Click on a marker to learn more about what is at that location.
Toilet
Picnic Area
Feed Station
Animals
Film Locations
Click on a marker to learn more about what is at that location.
Toilet
Picnic Area
Feed Station
Animals
Film Locations
8 am – 6 pm
7 days a week
You can feed the animals using sheep pellets purchased from our green dispensers ($2 NZ coin required).
Always throw the pellets near the animals — never hand-feed.
Feeding by hand can lead to accidental bites or encourage animals to get too close.
Please supervise children while feeding, and step away from your vehicle before offering food — especially near goats.
You can feed the animals using sheep pellets purchased from our green dispensers ($2 NZ coin required).
Always throw the pellets near the animals — never hand-feed.
Feeding by hand can lead to accidental bites or encourage animals to get too close.
Please supervise children while feeding, and step away from your vehicle before offering food — especially near goats.
Donkeys are one of the friendliest and most curious animals you’ll meet on the property. Originally domesticated thousands of years ago, donkeys have been used around the world for transport, farming, and companionship. They’re social, intelligent animals that love company, and often communicate with loud brays when excited or looking for attention.
You’ll likely see them wandering the fields or waiting near the cattle stop. They’re safe to feed, but always throw the pellets near them — do not hand-feed, and watch children closely when interacting with any animals.
Donkeys are one of the friendliest and most curious animals you’ll meet on the property. Originally domesticated thousands of years ago, donkeys have been used around the world for transport, farming, and companionship. They’re social, intelligent animals that love company, and often communicate with loud brays when excited or looking for attention.
You’ll likely see them wandering the fields or waiting near the cattle stop. They’re safe to feed, but always throw the pellets near them — do not hand-feed, and watch children closely when interacting with any animals.
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Llamas are larger than alpacas and can be recognised by their long, banana-shaped ears and elongated faces. Introduced to New Zealand in 1986, llamas are primarily raised for their soft, lanolin-free fleece, making it a popular alternative for those with wool sensitivities.
The llamas at Deer Park Heights have a long history here. They were among the first animals introduced when the park originally opened in 1966 and have thrived in the environment ever since.
Llamas are larger than alpacas and can be recognised by their long, banana-shaped ears and elongated faces. Introduced to New Zealand in 1986, llamas are primarily raised for their soft, lanolin-free fleece, making it a popular alternative for those with wool sensitivities.
The llamas at Deer Park Heights have a long history here. They were among the first animals introduced when the park originally opened in 1966 and have thrived in the environment ever since.
Himalayan Tahr are agile, goat-like animals native to the rugged mountain ranges of the Himalayas. They thrive on rocky bluffs and steep faces, making them well-suited to the dramatic terrain of Deer Park Heights.
Tahr were first introduced to New Zealand in 1904, released into the Southern Alps from animals brought over from the UK. The herd here has been bred from young tahr originally captured in the wild.
Himalayan Tahr are agile, goat-like animals native to the rugged mountain ranges of the Himalayas. They thrive on rocky bluffs and steep faces, making them well-suited to the dramatic terrain of Deer Park Heights.
Tahr were first introduced to New Zealand in 1904, released into the Southern Alps from animals brought over from the UK. The herd here has been bred from young tahr originally captured in the wild.
Feral goats were initially brought to the region by gold miners for milk and meat. Agile and social, they thrive on steep slopes and are often seen roaming in groups.
Please do not feed goats near your vehicle — they may scratch the paint or jump on your car.
Always take a few steps away from the feeding area before feeding, and supervise children closely.
Most of our goats came from Skippers Canyon and often have twins, breeding year-round.
Feral goats were initially brought to the region by gold miners for milk and meat. Agile and social, they thrive on steep slopes and are often seen roaming in groups.
Please do not feed goats near your vehicle — they may scratch the paint or jump on your car.
Always take a few steps away from the feeding area before feeding, and supervise children closely.
Most of our goats came from Skippers Canyon and often have twins, breeding year-round.
Fallow deer were introduced to New Zealand from the UK in 1864. At Deer Park Heights, a herd of around 100 lives within the fallow block. These small, timid deer are often hard to spot as they move quietly among the tussocks — so keep a close eye out!
There are two main types here: Spanish Fallow and Black Fallow. Interestingly, the white deer you may see are actually a pale variation of Black Fallow and are sometimes referred to as “albino-like.”
