmosphere than it is in real. The real scenery you can see on the picture below.
TiSc — Google review
Beautiful beach with unbelievable rocks. Special place for people who want to see nature's wonder.
Sohyun Kim — Google review
The Moeraki Boulders are a group of large spherical “stones” on Koekohe Beach. These boulders are actually calcite concretions that have been exposed through shoreline erosion from coastal cliffs.
They originally started forming in ancient sea floor sediments around 60 million years ago, and the largest boulders are estimated to have taken about 4 million years to get to their current size. Each boulder weighs several tonnes and is up to two metres high.
Even today, there are still boulders remaining in the mudstone that will, eventually, fall on to the beach as they come lose due to erosion.
According to Maori legend, the boulders are gourds washed ashore from the great voyaging canoe Araiteuru when it was wrecked upon landfall in New Zealand hundreds of years ago.
Hakan Derin — Google review
Incredible boulders, beautiful beach and location, interesting story.
Sad that some people deface them writing their names on them. Saw some dolphins nearby, it was a nice bonus.
Tehaunui — Google review
From the other picture I’ve seen, the boulders do move around.
I took some pictures in the evening and at sunrise.
Christian Nelson — Google review
Quick stop off the highway.
Short walk from the visitor center. Please wipe boots/shoes before going down.
Crazy how they are so round. They kind of look fake with how they stay together or when they Crack apart and have a resin looking layer. (See photo to understand)
Gift shop also has alpaca food if you want to feed the animals a short walk away.
Lots of parking
Its Jess! — Google review
This was our first stop between Dunedin and Lake Tekapo, a short distance off Hwy 1. These round boulders buried in the sand come from calcification of dinosaur mud. Some are nearly perfect round. Others look like petrified tortoise shells with hexagonal patterns of yellower rock. Very interesting walk down the a short beach to see dozens of them. A few stairs to reach the beach, but nothing strenuous.
Lake Pukaki in the South Island is a stunning glacially-fed lake with milky-blue waters, offering breathtaking views of Mount Cook. The lake's beauty makes for a scenic drive with numerous spots to stop and take in its picturesque surroundings. Visitors can walk down closer to the lake and capture memorable photos of the awe-inspiring landscape.
Another massive and beautiful lake in the South Island, which makes for a very scenic drive. There are places where you can stop and walk down close to the lake.
lilithchick — Google review
Definitely worth a couple of visits! You can get even closer to the mountains when you drive towards Mount Cook. The lake is an endless body of turquoise blue. There is plenty of parking available. Toilet facilities are not the best though.
A C Nayak — Google review
Gorgeous crystal blue lake, wonderful. The road to Mount Cook with the blue lake on your right hand side is a mesmerizing picture!
Qyllian De Haas — Google review
Stunning views and if your brave it's a very refreshing swim in glacier water.
Great cycle trails around around the lake area also.
Simon — Google review
I will never forget the beautiful emerald color of Lake Pukaki until I die. It was the most beautiful lake I've ever seen in my life.
It was a place where I could feel grateful for my life because I could see the beauty of such a pretty lake.
Daisy Bebe — Google review
Absolutely one of my favorite places to camp with my Dad Mary& family....
such a magical place with sunsets & sun rises to die for. Very special 😎we even picked a bunch of wild flowers for Nana😊
Sandra Wright — Google review
Amazing lake! With a stunning mountain view. Super nice spot for camping and hiking around. We highly recommend 🌈✨🫶
Lisa Lierumm — Google review
Beautiful Lake!
Kids enjoyed the lake..
Crystal clear water..
We hope to visit you soon!
:)
Kristine Isles — Google review
Went in the summer. Stunning colour of the lake. It’s the most beautiful lake I ever seen in my life.
Feng Me — Google review
Such a beaut! Very impressive place🤍🤍 blue lake colour
PeiQi Teh — Google review
Our coach passed beautiful Lake Pukaki on the way to Mount Cook, which became visible from quite a distance. The entire lake is an almost perfect and consistent aquamarine, from the glacial runoff silt.
Graham Tranter — Google review
It is worth it to visit it. The water is clear blue but quite cold so be ready for it. It is just a little bit warmer than Lake Tekapo (both of them are glacier lakes). We slept in a freedom campground and could go to swim from this place and as a bonus we had a great view on Mount Aoraki/Mount Cook. We can reccomend Lake and the freedom campground as well. But the camp is just for one night in the month.
Veronika Popkova — Google review
2024-01-27
Thanks to the nice weather, we were capable of seeing the beautiful milky-turquoise blue water, as well as soothing lakefront views.
Joanna Huang — Google review
Surreal, mesmerising and absolutely breathtaking place. Haven’t seen such turquoise blue water anywhere else.
Ranjit — Google review
Lake Pukaki is a mesmerizing glacial lake in New Zealand, renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The scenery is truly breathtaking, offering a serene and picturesque escape. Whether you're into photography, hiking, or simply enjoying nature, Lake Pukaki is a must-visit destination. The vibrant colors and tranquil atmosphere make it a memorable experience for any traveler.
kuljeet mathur — Google review
Lake Pukaki is a stunning natural wonder. Visiting at noon was perfect as the bright sunshine showcased the lake's incredible blue hues. It's a vast, pristine body of water that truly captivates with its beauty. I'm delighted that we made the choice to explore this remarkable lake; it's a memory to cherish.
Ruth Peliño — Google review
4.9
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5.0
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Canterbury 7999, New Zealand
I'll never travel to Milford Sound without this trip planner again
High Country Salmon is a family-owned boutique salmon farm located near Twizel, New Zealand. They raise glacial mountain salmon in the hydro canal system, ensuring a short supply chain and the freshest salmon possible. Visitors can enjoy coffee and salmon-inspired food at the cafe, feed the salmon on the floating deck, purchase fresh salmon from the fish shop, or even catch their own.
Definitely worth the stop if you are passing through here. Lots of fresh sushi, sashimi and cooked meals. The sushi was incredibly fresh as you'd expect, generously packed with salmon and the chowder was tasty and hearty. We brought some items to takeaway and they packed them with ice. The beetroot cured salmon is exceptional and some of the best you'll taste but at $100 per kg it's pretty steep. Worth it for a splurge.
Irene L — Google review
A great place to take kids for fishery education. This is a private farm and grow fresh water salmon in a glacier fed lake, so it's unique on its own. Kids love to feed salmon here, so it is worth doing. They do sell fresh salmon and all other salmon related products. See pictures and video for details.
Masrizal Mahmud — Google review
Delicious high quality salmon!! I also prefer this one over Mt Cook Alpine Salmon. Sure they've got the views, but this little salmon farm offers way more. There's a café with tons of cabinet food and a gift shop with salmon products and other goodies. Food is reasonably priced and yummy!
Mika — Google review
We enjoy a visit to the Salmon Farm and always come away with some fresh salmon to enjoy at home. There's a good selection of salmon based deliciousness and some food without salmon. We enjoyed watching a little girl catch a big fat salmon. I'm sure her parents went home with it, having paid $30 per kg for the privilege.
Moira Fraser — Google review
This is a salmon farm . You can pay and fish here or have breakfast / lunch at the simple cafe . They only have limited items. We arrived at 1 pm, already many items of food have been sold out. They also have a shop for frozen salmon , smoke salmon and other seafood items. Good for a visit, especially after a long drive.
I think there are more rooms for improvement.
Helen HL Leung — Google review
Pinkest juiciest salmon I’ve tasted. This salmon farm has a cafe, fresh frozen salmon shop and also viewing platforms to the farm where you can feed the fish for a donation. Had some sushi, took away some bellies for dinner and fed some fish. Very clean amenities and warm water taps was a plus for me. Wholesome stopover in my books.
Farah Rozhan — Google review
I recently had the pleasure of dining at High Country Salmon near Twizel, and it was a delightful experience for my family and me. I would rate it 4 stars overall, and here's why:
First and foremost, the highlight of our meal was undoubtedly the amazing Salmon belly sashimi. The freshness and quality of the salmon were evident with each delicate bite. It practically melted in our mouths, and the flavors were simply exquisite. It's a must-try for any seafood lover.
We also ordered the Thai style Salmon Laksa, which was a flavorful and unique dish. The combination of salmon in a Thai laksa was a delightful twist, and the taste was delicious. The only minor drawback was that the laksa could have been a little warmer, but it didn't detract significantly from the overall experience.
One of the standout features of High Country Salmon is the opportunity to go fishing for your own salmon. It's a fantastic option for those looking to engage in an interactive and fun experience during their visit. The staff were not only friendly but also helpful, making the whole experience even more enjoyable.
Overall, High Country Salmon near Twizel is well worth a visit, especially for families and seafood enthusiasts. The Salmon belly sashimi alone is reason enough to make the trip, and the chance to fish for your own salmon adds an extra layer of excitement to the visit. With friendly staff and a great atmosphere, it's a memorable dining destination in the area.
Dean McQuade — Google review
High Country Salmon is a must-visit for anyone in the Twizel area. The salmon is farmed in the pristine waters of the Mackenzie Country hydro canals, and it is some of the freshest and most delicious salmon I have ever tasted. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and they are happy to answer any questions you may have.
I tried the smoked salmon, which was incredibly flavorful and had a perfect smoky taste. I also tried the sashimi, which was so fresh it melted in my mouth. I could have eaten the whole thing!
In addition to the salmon, High Country Salmon also has a variety of other products, such as caviar, smoked mussels, and salmon jerky. I also picked up some salmon oil, which is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
If you are looking for a delicious and healthy meal, I highly recommend High Country Salmon. You won't be disappointed!"
Forgot to add: Dont forget to buy a souvenir from the shop. Reasonable and a piece of memory comes with you. The chef is a genuinely talented yet humble person. Thanks to all.
M Tawfique Rahman — Google review
Very interesting salmon farm and shop to visit, right off the highway. There is a nice cafe here that sells sushi and sashimi and you can see the salmon in the ponds and feed them! There are also many different salmon products available for sale. Is worth a drop in!
Andrew Sinclair — Google review
A very popular salmon shop near Twizel. You will probably get all the the info on their website or other reviewers. However, in my opinion the salmon sashimi is nicer here than at the Mt Cook Alpine Salmon and the cafe variety is extensive. Highly recommended for a stop over for a meal but you can also stock up for eating and cooking later on as they provide ice packs to keep the food fresh.
W Ng — Google review
Cute wee shop! Love that you can go and feed the salmon for a small donation my children absolutely loved it. Excellent outside seating space bit cramped inside but that's ok. Rave over the chicken sushi it is absolutely amazing I'm guessing the salmon Sushi is the same I haven't managed to get past the chicken sushi to try it! Husband loved the pies said they were one of the best pies he's had in a long time. Definitely recommend the stop for something different.
Deanna Morris-Bamber — Google review
We tried the hot smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel and the raw salmon sushi, both of which were excellent. The bagel had a generous serve of hot smoked salmon, which had a balanced smoky flavour. You can also feed the fish for free or fish for your own salmon. There is also a nice produce shop selling souvenirs, all types of smoked and fresh salmon and condiments. Worth a stop for a meal.
Rich Fez — Google review
Food was decent but service could be better at the cafe side. The rice ball was served cold, we had to ask them to microwave it. The ducks made up for it as they were very cute and inquisitive.
Jenny on the Fish Shop side was more friendly and welcoming. And great to knowing her!
Big Roy [eatwithroy] — Google review
Very cool seeing a fresh water salmon farm in person.
The Cafe was popular and the space was a bit small for the amount of traffic it had but there are outdoor seatings available. I tried their sashimi, it was fresh with a clean taste and firm textures.
Allow some time to browse the Fish Shop next to the Cafe as there are many salmon products stocked. From cured and smoked salmon of various flavours to fresh salmon to caviar.
🅿️ Plenty of parking space available.
♿ Wheelchair-friendly with ramps to the Cafe and Fish Shop, and accessible restroom.
Nancy Lan Watkinson — Google review
Convenient to visit from Lake Tekapo and overall, a great lunch stop if you’re a salmon fan. We found the fresh sashimi very very good ($35 for the largest portion) but the cooked food options less so. The best dish from the kitchen was the smoked salmon salad, but the laksa, burger and quiche was just okay.
The counter staff was very helpful and friendly, service was fast despite the busy lunch rush. Indoor seating is rather limited but on warmer days, it’s very pleasant to sit outside and watch people catch salmon. The salmon shop also has an incredible selection of fish to be purchased, raw or smoked in a variety of different ways / flavours.
T T — Google review
High Country Salmon is a must-visit for anyone in the Twizel area. The salmon is farmed and it is some of the freshest and most delicious salmon I have ever tasted. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and they are happy to answer any questions you may have.
I tried the smoked salmon, which was incredibly flavorful and had a perfect smoky taste. I also tried the sashimi, which was so fresh it melted in my mouth. I could have eaten the whole thing!
Lolipop Sunshine — Google review
We booked to go catch your own fish. We had four adults and two children and we had a wonderful time. The staff were amazing with the children and showing all of us how to fish and made sure we had a great experience. We all successfully caught a fish. I highly recommend this, the salmon was also amazing to eat after- but it was the staff and their awesome manner that made it for us. Pictured 6 year old who caught this 6.2kg salmon and was very proud.
Emmy Hiller — Google review
Wow! Just amazing & such great value. We had a lovely ciabatta with roasted vegetables, the fabulous platter (YUM), the salmon sushi & cooked salmon. If you’re lucky, you might get the dessert of the day. The cabinet is full of great choices including chicken & breakfast options. The maki roll is the best! Lovely outside seating too. Spend some time, feed the fish & enjoy the amazing food. Say hi to Gary the main chef if he’s around
Lindley Craig — Google review
Simple fresh food! We had all the salmon sashimi we wanted for our trip.
There's a shop next door where u can pick up vacuumed packed smoked, fresh or frozen salmon.
Edith A — Google review
We ordered the Ultimate Salmon Plank which was quite generous. Loved the vege 😅 sushi wasn’t that great but the cured and smoked salmon was nice! Focaccia bread was too soggy and moist though, but overall cute place to stopover and chill. Coffee was good.
Leandra C — Google review
Great place to stop by for Fresh Sashimi. Tried the medium mixed cut and premium belly cut, both were superb. Would recommend stopping by for brunch/lunch if you are passing by the area.
Ching Wen Jun — Google review
This was not in our itinerary but we were glad we made a stop here while travelling towards Wanaka. They have a shop and cafe, we tried their fresh salmon Shasimi and grilled salmon. Both taste haven! Definitely worth a visit if you are passing by.
J — Google review
great place to stop by feed the salmon and see their facility. the restaurant had variety of food options(with salmon) including the sashimi(with soy sauce) The fish shop had food to take home but was closing when we got there.
Jin Kim — Google review
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4.0
(387)
2602 Twizel-Omarama Road, Twizel 7999, New Zealand
What lovely staff.
Unfortunately I had nasty fall here which was my own fault but staff member Jody was great and got help really quickly. Then even phone the next day to check on me. Thankyou so much
Sandy Blair — Google review
Lovely people and great to learn how to curl! The luge was great fun too 😊😊
Karen Harper — Google review
We popped in to have a look around, interesting information to read on the history, $40 for a adult to play, we would have but short on time. Next time will give it a go, looks like so much fun
Kelly Beedie — Google review
Friendly staff, great fun!
Jacob Stewart — Google review
Awesome day out for the Upper Clutha Lions ladies. Great venue and hosts.
Lorraine Knowles — Google review
Great fun fantastic staff helping and guiding
You .
Highly recomend for any age
Chris Turner — Google review
Awesome experience, it looks easier on TV than actually doing it...lol
Hilda Leung — Google review
Decided to give curling a try while doing the Otago Rail Trail. Never tried it before but it was fantastic fun! Ewan is an excellent teacher!
Roisin C — Google review
Awesome activity, even for those with no experience. We arrived last week on our south island holiday, had no booking or a clue of how to play! After some great instructions from the staff and continual tips for the hour and a half we were there, we got the hang of it and had a great time! Such great fun, thanks a mil!
Doireann Meade — Google review
Great facility and staff, had an awesome time thanks
Keryn Goodsir — Google review
Has a fun afternoon, great coaching and left to have some laughs
Pete Hayes — Google review
Had a great time, staff were really nice and gave heaps of tips. Would massively recommend as a stop on a drive around south island. We did it as a couple, but would definitely recommend doing it with 4 or more to get a bit more time sweeping
Niall McSharry — Google review
Went here yesterday (05 July 2020) and got an opening weekend special. Was our first time curling and we had the best time! Such helpful instruction, and great atmosphere. Well worth the trip, this is a hidden gem!
Nestled in the picturesque town of Omarama, Hot Tubs Omarama offers a unique and relaxing experience for adults and kids alike. The hot and cool tubs, filled with chemical-free glacial water from the surrounding mountains, provide a soothing retreat at the end of Lindis Pass. Visitors can reserve private tubs for up to 8 people, perfect for unwinding under the starry night sky.
We were very fortunate to have a walk in session. The staff were super friendly and accommodating. The views from the hot tubs were stunning. The lake had frozen over for the winter. The pools and facilities were well maintained and clean. Highly recommend anyone coming through the area to book a stop.
Shout out to Jill for being such a lovely host.
Sajid Chowdhury — Google review
We booked a site comprising of a wood fired hot tub, a shelter with a changing room and a sauna, that we had to turn on. We had a view of a lake with ducks and mountain ranges. We were allocated 90 minutes. The tub's temperature can be customized by turning on a cold water tap. Increasing the temperature only requires opening a vent for a short time. Word of warning... There is a chimney that can get very hot. Avoid touching. It is worthwhile after a days cycling on the A2O trail.
Martin Ng — Google review
Not many tourists spot in Omarama but if you ever stay overnight or pass by this small town this might be a must visit place for you a very similar concept to Japanese onsen whereby you have a chance to immense yourself in a hot tub especially during winter each hot tub is secluded and fronting a lake with a good view of snow mountains if you would like to have a good view of glazing stars strongly suggest that you come after dark less food choices now due to short of staffs
Yeoh chin leong — Google review
Really enjoyed our time here, was very relaxing at dusk with views of the pond and mountains. Staff were polite and friendly. I feel that perhaps bookings should stop at 6pm, so staff can leave at 8. I felt a little rushed having a shower at the end and didn’t want to delay staff going home after a long day.
Emma How — Google review
Very relaxing spot to unwind with an outlook over a duck pond. Nice and private wood fire hot tubs with private changing room and shared shower/bathroom area. There is a bar at reception if you fancy a beer or wine and cold drinking water was provided for us to take to the tubs. Reasonable price for a private 90min session.
Frances Cox — Google review
Definitely a trip highlight and a beautiful place with realistic chances of booking a slot. Prices are reasonable and good privacy overlooking a small pond. The ability to vary water temp is a big plus for we have a child sensitive to high temps. We ordered a charcuterie board later and it was fabulous. I'll return if I have the chance.
Emil Goh — Google review
Lovely 90 minutes spent here after a day cycling the Alps 2 Ocean trail. V relaxing and can alter the temperature by adding cold water or the turning up the firebox. Not cheap but worth it after a day of cycling. Excellent selection of drinks as well.
David NZ — Google review
Had a really nice evening here. Our hot tub faced the pond so had less of a Mountain View but we really didn’t mind. It was fun sitting watching the ducks while enjoying the hot tub which was clean and perfectly heated when we arrived.
Karl Lonn — Google review
Nice and relaxing outdoor hot tub. We ordered the Antipasto and dessert platters to enjoy afterward. Did the Clay cliffs walk nearby.. Fantastic stop for road trip 👍🏻
Vivian Huang — Google review
Hot tubs are very nice. The tubs are made of metal, and you can not see anyone else in the area. You can hear other parties but not see them, so the privacy is really nice. The views are great as well.
You have your own private changing room and shower, fully enclosed.
Beware of the heating element and piping.
Great experience. Wish we could have made it back.
Josh Lambert — Google review
A great experience while travelling the south island.The tubs are great and the views of the ranges just make it ever so relaxing. Highly recommend the experience.
Karl Kuehner — Google review
Omarama is a lovely and peaceful town near lake tekapo. And hot tubs is easy to find on the town. Every tub is private. We got a tub with quite circumstances and good view of the pond. It’s really nice to have a small break here in a thrilling trip to the south island.
Debs Saito — Google review
Fantastic experience at Omarama Hot Tubs. Each tub is secluded and private with a view of the lake. Surrounded by mountains, it’s the perfect place to unwind. The smell of the smoke from the burner is amazing too!
Richard Bushell — Google review
Beautiful private tubs, great that you can adjust the temperature yourself. We had a pizza after our soak which was delicious. The staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly! 10/10 recommended!
Gemma Welten — Google review
Private group wood fire hot tubs. Recommend for colder days, we got a bit hot after a while. The facilities were great but would have been nice if there was more view or something to look at.
Kim Kimington — Google review
We greatly enjoyed soaking away our tired muscles after hiking in Mount Cook National Park. The (minimum) 90 minute session was just the right amount of time as it includes walking and changing time. Nice that you could buy a glass of champagne to have while soaking. We paid $120 for two of us and had private access to the tub and a changing room. We appreciated that you could control the temperature because it got quite hot!
Chelsea G — Google review
We really enjoyed this unique experience. We love hot tubs, but this was like no other. Heated by fire, you get to enjoy that smoky smell while watching the ducks skid across the water in their landing. Each tub is secluded from the other. The staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Lisa Baker — Google review
It was a lovely experience to have this private tub for yourself.
They have approx 10 sites and they are all very well separated.
Very hot and wonderful quiet place with the river and ducks.
The only downside is that not all the sites have this perfect mountain view as seen on the picture, but you can still see them from an other angle
Tina Boudreault — Google review
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4.5
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29 Omarama Ave Main, Twizel Highway, Omarama 9448, New Zealand
This was my first taste of Otago trails. Staying at Ranfurly, I chose to ride what was recommended to be the best section of the Otago Rail Trail, ie Omakau to Ranfurly. Shebikeshebikes were able to shuttle me and my ebike to Omakau from where I was able to cycle the trail back to the motor camp at Ranfurly. Shebikeshebikes provided the perfect service; a very enjoyable drive with a lovely driver and at a remarkably reasonable cost.
P.S. Two days later I used Shebikeshebikes to shuttle me and my bike from Clyde to Cromwell so I could ride the amazing Lake Dunstan Trail back to Alexandra Holiday Park. Again the shuttle service was superb.
Gary Dye — Google review
Went to three other bike hire places today all of which said no bikes available even though we could see bikes for use.Our day was not going to plan. But this shop was great within minutes we had our bikes. Thank you for being so helpful l and making our day.!!!!
Donna Knatt — Google review
Once was enough - a fabulous experience once!!! Cycling the Dunstan Trail was more challenging than I thought it would be .. hairpin turns were wicked. Probably it was scary for me for these reasons:
1) I’d never ever ridden trails as close to ‘the edge’ as these - on the left side nearest the drop off.
2) It was my first time on an E-bike
3) The narrow trail/path with loose gravel was new to me - I am used to bike trails or country side roads in Canada.
It took me until the last third of the trail I began to feel comfortable shifting the gears on the right handle bar as well as the E-speed on the left. Thankfully I opted for an E-bike… it would have been impossible for me to ride on a regular bike! Not so for the younger stronger set!
All that said, I am thrilled to have done the Dunstan - a miracle with tremendous long lasting memories!!’ Stunning vistas with stops along the way up and down with equal challenge ability!
Thank you for making the trip possible. Shebikeshebikes is a terrific company with caring and competent friendly folks.
Mji
Maureen Fallis — Google review
Hired some Ebikes to do the Otago Rail Trail over 3 days and was very disappointed especially after hearing and seeing all the great reviews. One of the Ebikes we were given had a bad life cycle dying with about 1.5kms left riding on the eco and norm settings (two lowest). The second and third day was set on eco for the entirety of the day trying to conserve battery and it still died with 7km left. Safe to say this ruined our whole trip as we hired Ebikes for the comfort and efficiency - and ended up adding an unforeseen labour intensive and stressful element during the day taking away from the stunning sights the trail has to offer. After complaining to the Omakau reception staff and relevant mobile contacts, still nothing has been done in terms of compensation or rectifying the situation! We’re sad to say we were highly disappointed with the service all around and would not recommend the company just on the off chance of this situation happening again.
Lucy douglas-ward — Google review
We had a fabulous time doing ORT, Lake Dunstan and Roxburgh Gorge. Susie, Marie and rest of the team from shuttle drivers to the young man that serviced our bike chains. Totally awesome support. Will be back with the Grandchildren.
Donna Fox — Google review
Fantastic experience with shebikeshebikes - the 3 day rail trail was perfect for me . Travelling alone I met lovely people every step of the way. Fabulous accommodation esp behindthebikesheds!!
Lucie Graham — Google review
Hired an E bike for my lovely wife to do a portion of the rail trail. Really easy to deal with, plenty of information. They even have an after hours return option. Nice bike that was well maintained. No chance of keeping up with her on my 'normal' bike. Perfect way to see the rail trail.
Paul & Caitriona Hutchinson — Google review
This is the go to place for bike hire in Clyde..well versed in the local trails..able to have our bikes delivered to Cromwell which made for a easy return to Clyde...Dunstan Trail 10 out 10
Mike Matutinovich — Google review
Great experience. Very convenient location to the best part of the trail for a day ride. Friendly and competent crew. Equipment all in excellent order: our youngest (8) loved having an e-bike to zip along. Highly recommend.
Angus McMorland — Google review
Well organised and great communication. We did the golden express trail which dropped us in Oturehua and then it was a nice mostly downhill cycle back of around 30km. Cool tunnels on the route
Thunder Creek Falls is a stunning 96m tall waterfall located in New Zealand, making it one of the country's most impressive natural attractions. Just a short walk from the car park and only two minutes from the main road, this stop along SH6 is well worth it. The lookout point offers breathtaking views of the falls, making it a popular spot for visitors.
Thunder Creek Falls is Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Mount Aspiring National Park. A hidden gem that offers a refreshing dose of nature's beauty.
At 28 meters tall, the falls create a cascading spectacle, especially after a period of heavy rain.
The short and easy walk to the viewing platform makes Thunder Creek Falls a perfect stop for travelers of all ages and fitness levels. If you're looking for a quick break to stretch your legs and take in some stunning scenery, this waterfall should definitely be on your New Zealand itinerary!
Kallie Tico-Chloe — Google review
Lots of parking and a super easy walk. Nice rainbow in the bottom of falls with sunshine. The path leads into the river, that has some wonderful patterned rocks- can be very slippery. See more travel ideas on YouTube caravantheworld
Rose Healey — Google review
Very cool stop along the road to Haast.
Andrew — Google review
Impressive water fall, worth a Quick Look if you’re passing by, beautiful clear glacial water. About 2 minutes walk from the parking area, be warned parking is limited
Kevin Gove — Google review
A super short walk from the car park brings you to these beautiful falls.
A great stopping point along SH6
Shirish Paranjape — Google review
Simple walk in to see a stunning waterfall. Well worth the quick stop.
John Michael Schert — Google review
Well worth the stop and is a two minute easy walk from the main road way
Seeing the world In a different way — Google review
Very easy, pleasant walk through the bush, good viewing point of the falld
Wendy Brabet — Google review
Great waterfall and perfect spot to stretch your legs but we couldn’t stay long. It was late February and we were swarmed with biting bugs -midges maybe? Wish we had left earlier! Wear long clothes.
Bike It Now! in Clyde offers excellent service for those interested in the Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail. They can assist with arranging shuttle times and pickups for the reverse ride from Clyde to Cromwell, taking advantage of the wind and less aggressive egress. The trail offers beautiful views and cantilevered sections hugging the mountain. Riders can expect a time of around 3 hours and 20 minutes.
AMAZING service and professionalism at Bike It Now! We loved our trip on the Otago Rail Trail, and Bike it Now made everything so seamless and easy for us. The accommodation, local knowledge and of course the bikes were top quality. The door to door service from Queenstown was fantastic and meant transport was one less thing for us to worry about. They even worked around us when our flight was cancelled, and picked us up later in the day. I don't have anything bad to say. We will be booking through Bike it Now again for any future trips. Thanks so much!
Renee Williamson — Google review
We recently did the Big Loop with Bike It Now. Fully recommend this company. Easy communications prior to the ride. Accommodation was spot on for the needs of our group - six of us all over 60. Really enjoyed dining at country pubs and having a couple with the locals.
In addition, one of our group sustained an injury on the fourth day necessitating an evacuation. Bike It Now helped out with some of the logistics of this, meaning the injured rider was able to rejoin the group at each accommodation stop.
Many thanks Fletch and crew.
Brian Megaw — Google review
Rented ebikes for Dunstan rail trail. All organized with a single phone call - including bikes sent to Cromwell, and a return shuttle from Clyde back to start. Staff were informative and friendly. Bikes were newish Merida mtb style, with carrier luggage bag, helmet, drink bottle - ideal for the trail. Climbed the hills with no effort 👌
Totally recommend both the experience and the company.
Stuart Macandrew — Google review
Had such a great experience with the Bike it now team. Did the Roxburgh Gorge Trail. The jet boat ride was so much fun and Dave the driver is so knowledgeable. The bikes and gear was all in great condition and the briefing so professional. Definitely recommend this company
Mark Lovegrove — Google review
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.
Julie L — Google review
Awesome staff who really take the time with you. Great advice and info on offer. Lisa was brilliant at helping us find the right pannier bags for our travels.
Karen M — Google review
A huge thanks to Fletch and everyone else at Bike It Now for organising our ride on the Otago Rail Trail at the end of last month. We had the most amazing time and everything went flawlessly. We did the 5-day luxury tour and stayed in beautiful accommodation, enjoyed all our meals, and met some lovely people - highly recommended! I'm already looking at what ride we will do next.
Jane Brown — Google review
Quick and easy service for hiring an ebike for the Lake Dunstan cycle trail. Trail was explained and we were given a map before heading out. Shuttle driver even explained a couple of things on the way to Cromwell. Had no issues with the bike and it was nice that saddle bags and tyre pump were provided.
Kerry Lin — Google review
Absolutely Fabulous Clyde Folk and Adventure. River trail ride gorgeous. Help was at hand when I piked out at Alexandra. Shuttled back to town, pride intact, accomplished a 12 km breathtaking ride.
Kim Young — Google review
Bike it Now is amazing. They organise everything for you and all you need to do is ride and enjoy the scenery and great hospitality along the way. It’s the second time I’ve been with them and couldn’t fault them. They know the area and tailor the trip to what you want to do. Just perfect!!!
Greta Matthews — Google review
Re: The Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail. Interested in doing the reverse ride, Clyde > Cromwell, Bike It Now will assist. Apart from working with your schedule an advantage is the wind is behind you and the egress to the Trig Station is not as aggressive from the Clyde, you also " hug " the mountain on those cantilevered sections . Time for an L3 rider is < > 3H20m. Book with Bike It Now to arrange shuttle times & pickup back to Clyde. Recommended time would be early morning ( Still and no opposing traffic ) . Service & communication from Bike It Now Clyde is outstanding..thoroughly recommended.
Geoff Cambridge — Google review
Wonderfully helpful and efficient. Great staff that answered ALL our questions with much patience. We did the the Otago trail and then the Lake Dunstan day trail...everything was sorted for us and we had no issues. Thanks for all your hard work and ka pai to your wonderful team of people
JAV — Google review
Super, super organised! Thank-you Bikeitnow! for an amazing 4 day adventure. Shuttle service from Queenstown, terrific accommodations, recommended places to eat and where to purchase snacks. When the weather turned nasty on Day 4, they checked-in with us to see if we needed assistance. (We were fine). We are happy to recommend Bikeitnow!
Karen Vaneyk — Google review
Outstanding service today when hubby had trouble with his ebike control panel. The staff were busy but could not do enough to help. Definitely the shop to visit.
Thanks guy's.
Christine Goldie — Google review
BIG THANKS TO THE TEAM AT CLYDE FOR EXCELLENT SERVICE AND THE BEST BIKES AVAILABLE.. was a windy day but everything went well beautiful track and views with lunch available on track. Thanks again.
Wanaka is a charming tourist destination located on the southern tip of Lake Wanaka in New Zealand. The town boasts breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains and serves as the main entrance to Mount Aspiring National Park, which features stunning glaciers, beech forests, and alpine lakes. Treble Cone and Cardrona ski resorts are also nearby. Puzzling World's outdoor maze and sculpture gallery are just outside the town.
44% as popular as Queenstown
8 minutes off the main route, 43% of way to Milford Sound
Highlands - Experience the Exceptional is a tourist attraction that offers a variety of driving experiences, including go-karts and fast taxis. Additionally, visitors can view sculptures and explore a sports car museum while taking in stunning mountain vistas. A family pass priced at $199 provides access to the aforementioned activities as well as a VR experience, but additional carts must be purchased for larger groups. The facility boasts an impressive cafe with great lunch options, while the toilets themselves are worth visiting.
Amazing. Brilliant day. Did the Fast Dash & it's brilliant.
Next was the go carts & that was also brilliant.
One could spend all day & a lot of coin & definitely not be disappointed!
Another slice of petrol head heaven! If you haven't been then go!
I'll be back ASAP! Thanks
Philip Brown — Google review
The experience was fantastic! Did the U-Drive Mustang and had an ball of a time. Instructor was fantastic and clear with the guidance and encouragement to push myself in the car! Then headed to the Karts and they are fun and fast. Kart track is a good size and good level of difficulty. Ended up having lunch and had a Lamb sandwich which was really nice with a Berry smoothie. Then went though the Museum which was really well laid out with heaps of info about cars on display. Has upstairs area with a lot of history and info about drivers in Nee Zealand. I would recommend you make it a must stop if you enjoy Cars! Also worth saying to head to the loo with a view as well.
Andrew Millar — Google review
Great activity for the individual or family. Museum and coffee shop with something for everyone. If you do an activity you will get into the Museum for half price $15.00. The loo with a view is EPIC!
Colleen Crowley — Google review
Do something New New Zealand! Awesome experience. Amazing museum.... those exhibits! Great food great coffee and Dog friendly. What could one ask more for? Nothing! Just go do it NZ!
Michelle Hagar — Google review
Seriously excellent. An awesome museum and I managed 3 drives. The Ferrari was good (could have been faster in my opinion). The U drive mustang was excellent and the coaching given by the staff is excellent. You must also drive the Radical U drive which was simply awesome.
Joe Ninety — Google review
We got a family pass ($199) for the Go Karts, Fast Taxi & museum inc VR experience. We had to buy two more Carts for 4 of us to do, which came to $269 all up. A super hot day but we still spent a good 4 hours there including a great lunch at their cafe. The toilets are worth the visit alone and if your lucky the carpark may have a few gems parked up as well.
Adrian — Google review
Wow, the presentation of this facility is tops. Museum.
I was passenger in a BMW car race (priviledged).
Outside garden ornaments range from aliens giraffes rhino old cars....
Go-karts were so much fun.
Wilma Millar — Google review
Had a great day here today.
🙂
A stunning all round experience set up in a way that you don't necessarily have to be a racing enthusiast to enjoy it.
❤️
MASSIVELY RECOMMENDED.
Phil Radford — Google review
Such an awesome experience. My husband did the u drive and Ferrari fast laps for his 50th birthday and the family went in the Taxi. The staff were very friendly and the driver was amazing! Thankyou!
Heidi Davidson — Google review
Four of us spent the day here doing most of the activities on offer. Awesome staff, from the front desk to the people running the activities they were all friendly and super helpful! Thanks everyone for giving us a great day out. We will definitely be back, next time hopefully we will book two sessions in on the radicals!
Jared — Google review
Amazing go karting experience in South Island. The track was well-maintained and long enough for a good ride. The karts were petrol powdered and have very good pickup unlike some of the electric ones. Make sure you ask for the weekday price of $39 if not they'd bill you the usual price of $49 😅
Umesh Raaj — Google review
Absolutely loved visiting Highlands. We did the track laps breakfast and had so much fun. Although the laps weren't very fast, it was awesome to drive the track and have a good look around. The staff were lovely and we loved sitting outside to have breakfast, the views from the Cafe are awesome.
Jessica — Google review
Amazing place. Everyone should visit even if you aren't a car fanatic. Worth just visiting for the loo with a view.
Michael Bell — Google review
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4.5
(834)
Corner SH6 and Sandflat Road, Sandflat Road, Cromwell 9384, New Zealand
To reach Lake Wanaka, take a detour from State Highway 8A and State Highway 6 (northbound) after passing through Tarras. The lake is one of New Zealand's largest and is surrounded by the mountains of Mt. Aspiring National Park. Wanaka town on the southern shore provides easy access to lake-based activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, swimming in summer months and skiing during winter seasons.
Beautiful lake. It’s so wide; so just walking around it will take a while, but there won’t be any bad view. You can also see the famous Wanaka Tree, though it’s not that spectacular, in my opinion. But we saw it at low tide.
lilithchick — Google review
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
A C Nayak — Google review
Fantastic getaway. Enjoyed walking along the track on the lakefront.
Chokdee Wisansing — Google review
A nice lake beside a small town. Water is clear and quite calm, you can go swimming in the lake near the town area. Walk about 20minutes further from the main town area and you can see #ThatWanakaTree
Bryan Yeo — Google review
Great panoramic view over the lake. Perfect for a short stop.
Robin de Bruin — Google review
Lake Wanaka is different from other lakes as it's quite irregular in shape, making it utmost beautiful in every place around Wanaka. You can have totally different feels when driving along SH6, sitting on the jetty at town centre, walking on Roys Peak Track, resting on Mount Iron summit. Take a day or two in Wanaka, and you will definitely feel the beauty and magnificence of Lake Wanaka
Sean Liu — Google review
Absolutely stunning with so much to see & do. Go boating or take a helicopter ride through the mountains, drive around and see the stunning scenery, visit the town & experience a truly beautiful tourist place with excellent vibes. Close to ski fields, gin distillery & more. Friendly locals always smiling & willing to help. A must see for all ages. Attractions like Warbirds over Wanaka & the toy & car museum. Stunning mountain views especially when snow is on them. Something magical about this place. Always something happening here. Put it on your bucket list & you won't be disappointed.
Moggie NZ — Google review
Beautiful lake with incredible views from every angle. We had mostly sunny conditions with just a few clouds, and the lighting was amazing for hours. If you want to add a walk to your visit, it may be best to stick to the beach instead of walking on the Waterfall trail. There were a lot of bikers enjoying the weather, so we found that the beach allowed our group to stick to a slower pace.
Jeff Greene — Google review
Beautiful lake between the mountains and that wanaka tree is just wow!!!
Water was so clear
Jass Kaur — Google review
Very beautiful lake ...but you can't stand/sit for 10 min infront of lake ,since so much breeze
Madhu TP — Google review
It’s one of my most favourite places in South Island. Gorgeous lake, calm and peaceful, perfect for walking, jogging, bike rides.
Thomas Goldby — Google review
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!
Natalie Weerasinghe — Google review
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 .
Roys Peak Track is a challenging yet popular hiking trail in New Zealand, known for offering one of the most iconic viewpoints in the country. The track is beloved by photography enthusiasts for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Southern Alps from the summit. It's a must-visit destination for those seeking an exhilarating outdoor adventure and stunning natural beauty.
Casual studios & apartments in a laid-back all-season resort offering snow sports & biking trails.
What a difference experience it is to go up here when it’s the summer weather. We decide to hike it and soak up all the experiences this place has to offer under the beautiful sun. We climbed right up to the summit.
What a beautiful place with such an amazing view, worth a go 🤩👍
Melissa Fisk — Google review
A wonderful ski resort with a great range of slopes to suit all skill levels.
Supporting elements are also exceptional for the region, with a cafe, restaurant, fully stocked ski shop (and I mean fully stocked), accommodation on site, another restaurant, equipment hire and easy transport to local towns.
Honestly, just go here. It’s great.
TheAvocadoMan — Google review
Wow. What an amazing experience. First time in a ski resort but I must say this was fantastic. Great staff and a well managed venue. Highly recommend to any ski or non ski travellers.
Jason — Google review
It was an amazing experience playing mountain carting with families and friends out of ski season here. The 2 hours downhill with the carting is exciting and friendly to kids, the cart is easy to manipulate, it allows parents sitting with kids under 8 in one cart, or leave anyone over 8 to play himself, it looks scary at the beginning, once you try the longest trail once, you will start enjoying it.
Peng Qin — Google review
Went up for a look around on a lovely sunny day 🌅🏔️, be prepared for a steep hill climb and a bumpy ride as it a long Windy road to the top , but definitely worth it as the veiws are pretty spectacular ! You can walk up the track to the top or take the gondola 🚠 we walked the track as it's pretty easy and not steep 😉
wayne rhodes — Google review
Mountain biking here was great. My first time at a mountain bike park but was a great experience. Rented all the gear and bought lift passes for the day. I would recommend the full day passes as you can build up to the other routes like we did if you're novice!
Ros C — Google review
Have never been up the mountain before so was a wonderful experience. Hubby enjoyed seeing it bare of snow as he is used to. The family really enjoyed their carting experience. Best Christmas present we could have bought.
Sandra Carmichael — Google review
Still the best ski mountain in the south. Wide open spaces and terrain for all levels.
Get up there early though and save yourself some coin by buying your pass on line before you venture up the hill.
Boot Herriott — Google review
Awesome slopes with fantastic views! The service was remarkable -- we had to change our plans at the last minute due to illness, and Cardrona was very flexible to change our ski day with a lesson and they handled it without any problems! Highly recommend the beginner package, the instructor (Oscar) was knowledgeable, funny and made sure everyone felt good throughout the lesson.
Juho Leinonen — Google review
It was my first time on the slopes, and being summer, I did Cardrona mountain carting, and it was an awesome experience.
The drive up can be a bit unnerving. For newcomers it could do with a preparation track before hitting the 3 main tracks. "Skyline" is meant to be an introduction/ beginner track but from all three tracks I found it to have the fastest acceleration points.
