Deer Park Heights Queenstown (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Deer Park Heights Queenstown?
What makes it 77% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 love feeding animals from the car and ticking off movie sites; only drop toilets, no playground and open terrain mean parents must supervise closely and pack supplies.
Positives:
- Safe Animal Encounters: Kids feed friendly farm animals without leaving the car.
- Easy Vehicle Access: All key lookouts and picnic spots are reachable by car with minimal walking.
- Panoramic Views: Stops along the drive offer clear views of Queenstown, The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.
Challenges:
- Car Access Only: You need a private vehicle and pre-booked entry; no public transport stops on-site.
- Limited Facilities: Basic drop-in toilets at the first stop only; no café or sheltered buildings.
- No Pram Access: Strollers are not supported beyond the summit loop; use a child carrier for younger kids.
What is Deer Park Heights Queenstown?
- An alpine farm attraction located 5 km from central Queenstown, with a high-country farm track ascending to 550 m above Lake Wakatipu
- A self-drive park featuring coin-operated dispensers for feeding goats, miniature horses, donkeys and pigs along marked farm roads
- A high-country plateau summit loop around two alpine tarns and multiple pull-over lookouts providing panoramic views of Queenstown, The Remarkables, Cecil Peak and Frankton Arm
What is so special about Deer Park Heights Queenstown for with kids?
- Drive a farm track for up-close animal feeding.
- Kids enjoy a safe 20-minute summit loop with picnic spots.
- Free movie-location scavenger hunt keeps children engaged.
- Multiple pull-over lookouts offer sweeping mountain views.
- Nature-spotting checklist adds a fun learning activity.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the farm drive, animal feeding, summit loop and a picnic without rushing young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Deer Park Heights Queenstown
Drive-Through Animal Feeding:
Stop at coin-operated bins to feed goats, miniature horses and donkeys from your car.
Tip: Bring NZ$2 coins per tin and let each child take a turn shaking the feeder.
Summit Loop Adventure:
Follow the flat 20-minute way-marked path around two alpine tarns.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and use the paper map from the gate to stay on track.
Picnic by the Alpine Tarn:
Set up a blanket at the flat picnic areas beside the small mountain ponds.
Tip: Pack snacks, water and a sun shelter or umbrella for shade.
Movie Scavenger Hunt:
Download the free map to find Lord of the Rings and X-Men filming spots on the farm.
Tip: Print the map in advance and let kids tick off each movie location.
Nature Spotting & Sketching:
Scan the hillsides for wild deer, tahr, alpaca and kea.
Tip: Give kids a simple checklist and sketchbook for drawing each species.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Deer Park Heights Queenstown
- Book Entry Early: Reserve your vehicle slot at least 30 days before to lock in your preferred date.
- Combine Stops Efficiently: Feed animals during the ascent to avoid backtracking at the end.
- DIY Picnic: Bring your own food and drinks to control costs and meal timing.
Reviews of Deer Park Heights Queenstown
Kira Smith
I found out about Deer Park Heights not long before visiting Queenstown and knew I had to visit. It is set on the outskirts of Queenstown and has sweeping views over Lake Wakatipu and the alpine landscape. The park was easy to book online and costs $75 per car, vehicles of up to 8 people are allowed. Entry is limited to protect both the environment and the animals which means it also never feels c...
ezavsp
Visiting Deer Park Heights was such an unreal experience! My partner and I went on our last full day in Queenstown and had so much fun. It’s hard to put into words just how special it was – breathtaking views combined with the chance to see and feed the animals made it such a wholesome outing. We only got to see cows, pigs, deer, sheep, a donkey, and miniature horses up close, which was still ama...
Elroy Okada
What a blissful experience! I thoroughly enjoyed visiting this wonderland! Highly recommend checking it out. Be sure to book online in advance, as it’s often fully booked. Don’t forget to bring $2 coins for the animal feed experience!
Alistair F Walsh
Stunning location. Really well set up and absolutely beautiful. Goats are extremely cheeky and deer number 707 will eat straight out your hand can’t recommend this pace enough if you have children. Stunning views over Queenstown, easy booking process. Just make sure you take change for the food machines.
Kamil Adamski
I recently visited Deer Park Heights and had an amazing time! I spent about two and a half hours there, driving at a normal pace — but honestly, I could’ve easily stayed three or even four hours. There’s so much to see and do, especially if you enjoy interacting with animals. You can watch them, feed them, and just enjoy their company in a beautiful setting. I brought $8 NZD with me, which turned...
When is the best time to visit Deer Park Heights Queenstown (Queenstown, New Zealand)?
In summer, bring sunscreen, hats and extra water. In winter, dress warmly and check for icy patches on the farm track. Spring offers newborn lamb sightings; autumn delivers crisp mountain vistas.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle entry fee | NZD 55 |
| Animal feed pellets (4 tins) | NZD 8 |
| Picnic supplies | NZD 15 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 78 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Deer Park Heights Queenstown
Address: 432 Peninsula Road, Kelvin Heights, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Deer Park Heights Queenstown (Queenstown)?
About Deer Park Heights Queenstown
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+64 508 333 77510 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇳🇿 New Zealand, with kids
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities