Welcome to
Deer Park Heights
Where you can leave everything behind
About
Deer Park Heights is a scenic drive and animal encounter taking you through a working deer farm, 550 meters above Queenstown. This scenic experience provides views of the Whakatipu basin, LOTR movie sets, and gorgeous animals you can feed and see.
Deer park heights originally opened in 1966 and has so much history and sights to offer. Stroll dedicated walkways or picnic at impressive alpine tarns at the top of the hill; enjoy this historic location at your own pace.
Visiting
Deer Park Heights offers passenger car access (up to 8 seats) — enjoy the freedom to explore the property at your own pace from the comfort of your own vehicle.
Bring a picnic, your camera, or your walking shoes to enjoy our dedicated walking spots and breathtaking views.
Cost: $75 per vehicle
Hours: Valid for single entry and exit between 8 am – 6 pm
Vehicle Type: Passenger vehicles only (no buses, bikes, or commercial vehicles)
How to Book
Book online using your vehicle registration number.
You’ll receive an email confirmation with your booking details.
When you arrive, the toll gate will open automatically after scanning your number plate.
The same applies when exiting — just drive slowly toward the exit gate.
Important Reminders
Re-entry is prohibited unless a new booking is made (subject to availability).
No biking, walking access, or pets allowed on the property.
Bring a $2 NZ coin for sheep pellet dispensers to feed animals safely.
Please ensure your vehicle has enough fuel before entering.
You may cancel your booking anytime until 5 pm on the day of entry.
FAQ'S
What if I don't have my car's REGO yet?
If your renting a car, you must wait until you have your vehicle registration plate and make and Model before you book. Access to Deer Park is via Vehicle number plate cameras at the toll gate.
When do bookings open? The Book Now button is Greyed Out
Bookings are open 30 days before the date. This is to provide everyone with an equal opportunity to visit.
How to update your Vehicle Registration to Enter (Car REGO)
We have upgraded our entry toll gate to a vehicle recognition entry system. A camera will read your car’s registration and open the gate upon one entry and one exit.
For your booking to work, you must ensure your REGO is correct for your online booking. To check or update your REGO, follow the steps below:
- Log in to our booking system
https://booking.deerparkheights.co.nz/login
- Navigate to Upcoming bookings Via the three dots on the right of the screen …
- Scroll down and update your license plate.
- Click Save booking
You must do this yourself, so please do not email or call to ask for your license number updated before you arrive.
It says "SOLD OUT". But I want to visit!
Unfortunately, if the website says Sold out, we are Sold Out. There is a maximum of 80 cars each day to limit traffic. Our website has LIVE availability, so please do not call or email to ask.
We have a minivan or a 10-seater vehicle? Can I still visit?
We only permit vehicles with 8 seats and under. It doesn’t matter if there are only 8 people in the car. Unfortunately, we cannot allow access.
Can I reschedule for another date?
Yes! You need to cancel your booking and rebook for another date to reschedule. You need to do this yourself by logging back into the booking system here: https://booking.deerparkheights.co.nz/login
Navigate to “Upcoming Bookings”
Select “Details”
Scroll down and Select “Cancel Booking”.
You must do this before 6 pm on the day you have booked.
Can I Cancel my booking?
Yes! You need to do this yourself by logging back into the booking system here: https://booking.deerparkheights.co.nz/login
Navigate to “Upcoming Bookings”
Select “Details”
Scroll down and Select “Cancel Booking”.
You must do this before 5 pm on the day you have booked.
What Hours are you open?
Please note our closing time when booking; when we close, the gate is locked, and you will incur an automatic overstaying fee of $100.
Autumn: April to May (8 am – 6 pm)
Winter: June to August (8 am – 6 pm)
Spring: September to November (8 am – 7 pm)
Summer: December to March (7 am – 9 pm)
What happens if I don't have a car?
You must have a rental vehicle or personal vehicle to visit. Due to prior issues with overcharging guests, we do not allow Taxis, Ubers, Tour companies or Tour guides to visit our property.
Can I buy a ticket through WeChat or a 3rd Party?
Unless you buy your ticket through our official website, your ticket will be invalid, and you will be refused entry. We do not allow agents or operators to book tickets on behalf of guests. This is due to our H&S operations and qualifies for legal action against anyone who does this.
What happens if I stay past closing time?
You will incur an automatic fee of $100 if you stay past closing time.
This violates the terms of your booking. We require everyone to be off our property when we close. Please manage your time well.
Can I feed the animals? How does it work?
Yes! You can purchase a tin of sheep nuts from one of the two green dispensers along the road for $2.00 NZ (coin only). You can feed various animals, including pigs, goats, donkeys, and miniature horses. Please note:
- Hard antler Animals: Do Not Approach, feed or leave your vehicle near them.
- Goats: Exit your vehicle and walk away from it to feed the goats. You risk your car getting scratched, and liability is at your own. Your insurer may not cover your “no excess policy”.
- Do not hand-feed the animals; throw the nuts near them and allow them to approach. You must get out of your vehicle while feeding, and remember that animals respond best to the sound of rattling the nuts in the tin. Unless you are in the Exit block with signposts saying” Do Not Exit Your Car.”
I need to find my code or booking email.
You can log back into our website to receive your code anytime.
Log in to https://booking.deerparkheights.co.nz/login.
Navigate to “Upcoming Bookings”
Select “Details”
How do I access Deer Park Heights?
To visit Deer Park Heights, you must head to our website to book. Select the day you would like to travel and follow the steps.
What do I need to bring?
When you book online, you will receive an back up access code in a text and email confirmation, this is single use only. Please bring the code to enter at the toll gate upon arrival and exit.
You need to have a car to visit; we do not allow walking or biking access. Please bring a NZ$2 coin so you can feed the animals. Ensure you leave your pets at home and limit passengers to 8 seats. Learn more here.
What happens if I need help while I'm up visiting?
You can call the duty manager on 0508 333 775 if you require help.
How do you feed the animals?
As you drive up the road, purchase a tin of sheep nuts (NZ $2.00 coin) from one of the two green sheep nut dispensers. Stop to feed the pigs, goats, donkeys, and miniature horses as you see them.
There are some tame deer you can throw food too. While we try to keep the animals nearby, they can wander off, particularly during the hot summer days. The animals respond to rattling the nuts in the tin; it may take some time for them to come.
When feeding the animals, throw food near them and watch children around crowding animals. You must get out of the car to feed the animals. Please do not approach animals with hard antlers. View our interactive map here.
Can I take my wedding guests to get images up Deer Park Heights or take pictures for professional use?
We have decided to keep Deer Park Heights open to the public with limited to No commercial activity to preserve the experience.
We do allow a limited amount of commercial activity for small weddings and photos. If you would like to request approval, please email info@deerparkheights.co.nz. This is not permitted on the $55 entry price.
What types of vehicles are allowed on the road?
Access is limited to vehicles with no more than 8 seats, including children. Strictly NO commercial operators, minivans, taxis, buses or commercial activity (trespass notices and fines enforced via wheel clamping).
2WD and 4WD drive cars can travel up to the summit. Campervans and Motorhomes are permitted.