Would love to do it again if I had a chance. You don't get opportunities to take photos on the track which is a downer.
Haroon Mongratie — Google review
Nice skiing with an big range of runs to choose from, lots of lifts and more than enough runs. A few cool small terrain parks and some gaint ones. Watching people doing big jumps is fun too. We came in not the very best of snow seasons and even though there was not enough snow for half of the runs we still had an absolute blast. Next time we"LL stay in Wanaka and try out treble cone too. So much fun.
tim lockwood — Google review
We headed up there on 5/10/2021, a cloudy day during the morning. Luckily, we got the sunshine in the afternoon.
Easy access toilet and plenty stand for dropping off your ski broad.
Good place for skiing.
Rui Lau — Google review
Great first timer experience with brilliant instructors in lessons across the two days. Crowded both days simply due to great weather and being post covid.
Plenty of resources from the shop, rental, accommodation, storage lockers and food.
The food options up on the slopes are ridiculously overpriced though so pack some food and drink from home.
Kenny W — Google review
A big shout out to the crew in the work shop. Fixed a binding issue, adjusted a boot fitting, waxed a set of skis all with a smile and free chocolate to boot. 😂Great crew there and congratulation to the the staff on the lifts for smiles all round to skiers and especially the relaxed atmosphere around the kids.
Well done Management, well done Staff
Barry EAGLES — Google review
Absolutely fantastic ski resort. Entire family loved it. Every little and big thing was perfect. The staff was especially helpful. They/them helped us with everything we needed. When I got completely black out drunk before going skiing they/them were kind enough to carry me back to my room.
Harvey Marryatt — Google review
We requested refund as the ski field was closed due to windy weather. We arrived at Cardrona shop at Queenstown and waited for almost 2 hours for anyone could assist. Two staff members in the shop, only one was the manager could possess the refund. However she spent one hour with a family and ignore all the others queueing up in the room. Very poor service, no insight about priority.
Katie Mitchell — Google review
Fun to ski, but 30 minute queues ruin it and suggest; i) crowd / mountain mismanagement, ii) profits over guest experience, and/or iii) complete unawareness.
Waiting in queues for hours takes the gloss off of an expensive leisure activity or even the best conditions. Mountain managers could also do a much better job of communicating to crowds basic information like ETAs for opening, delays and making sure the chairs are always packed at capacity. Ski schools and alpine racing teams get preference at the expense of the general crowd creating an unfair experience.
Unlike any other alpine environment I’ve been in, in terms of delays. Disappointed because the mountain has said it was improving this issue this year, but mountain management doesn’t match what’s on the tin...
E Cotton — Google review
Skiing will always be fun but the facilities don't match the resort capacity. Seating areas are massively over subscribed so feels very crowded and difficult to find somewhere to sit for a quick lunch. Facilities at main base also don't take advantage of the great views!
They also seem to experience more problems with the chairlifts than I've been aware of at other resorts too so may need updating but I'm no expert.
Harrison Phillips — Google review
We took snowboarding lessons at Cardrona and loved it. We have also taken a lesson in Colorado and I preferred the learning area at Cardrona as it is such a gradual slope and you can use the magic carpet instead of a lift. We got so many more practice runs in this way and made some good progress. Our instructor Renee was so easy going to patient and did a great job giving everyone in our group individual instruction. Not sure how the actual slopes are as we just stayed in the beginner area. Rental equipment was in great condition and affordable. Would definitely come back in the future.
Amanda Edgar — Google review
Recently my family and I spent a few days up the mountain at Cardrona. Mountain was average (as expected at this time of year) but they still managed to keep a good number of runs at all levels open. Staff were absolutely awesome. Absolutely interested in people skiing/boarding and did their best to make it happen. Kieran at the front desk was super helpful and made sure all our tickets and lessons were sorted. When the weather looked poor he made sure we'd be able to get back on a good weather day. Totally enhanced our experience and ensured we'll be back again.
Paul Wessex — Google review
Came for mountain carting, that was a nice experience, we were really enjoy it, but that will be nicer if add some safety protections.
Staffs are nice and helpful.
Asta Kuo — Google review
Absolutely loved my time on the slopes. First time snowboarder at 35 years old who had a private lesson with my fiancé! Instructor was patient, supportive and fun.
We went in off season so we were told it wasn’t packed and the lift lines moved pretty smooth and efficiently.
BALA LUKE — Google review
My friends and I visited the resort recently and it was a magical experience ❄️✨ My very first snow experience and it was enhanced by the wonderful team at the resort ♥️✨
A shoutout to Aiden who helped me rent my ski gear and fit my boots on, Thanks heaps mate x
My ski instructor was Top gun Nick; he was exceptional!! Honestly, the patience he had with me as i fell a gazillion times 🙈😂 Genuinely passionate about the sport, very knowledgeable and a wonderful teacher ♥️✨
Truly magical experience at Cardrona! Hope to be back again soon ❄️✨💕
Lorraine Joan — Google review
An expansive ski resort with all the trappings— restaurants, bars, shops... the slopes are all well maintained and the massive crowds spread out. I think this is New Zealand's largest and busiest ski resort. I personally much prefer the ski clubs like Ohau, but thought I would come check this place out. There are a couple of really long runs— you'll think your at Whistler or Chamonix. The noodle bar upstairs is fantastic.
Adam Rogers — Google review
Nice, medium size ski and boarding resort with beautiful views in nice area of New Zealand! Prices are about average and friendly people working there! Free shuttle from the parking lot right of road to resort and can have shuttle pick you up from Queenstown or Wanaka for not to bad of a price!
brandon coine — Google review
The cabin we got is really grea! Located on the 2nd floor of the restaurants, cafe and all the rental gears you need for the snow activities. The cabin is fully equiped with great amenity for a getaway. We got the cabin that can accommodate up to 8 people with a spacious living room that our group can enjoy.
Boutique winery specializing in pinot noir with a large cave & restaurant offering tours & tastings.
The Gnocchi were seriously delicious, with a very fresh and interesting taste. I wish the portion size was bigger, as I didn’t want it to end! Our french server was absolutely lovely, he was kind and funny and made sure we always had a great glass of wine the whole time we were there.
Hopefully we‘ll be back for more, as I would love to go on a tour of the barrel hall!
Anne Victoria — Google review
Awesome platter of food which was easily big enough to feed 2 of us for lunch. Wine tasting was great too, especially liked that they had a few different wine tasting menus to choose from so you could choose all white wine if you wanted. Service was great too!
Jake Woodhead — Google review
The winery inside and outside is lovely. The wine cave is very interesting. The wine guide was lovely and informative. Her narrative on the vineyard, winery, and wines was brilliant. The wines are tasty 😋. Located close to Queenstown. Would suggest booking a wine tour then you don't have to drive.
Leanna Marsh — Google review
We did a wine tasting at the bar. We did not enjoy the wines as much as we had at other places; you are also left to read the descriptions of each wine on a card rather than have a member of staff talk you through them. Not bad but not as great an experience as offered elsewhere.
Do pop into the cheese store while you are there and sample their range of tasty cheeses.
N S — Google review
We stopped at the restaurant as part of bike ride of the Gibbston Valley . It has great presence with a cheese tasting and cellar door as well as the restaurant . Warm welcome by the team . We sat outside in the courtyard in full sunshine enjoyed the Pinot gris . We ordered the lamb and triple fried potatoes and veges to share the lamb fell to bits it was cooked to perfection and tasted as good as it looked the potatoes crispy and served with a lite sour cream were fab and fresh veges . We felt like we had enjoyed the best meal in the district 😀 Totally recommend
Jacqui Cribb — Google review
Had been here before but had the best experience when I came a few months back and was served by the hilarious and lovely Jolie. Very witty, knowledgeable and kind - knows her stuff and is super welcoming and warm. After having an awesome wine tour with her I came back a few weeks later to do a tasting with her again in the cellar door. Amazing cheese boards and also the staff in the restaurant were very warm and accommodating too. Great place and vibe, one of the best wineries in queenstown!
Charlie van der Veek — Google review
Did lunch here today and it was amazing. Stunning food, excellent service, lovely people. Did I mention the presentation of the plates? Exceptional. Will be back next time we do Queenstown which is usually once a year. Cant wait. Oh yeah, the wines were outstanding too.
Mark Proctor — Google review
We took the tasting tour that goes into the wine cave. Our tour guide told us a great story about building the cave. After the tour we had a delicious lunch in the restaurant. Highly recommend the food and service there.
Susan Smith — Google review
4.3
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4.5
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1820 State Highway 6, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand
Queenstown Hill is a popular and picturesque mountain range located in Queenstown that offers an enjoyable hiking experience. The trailhead can be found at Belfast Terrace/Queenstown Hill Walking Track, and the hike covers a distance of 5 km (3.1 miles) with an elevation gain of 500 meters (1,640 feet), taking approximately 2-3 hours to complete.
Very good walk. Amazing views . Not too hard although it had pactches of steep incline but totally worth it . Highly recommend to anyone wanting to do 2 to 3 hrs walk
Suren — Google review
Beautiful QT!
Orange Sky — Google review
Got to go to the top of the station and enjoy the view. Go on the 4wheeler tour you'll love it.
Darrin Higginson (Dazza) — Google review
A great walk or run but need a good level of fitness as steep in places but the views are epic.
Vicky Brewin — Google review
A good place for a walk up and very scenic from the lookout point
Patrick Zuluaga — Google review
I have been QT hill 3 times, it's very nice and easy walk way to get to the hill,love so much.
Rita CHEN — Google review
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
Timothé Paris — Google review
きちんとした服と靴で行けば、そんなに険しく感じないであろう丘。頂上付近で野生(?)のヤギと遭遇。自然を感じられます・・・!
(Translated by Google)
If you go with proper clothes and shoes, the hill won't feel so steep. We encountered a wild (?) goat near the top. You can feel the nature...!
らむしに — Google review
Magnificent views and photo opportunities and the luge is so much fun
Mark Oldham — Google review
Loved the walk up with the kids. In winter they'll love the frozen lake on top. Check out my website.
AWOL FAMILY — Google review
Moderate trek and steep inclines at times but well worth it for the views along the way and at the summit! Climb baby climb!
Hari Jagannath — Google review
nice view from there...great for run
javrt83 — Google review
4.6
(62)
•
4.5
(1521)
Otago, New Zealand
I'll never travel to Milford Sound without this trip planner again
O'Connells is a high-end shopping centre in Queenstown, located in the heart of the town. The centre features exclusive kiwi labels, art and crafts, as well as the basics. It is also home to OConnells Sportswear and Canterbury of New Zealand stores. O'Connells is a popular destination for shoppers in Queenstown looking for things to do at night.
What a lovely job renovating this shopping centre. Great places to eat and shop. Very stylish with lots to choose from for any taste.
Below scores are out of 5 ⭐️s
😉 Customer Service 5 ⭐️
🙂 Food Quality Various food options
🙂 Atmosphere 5 ⭐️
🙂 Presentation 5 ⭐️
🙂 Products 5 ⭐️
🙂 Location 5 ⭐️
🅿️ Parking: Lots of paid paid parking available and some free parking
Overall 5 ⭐️
Luca “Otago” — Google review
All kinds of places to eat/drink here, the VW bus was just plain cool... and if they stuck some beer in the bus, I may have tried to take it for a test drive
Kenny O'Brien — Google review
Very nice boutique type mall, good choice for food and nice bar
Anaheed Abo — Google review
High end food court and shopping centre with a very handsome bartender with tattoos down the bottom in the middle bar
Axel Rose — Google review
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.
Benedict Uy — Google review
Great place, a range of shops and services on upper levels, really solid food court on bottom level. Good option to eat fast and cheap if noone in your group can agree on the same thing. Bronze Elephant Thai is the best in town. Macdonald's, Thai, Indian, Japanese, Turkish and more all under one roof.
Jim Sheard — Google review
Love the foodcourt here. They have good coffee and a really friendly barista 👍
Dins R. — Google review
I've already written a review for the Greek Street Food in the O'Connells food court.
Now I must commend Kookkik and Zoe at the food court bar for their outstanding customer service.
john squire — Google review
The food is great, and the cleanest public bathroom I have ever seen but otherwise, there is not much else here.
Fletcher Mcdowall — Google review
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.
Sonia K — Google review
Went to try out the food hall, we had the Korean BBQ chicken, very nice.
Maureen Fisher — Google review
Jessica the sale associate did an excellent job during my watch purchase. I totally recommend her if you’re planning on getting a luxurious watch to add to your watch collection.
Mohammed Hayat — Google review
It's glory days are long gone, food court interesting though.
Alec JC — Google review
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.
Chris Manuel — Google review
Pretty Empty and you can go for McDonald's.
atishay jain — Google review
3.8
(444)
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4.0
(1039)
Corner Camp and Beach Streets, Queenstown 9348, New Zealand
Queenstown Gardens is a public park situated in the heart of Queenstown, New Zealand. It is a well-known tourist attraction and popular spot for locals due to its location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The park boasts impressive alpine vistas and an ice rink, as well as skate ramps and a waterfront trail that allows visitors to take in the lush scenery.
Beautiful gardens located in the centre of Town on the edge of Lake Wakatipu. Great place for a stroll or family picnic. It has free parking.
Dan McLaughlin — Google review
Stunning gardens and pond area.
Well established rose gardens of many varieties. Very well maintained and picture perfect in places.
History monuments of Antarctic exploration and main persons in the early 1900s. New playground for kids and nice path surrounding the gardens and waterfront. Frisby Golf is amongst the trees and a great view of the mountains.
Chris Dawson — Google review
A beautiful area to get away from the tourist crowds of central Queenstown. There's a nature walk skirting the lake edge with great mountain views & some epic exotic & native trees. Plenty of benches on the lake edge to relax & take in the scenery. Some rose gardens & statues with a lake & play areas for kids
Diana Waines — Google review
These gardens are beautiful. They are so close to the centre of town, and filled with beautiful trees and flowers. The views across the lake are stunning. You can also play disc golf which is popular. Take a wander around these gardens. You won't be disappointed.
Ali Shannon — Google review
A wonderful park to watch birds. Great place for a picnic or having a nap. A nice gentle hike.
Yoshi Mirai — Google review
Delightful, but not visited by many!
Queenstown has become anonymous with adventure activities which has meant that places such as Queenstown Gardens are not visited by many.
We are glad we visited these delightful gardens. They are so close to the city centre / Marine Parade. In addition to formal gardens, there are nice walks - one around the lake shore.
I would highly recommend visiting.
Shirish Paranjape — Google review
A nice place for a walk. Great views. Dogs, children, bikes, couples, friends, wildlife, sculptures, labeled trees and flowers in bloom. The water feature was a murky mess and the facilities could be cleaner but that was expected.
J Love — Google review
During my 9 days holiday in Queenstown, I’ve been visiting this Park for 3 times.
This place so huge and too many variety of Nice View, Nice Playground for kids, Nice Atraction, Nice Branded Shops, Nice Ice Cream, Nice Restaurant and Good for Exercise too
This place is the BEST Park and Garden in Queenstown
Definetely must a list to VISIT!
Extremely RECOMMENDED ❤️
Rudi Sumanto — Google review
The gardens is beautiful. Amazing area of greenery with the gorgeous mountains in the backdrop. There are many spots to take photos. On one side of the gardens, you can see queenstown CBD/beach.
Paid parking available outside the gardens.
Nandu Nair — Google review
Queenstown Gardens offers a serene escape from the bustling streets of Queenstown, New Zealand. Nestled along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this lush oasis is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Strolling through the well-manicured gardens, visitors can admire a diverse array of plant species, including native New Zealand flora. The tranquil atmosphere invites relaxation, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely picnic or a peaceful afternoon walk. With stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lake, Queenstown Gardens provides a picturesque setting for enjoying nature's beauty and soaking in the tranquility of this charming town.
ajleeblog — Google review
Such a lovely and peaceful place to come for a walk. Well maintained and gorgeous flowers and trees all over.
Nicole Janowski — Google review
Stumbled across the gardens when going for a stroll about. Third time I’ve been to Queenstown, and was first time at gardens. It was a really lovely walk around the lake. The playground was fun for kids. People enjoying the frisbee golf course. Can definitely recommend for the views, atmosphere and a lovely walk in general. I would return.
Michelle Wiltshire — Google review
The last stopover before going back to Sydney. Beautiful autumn trees and they have playground for kids as well. Love the ambiance, if you love nature then this is a good place to have a bit of walk and sightseeing.
Glenn Rose Costorio — Google review
Beautiful gardens, with a lovely scenic walk around the lake. Short walk from the centre of town and beautiful children's playground.
Claire Sandig — Google review
Beautiful garden, different season has different view, has tennis courts, freebies, ice arena on the site, super close to the central town.
Arale Wong — Google review
Beautiful, especially if you are looking for a quiet place close to the water. There seemed to be some odd items set up for a play/skit going on (I didn’t watch). Also people were playing disc golf. Not the most beautiful garden I’ve visited, but it seems to function as a park as well. Good for hanging out or going for a run.
Eliza M — Google review
While in Queenstown, one must take in the beauty of the gardens by the lake! Stunning water views and near mountains in this beautiful cove of crispy freshness! A must do while in Queenstown.
Regina Ieti — Google review
The gardens are a hidden gem in Queenstown, boasting stunning views of the surrounding hills and lake but also the diverse range of flora within the vicinity itself.
It takes about 5-10 minutes to fully circle the garden, and is a relatively easy and short walk for those looking for a place to unwind and relax. It would be a great place for a picnic too!
Kenn Bryan — Google review
A very nice place to chill. There's a pond, a garden of roses. I found a peaceful world here, and spent some time here relaxing. There's a public toilet and some playgrounds here, suitable for family gatherings.
Xin Wen Tee — Google review
Favorite part of Queenstown and less crowded than the downtown. Lots of cheap paid parking on the street nearby and a few clean public bathrooms throughout the park. So peaceful and beautiful here!
Julie J — Google review
I had some time after lunch to look around and went for a walk in the gardens. I started with the harbour view walk which goes along the lake front. The views along that path were amazing and it was fairly quiet and a nice place to just have a slow stroll with scenic views. I had come from Queenstown Beach and the path looped up to Park Street, which has the main entrance of the Botanical Gardens.
The gardens themselves wasn't very large but did have a couple of interesting areas. The pond area had the rotunda on one end and the Bowls Club on the other. This place was the busiest with plenty of people walking along the pond. There was a nice flower archway between the Bowling Club and the park but on the back path (left path if you are heading away from the pond). There is also a nice grassy area between the Bowling Club and the pond with entrances from both paths.
Further along, past the tennis courts there is a nice garden area with quite a few memorial items scattered about. There were much less people here.
There is also a frisbee golf course in the gardens, with the starting area close to the pond.
It was a really nice place to walk around and take in some nature. It doesn't take long to walk through the park but you are also able to just hide out here when you find a nice spot.
Benedict Uy — Google review
Free entry people and ofcourse if u visiting Queenstown u definitely need to visit this place it’s kinda at altitude and Queenstown just looks amazing from here… good for walks bikes and looking at wonderful rose gardens
Kiwi Birdlife Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in the heart of Queenstown, New Zealand. The park houses over 20 different species of native birds, including the famous kiwi. All entry fees go towards supporting Kiwi Birdlife Park's conservation work.
Kiwi sighting guaranteed. We got to see 4 kiwis in the dark easily once our eyes adjusted. The kids really enjoyed the Kiwi feeding and the Conservation Show. Check out the daily times so you don't miss out. You would spend around 2 hours here tonsee everything including the 2 x shows. The keepers were very informative. The tickets are valid for 3 consecutive days and there is discount if buying online before
William Lin — Google review
Great place doing awesome conservation work. They breed and raise kiwis till they are self-sufficient and release them to the wild. Very interesting kiwi feeding and conservation show too. Suitable for adults and kids alike! Family-run park without government funding, deserves to be supported! Suggest you plan at least 1.5 hours for this visit!
Tsang Qi Yu — Google review
The Kiwi Park in QT was amazing. I loved the conservation themed bird show and even though I’m not from New Zealand and don’t live there I can see how I would apply some of the conservation messages to my day to day life in the States. They have a 100% guarantee of seeing a kiwi, so after a few tries at other kiwi reserves around NZ- my friends and I were delighted when we saw all 4 kiwis in their enclosures and had a very knowledgeable keeper tell us all about kiwis for the kiwi talk. But that’s only the kiwis- there is also really engaging habitats for the kea and wood pigeon that you can walk inside! If you time it right you might even be there when a keeper gives them some enrichment to play and mimic natural behaviors! I am so glad we went! One ticket is good for 3 days, so my only disappointment is that we didn’t go there first and foremost during our stay in QT!
Silvana Oderisi — Google review
A MUST DO if you are going to Queenstown :)
What a beautiful morning spent in this amazing place.
The staff is really friendly and kind - the place is really peaceful and well maintain.
You will see a varieties of birds and if you are lucky you gotta see some Kiwi birds
You will be surrounded with trees bees butterflies and ducks
I could learn a lot about bees and the different birds species
At the end of your visit I highly recommend to stop at the bee cafe for a honey latte and a honey testing - it was absolutely delicious
Thank you for this amazing experience can’t wait to visit again ! :)
Alice — Google review
What a fabulous park! If you are in Queenstown, definitely give this place a visit. It's in a stunning location right up near the entrance to the Gondola 🚠
The staff are lovely. The live animal show was great and provided an extremely informative overview of NZ wildlife, and the conservation efforts being done to preserve their future.
Getting to see a real Kiwi up close was a definite highlight. Gosh they are much bigger than I thought.
Ali Shannon — Google review
Best bird park ,friendly and outgoing staff
Beautiful animals and audio facts/stories
kesandra Vincent — Google review
A lovely conservation park with a range of beautiful animals, it is a family run animal park that supports and looks after the local animal, ok you came here for Kiwis and yes they do have Kiwis but because they are nocturnal creatures they are kept in the dark, what might be a good idea is to give visitors night vision glasses to see them better. All in all the staff are well trained and really care for the animals. I do recommend checking this place out.
Hasnain Nurdin — Google review
Both the Kiwi experience and the Conservation show were very informative and I was amazed by the birds and animals. And who doesn’t love to see kiwi birds? They even started to make noices after everyone else left, it was so loud but unique experience.
Now in the autumn/winter the park doesn’t get any sun during the day so dress warm! We managed to spend 3 hours in the park walking around and admiring the birds. You can manage in an hour if you just stroll around and go see the kiwis.
fanni vesanen — Google review
What an unexpectedly great place to visit in Queenstown! We stopped in after seeing signs around town and are really glad we did. We learned so much about the wildlife of New Zealand and saw so many amazing birds (not to mention the tuatara). Be prepared to spend a long time in the Kiwi house, once your eyes adjust to the darkness it's great fun to watch them shuffle around and dig in the dirt!
William Staruk — Google review
This is the best hidden gem in Queenstown! It is right next to the Luge, so a lot of people don't realise it is there. It's absolutely fantastic! We had the best time. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and people interested in conservation (like us!) Good walking shoes needed.
The guidebooks recommend 1-2 hours, but we spent about 4 hours looking at all the different birds and reptiles.
We specifically wished to see Kiwi, and we were NOT disappointed!
We saw 4 kiwi in the wonderful Kiwi Encounter (included in the ticket price). They all had distinct personalities, some were very active and running about, some more quiet. The keeper was very thorough in explaining all about them and their lives. We also heard them making noises, which was an unexpected treat. If you stay right until the end of the encounter, you might be lucky enough to see the keeper feed them like we were. Be aware that they are in a nocturnal house, so it takes between 5-10 mins for the eyes to adjust, but it's absolutely worth it! Don't rush this amazing experience.
Other animals in the park include an assortment of lovely native ducks, Kaka, Kereru, and some very fun filled Kea. The Kea tried to steal my glove. Hilarious.
The Conservation Show (ticket also included in the price of entry) was great, and brought out different sorts of animals, such as possum and tuatara.
We finished off with a honey tasting (free) in the bee centre.
There's a lovely cafe and gift shop.
It's a brilliant place, one I would recommend to everyone. If you buy tickets online, you save money, so that's a good idea. We saved $4pp.
A lot of money from this centre goes towards saving Kiwi and other birds.
There is no reason NOT to go.
Charlotte Edson (LadyofShalott) — Google review
Cool little attraction to get a bit more insights into the local fauna, understand a bit more about what's being done to preserve it and see some kiwis (in the dark as they'd don't like light!)
There isn't a whole lot to see but this will get you occupied for about 1h30-2h00 if you manage to see the two quick tours that are scheduled at precise times (one about preservation of local fauna, and the other about kiwis) and then do the tour of the park yourself.
There is also some free honey tasting that you can buy in the shop.
Thibaut Balayet — Google review
A lovely morning out, takes a couple of hours to walk around the whole park but is very informative. There are headsets you can borrow to hear about each enclosure in multiple languages or you can download an app and listen to it on your phone. They have a free WiFi you can connect to.
They do regular kiwi talks and conservation talks to let you know about the projects they're taking part in and to educate you on what they're doing to help NZs wildlife.
The ticket is valid for 3 days and allows multiple entries if you want to return.
Rosina Haywood — Google review
This is an attraction which should be visited by everyone. The 3 day entry ticket is a bonus. The keepers are very informative and helpful. The kiwi interaction is worth seeing. The kiwi houses are dark and you can't take photos which is fine as you spend more time observing the Kiwis.
A must if you visit Queenstown.
Veronica Niblett — Google review
I really don't know y is it called a Kiwi Park. Hardy ever saw a kiwi bird. House 1 and 2 had no kiwi birds as those were released to wild. That was what the notices displayed. Few birds are there. Couple of fish too. A cafe and a gift shop was there. I doubt whether it worth the price. Follow their timing displayed if u want to have a chance to see kiwi bird. But there were few in a dark room. Yet could not really see one well.
nirosh gamage — Google review
One of my favourite places to go when I visit QT. All different kinds of native birds there to admire, and it’s guaranteed you’ll see a kiwi bird. I’ve spotted one everytime I’ve been there, sometimes 3 even. They have interactive nature shows which are good for kids, and audio guides you can listen to as you explore the park.
Oliver Meder-Crowe — Google review
We found the park very educational and full of interesting birds and fauna. It was the first time we were able to view the kiwi birds in their special dark enclosures and heard very clearly and loudly the male kiwi bird call. I found also the New Zealand's Tuatara incredible that these reptiles are one of the earliest branches of animals to separate and still are here today.
Patrick Zuluaga — Google review
What an enchanting bird park! They're doing amazing conservation work for very vulnerable birds. The audio tour is great. Seeing Kiwi is a magical experience! 😻 I learned so much about NZ wildlife here. A highlight of our time in Queenstown! Don't miss the conservation flight show!!
Saige Silver — Google review
Kiwi Park was exceptional and should be on everyone’s list of top things to do/see while visiting Queenstown! The staff are friendly and so knowledgable. I learned so much from the audio tour but I would highly recommend the two shows (kiwi encounter and conservation) as you will gain a better understanding than with the audio tour alone. I spent a bit over three hours there and truly enjoyed each minute of the park. It’s a beautiful place with a beautiful mission and you can feel good about spending money in their gift shop, as it all goes back to helping the conservation efforts.
Amanda Berger — Google review
Ticket prices are really exxy but considering it all goes to their conservation programs I guess it’s worth it.
If you think that you would be seeing lots of Kiwis and can take photos you might be super disappointed- kiwis are nocturnal animals and they are housed in very very VERRRRYYY dark areas, it really does take while to even see the outline of them running around. And you are not allowed to take any photos.
But it was exciting for the kids to see the kiwis, and all the native birds in NZ… the kids enjoyed the audio guide, even tho one got bored midway through.
The conservation show was very interesting and informative.
Piggy Eatalot — Google review
Worth a visit to see the animals and Kiwis in particular.
I thought that the Park was well maintained, keepers were passionate, caring and keen to share their conservation efforts which I loved.
The Kiwis I found the most interesting via the encounters the Kiwi Park offers. I recommend coming early and staying longer until the majority of visitors leave to enjoy and take in the Kiwis.
We also saw the keepers feeding the Kiwis and had extra time with them to take everything in by doing this.
Nice gift shop and show too. Although queues due to lack of opem counters and staff unwilling to open counters/help led me to walk away from purchasing more items.
Red Barker — Google review
A deceptively large park tucked away behind a small gate next to the Skyline. Mostly a self-guided tour, so can be 1-3 hours. They do allow picnicking. There were some narrated parts, especially the kiwis. Two must-see animals unique to NZ to see very close up - kiwis and tuataras. Plus plenty of other NZ flora and fauna in a spread-out and uncrowded format. To view kiwis in their nocturnal enclosures you'll need to let your eyes accommodate to night-vision for 5-10 minutes. I would not even bother trying to see them until this happens, just chill and wait for it. A really nice park and a great value. I would visit again!
Edward O'Beirne — Google review
One of the best attractions in Queenstown in my opinion. I was shocked to find out so many more people headed to the gondola as opposed to checking out the kiwi park.
They help the ongoing conservation efforts of New Zealand's native birds. Lots of interesting things to learn, definitely recommend attending the conservation show. Kiwi encounter was cool too. Maybe not quite what people expect (it's a sanctuary, not a zoo) but still super cool to see these fascinating birds so up close. Keep in mind pictures and videos are not allowed in some areas (notably no pictures or kiwis), you'll need to follow the rules.
Andrey Kirillov — Google review
The Kiwi Park was a small park with multiple spots that visitors can stop at to explore the different bird species.
The signboards displayed throughout the park were informative about the nature of the various birds and there were even small booths that displayed some aspects of Māori culture.
The Kiwi enclosures allowed adequate space for the viewing of the birds.
Heli Glenorchy offers an unforgettable experience to explore the stunning natural beauty of the area from above. With a variety of flights and charters available, one popular option includes a snow landing on the Humboldt Mountains. Visitors rave about the breathtaking views during helicopter rides, especially when flying over Earnslaw Burn with its cascading waterfalls. The professionalism and friendliness of the staff contribute to making this aerial adventure a must-do when in New Zealand.
Couldn’t believe the views through the flight and from the top of the mountain! Highlight of our South Island trip. Absolutely worth the $$. Our pilot was a lovely guy. Gave us great commentary and even took some photos for us.
Aleena — Google review
Absolutely amazing heli experience with Eric! We called mid day and were able to book a trip to Milford Sound that afternoon - amazing in itself. Every person we dealt with was very professional, helpful, and friendly.
This trip to Milford Sound is beyond fabulous - we don’t feel the need to take a boat tour of Milford Sound after flying over it. The trip through the mountains surrounding Glenorchy was just spectacular. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Wendy Norton — Google review
The whole experience from booking to returning to base was faultless. Thanks to Erich, the pilot and Ethan the guide (topofthelake.guiding) for making our special day even more memorable. We highly recommended the Earnslaw Burn Helihike.
G?nther Birgel — Google review
Very memorable and amazing experience. It is once in a lifetime kind of experience and strongly recommend the team and pilot’s guidance when on the alpines.
Tommy Dong — Google review
Absolutely amazing and worth every cent. Must do while in QT.
James our pilot was amazing and knowledgeable. I felt super safe and in good hands every step of the way and he took amazing photos of us.
Ruth Gutenberg — Google review
An experience of a lifetime. The staff were able to reschedule due to poor weather so we got the best time landing on fresh snow and in the valley to view the waterfalls. Highly recommended. A must do even though a bit expensive.
Paul Willey — Google review
The most MAGICAL afternoon ever with Heli Glenorchy!! We did the Earnslaw Burn helicopter flight and I couldn't recommend it more. The views throughout the entire helicopter ride were incredible, but when we go to Earnslaw Burn, our jaws dropped. Imagine waterfalls cascading down from a glacier into a valley that you land in! Once in a lifetime experience when visiting New Zealand. For sure book this experience with Heli Glenorchy, they are amazing!!
Brianna Seaberg — Google review
BEST EXPERIENCE EVER!! spectacular scenery and one of the most awesome adventures you could embark. Our experienced pilot was amazing and delivered us the greatest HIGHLIGHT of our South Island travels .. YOU GUYS ARE BRILLIANT 10/10 ... THIS IS A MUST !!!!
Gillian Drury — Google review
Beautiful 2 landings all the way to see Earnslaw glacier, especially in summer! It is an absolute!
Eric Liu — Google review
This was the highlight of our trip. We did the Earnslaw Burn Heli Hike. Both of the helicopter rides had incredible views. Amazing to see the glacier up close. Our guide was Ethan, who was just fantastic. He led us on the hike through the valley. Great guy, and very knowledgeable about the surrounding lands. He really made the day extra enjoyable for us. Highly recommend this for a unique and memorable experience.
Yutthapong Kanjanakaset — Google review
Just spectacular. We did a flight to Mount Earnslaw and the whole experience was incredible. The pilot was knowledgeable and friendly, the scenery absolutely breathtaking and the two stops a great way to appreciate the surroundings.
Ray C — Google review
We called up at short notice and managed to get a booking. The staff were really friendly and the pilot made us feel like we were in good hands.
We did the short flight which took us to a landing spot in the snow on the remarkable mountain range where we got out for some photos and then down and around the greater Queenstown area.
It is a bit pricey, but overall worth the money for the experience.
Lake Te Anau is a stunning destination located south of Queenstown, just a two-hour bus ride away. It's an ideal place for a family getaway, offering opportunities for morning walks or jogs around the lake and plenty of facilities nearby such as supermarkets and restaurants. Visitors can take day trips to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound from here, both known for their spectacular scenery.
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
Chris — Google review
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.
Nids — Google review
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.
World Peace — Google review
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.
Chris Cousins — Google review
Magnificent
Edward Caughey — Google review
Simply beautiful
Charlene Storm-Smith — Google review
Deep Nature
SOYO MEDIA GROUP — Google review
(Translated by Google) Very large lake that brings cold wind to me.
(Original)
Sehr großer See, der kalten Wind mir sich bringt.
The Te Anau Glowworm Caves, discovered in 1948, are a popular tourist destination for their unique glow worms. Visitors can take a boat to the caves and should dress warmly as the top deck can be chilly and windy. Inside the cave, visitors can marvel at features such as baby stalagmites and Eddie the eel while floating under the abundant glow worms. This experience is highly recommended for anyone visiting New Zealand as it is one of the most memorable experiences available.
A great excursion from beginning to end!
Wear a warm jacket so you can enjoy the top deck of the boat to the caves. It's windy and chilly up there, but so much fun.
The cave was awesome, and our guide did a great job of pointing out things like baby stalagmites and Eddie the eel.
Floating in darkness under the abundant glow worms was magical almost beyond description, so I won't even try. I'll just say that I've lived in NZ for over two years now, and that was one of the most memorable experiences.
Highly recommend the experience, and will definitely take any friends/family who visit!
Gretchen H — Google review
We were unsure about this tour due to the weather, but our expectations were definitely exceeded.
The staff were really friendly and informative. The tour starts on a catamaran, then you dock on the other side of the lake (about 30 minute trip) followed by a debrief at a cosy hut (has a little shop and everything). Then you go in to the cave on foot over a walkway followed by a pitch black boat ride where you can only see the glow worms - amazing.
Everything felt very safe and at the end a free hot drink is provided.
If you are on the fence, I would recommend going on this tour, well worth it.
Peter S — Google review
Highly recommend this tour. The boat ride across the lake was very comfortable. I was expecting a rough ride but it was quite smooth and we were warm and dry inside. The tour guides were friendly and informative. There were 72 of us but they take you in smaller groups of 12 so it’s quite intimate and you feel like you have the place to yourselves. The caves were amazing and they have walkways and lighting all the way. A really great setup. You can’t take photos inside but there were plenty of glow worms and the waterfalls were an added bonus.
Norelle Maroun — Google review
A must do experience in Te Anau. The glowworm caves experience is far better than the Waitomo Caves, I would have to say. Smaller groups feel and real authentic cave experience, with a bit of back-bending to getting you started. The glowworms feel so close and the sound of the water rushing below your feet is really heart pumping! The guides are informative and funny.
William Lin — Google review
Nice experience overall. The boat ride was super nice and the cave was unique. It is educational and serene. Went with my mom who has difficulty walking and she had no issues getting through, so I’d say it’s more than family friendly
Andy Andersen — Google review
Very unique experience! Amazed by the cave and the completely dark boat ride in the end of the cave. Paradise island.
IAN HSU — Google review
The trip was very enjoyable, the safety presentation was very funny and the guide was very accommodating and answers our questions. No glow worm pictures as taking photos inside the cave was not allowed but it was a good policy so you get to enjoy the view and not to disturb the worms
RM Muyani — Google review
I think this is a missed marketing opportunity since the focus is only on the glow worms, which are cool, but the cave was AWESOME! I love a good cave tour when traveling and this was a great one. The cave has an amazing underground river and huge waterfall, we even saw a giant eel! I would have loved a longer cave tour, if the option were available. Other than that, the glow worms were pretty cool to see, the guide was friendly, and even though on the boat ride over there is a huge number of people, they break you up into smaller groups which is nice. Don't book this tour if you're claustrophobic or can't bend/squat down very low. Otherwise, highly recommend!
Katrina Smith — Google review
An excellent experience that was well worth the money. Beautiful views across the lake during the short boat ride there. The cave system is really well done with a great walkway and is lit appropriately. The boat ride at the end of the accessible cave was incredible.
Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable which added to the experience.
Callum Kennedy — Google review
Really great Tour! Highly recommend! RealNZ does a superb job! The 25 minute boat ride over to the caves was narrated and filled with great information about the area and the lake. The top deck afforded great views and lots of photo opportunities. Once at the caves, they broke the group into smaller groups of 10-12 to head into the caves. Information about the caves and the glow worms was provided before, during and after with plenty of time to ask questions. No photography is allowed inside the caves but I can attest that the inside of the caves looks just like the photos on the website.
Wear close-toed shoes (they are required) and bring a light rain jacket or wind breaker because it’s damp and drippy inside the caves.
Check out the “Specials” area on the RealNZ website to bundle tours together. We combined the Milford Sound cruise with the Glow Worm Tour and saved a bunch. It’s also worth noting that the Customer Service of RealNZ is top notch. We also used them for the Stewart Island Ferry and Kiwi Night Tour on Stewart Island and every aspect of every tour and encounter was exemplary.
Michelle Hayes — Google review
Absolutely stunning experience, not to be missed, worth every dollar. I've seen glow worms before in Australia, but these were better 😄 (and I'm Aussie).
Heads up:
You can't take photos inside because the light from phones/cameras/ smart watches will ruin the atmosphere and not allow your eyes to see the glow worms. Don't be that person. 😅
Bron H — Google review
Definitely recommended! The cruise to the glow worm caves are already good and the best part was the guided tour of the caves. Watch your head :) I would have loved to take photos but was advised not to by the guide.
Patrick Zuluaga — Google review
Great experience! We took a smooth and stable boat ride to the cave, and the view from the deck was magnificent. At the cave, the guides were very helpful and knowledgeable. We were able to see the glow worms really upclose and they were magical. Of course don’t expect to see them as bright as the advertised in photographs with the naked eye.
Sheng Jie — Google review
We went in November and the boat ride over was BEAUTIFUL! We loved our tour guide Jess she was the absolute best! She was enthusiastic and knowledgeable and made our tour really fun!
Kelsey Mills — Google review
A most enjoyable trip across from Te Anau, skipper Josie and commentator Zane made it interesting and fun. We were then taken into the cave by, I think, Sophie (?) who certainly knew her stuff. I've done a glowworm cave before in North Island but those were quite high up - from the 12-seater boat inside the cave the glowworms seemed very close indeed. Excitingly powerful waterfall, and Emma the Eel was there too. Our guide was very clear about no photos and being silent - it would have been so magical had a three-year-old(?) not kept jabbering. But that's what three-year-olds do, you can't stop them. I therefore think that the company should seriously consider age suitability, maybe a strong word or even edict - no under 5s? I would have been much happier without the very young children. Otherwise a much recommended trip.
Robert Thompson — Google review
It was a nice experience. The comfortable cruise had amazing views. The tour was educational and cool. We appreciated the coffee afterwards and a nice stroll in the area.
Lavish Lalwani — Google review
Really cool experience to see some glow worms and learn about them! We did the night tour so got great views going out of the sunset on Lake Te Anau and great views of the stars by the caves too
Alexandra Herzog — Google review
I hate tours, and this one was phenomenal! The boat ride alone is worth the fee. The hike into a spring cave was amazing. There were eels in the water that was well lit in order to see. The guide was perfect as he made the journey smooth and amusing. The glow worms just top the trip off. I never felt I was waiting around to leave or do something else, everything is timed impeccably!
Daniel — Google review
What a wonderful experience! Just everything about it. The cruise over to the caves was beautiful, such lovely sights to see! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and the walk through the caves before hoping on the boat to the worms was magical. There could have been no worms at all (there were) and I wouldn't have even been upset. Seeing the worms in such darkness was so surreal. Definitely worth doing.
Rachel King — Google review
Amazing experience. We went for the 8pm tour in early January. The 25 min each way cruise alone would've been worth the admission - spectacular views before we even got to the glow worm caves. After a safety brief at the building on site, we went down into the caves - a short distance with a bit of ducking and crawling due to overhanging boulders. In small groups of 8-10 or so we boarded the boats to see the glow worms. Brilliant in the cool, dark cave. No photography allowed. With the whole group of around 40, it was organised well so minimal delays in and off the boats. Finally a presentation on glow worms with complimentary tea and coffee before boarding the boat back to Te Anau. Would recommend insect repellant for the short walk through foliage to get to the building and cave.
The Kepler Track is a popular hiking trail located in the Fiordland National Park of New Zealand, spanning over 60km. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes including mountain ranges, valleys, forests and lakes. The track is well maintained with various accommodation options available along the way. Hikers can expect to encounter native wildlife such as birds and occasionally spot kea parrots. The trek requires moderate fitness levels but is suitable for all ages with ample time given to complete it within four days.