The hinds give birth in December, but fallow deer are not commercially farmed on the property.
Fallow deer were introduced to New Zealand from the UK in 1864. At Deer Park Heights, a herd of around 100 lives within the fallow block. These small, timid deer are often hard to spot as they move quietly among the tussocks — so keep a close eye out!
There are two main types here: Spanish Fallow and Black Fallow. Interestingly, the white deer you may see are actually a pale variation of Black Fallow and are sometimes referred to as “albino-like.”
The hinds give birth in December, but fallow deer are not commercially farmed on the property.
Highland Cattle originated in the rugged Highlands and western coastal islands of Scotland, bred to withstand some of the harshest conditions on earth. Known for their long horns and shaggy coats, these hardy animals are natural foragers and will happily graze on just about anything they can reach. You’ll often spot them rubbing up against fence posts for a good scratch — a typical Highland habit!
Do not approach or attempt to feed these animals.
If you encounter them, please stay in your vehicle and enjoy watching from a safe distance.
Highland Cattle originated in the rugged Highlands and western coastal islands of Scotland, bred to withstand some of the harshest conditions on earth. Known for their long horns and shaggy coats, these hardy animals are natural foragers and will happily graze on just about anything they can reach. You’ll often spot them rubbing up against fence posts for a good scratch — a typical Highland habit!
Do not approach or attempt to feed these animals.
If you encounter them, please stay in your vehicle and enjoy watching from a safe distance.
The red deer is one of the largest and most iconic deer species. First introduced to New Zealand from Scotland in 1851, red deer are now the most commonly hunted deer in the country. At Deer Park Heights, our red deer are bred for young stock, with selected animals finished for export-quality venison.
You’ll see red deer scattered across the farm. They are naturally timid and easily startled. Please remain in your vehicle and do not attempt to feed them — some can behave aggressively if approached too closely.
The red deer is one of the largest and most iconic deer species. First introduced to New Zealand from Scotland in 1851, red deer are now the most commonly hunted deer in the country. At Deer Park Heights, our red deer are bred for young stock, with selected animals finished for export-quality venison.
You’ll see red deer scattered across the farm. They are naturally timid and easily startled. Please remain in your vehicle and do not attempt to feed them — some can behave aggressively if approached too closely.
The Kunekune is a small, friendly breed of domestic pig native to New Zealand. Recognisable by their hairy coats and round bellies, these pigs are full of personality and absolutely love their food. You’ll often find them relaxing in their favourite waterhole or foraging around the paddocks.
Try calling out “Pig Pig Pig!” and rattling your tin — they may come trotting over for a snack.
Please only throw food near the pigs — getting too close might lead them to mistake your fingers for food!
The Kunekune is a small, friendly breed of domestic pig native to New Zealand. Recognisable by their hairy coats and round bellies, these pigs are full of personality and absolutely love their food. You’ll often find them relaxing in their favourite waterhole or foraging around the paddocks.
Try calling out “Pig Pig Pig!” and rattling your tin — they may come trotting over for a snack.
Please only throw food near the pigs — getting too close might lead them to mistake your fingers for food!
At first glance, alpacas may look like their larger cousin, the llama — but they’re quite different! Alpacas have short, spear-shaped ears and small, blunt faces, giving them a gentler appearance.
Their shaggy coats produce a soft, durable fleece often compared to sheep’s wool, but with added warmth and luxury. In Incan culture, alpaca fibre was treasured and known as the “fibre of the gods.”
At first glance, alpacas may look like their larger cousin, the llama — but they’re quite different! Alpacas have short, spear-shaped ears and small, blunt faces, giving them a gentler appearance.
Their shaggy coats produce a soft, durable fleece often compared to sheep’s wool, but with added warmth and luxury. In Incan culture, alpaca fibre was treasured and known as the “fibre of the gods.”
The Bison on the property are one of the most iconic and powerful animals in the park. Native to North America, bison are known for their massive heads, strong necks, and thick shoulder humps. Males can weigh up to 1,000 kg and are capable of short bursts of speed despite their size. Their thick coats help them withstand extreme weather conditions, and they use their horns for defense and dominance displays, particularly during the mating season.
Bison are protective and unpredictable — do not approach or attempt to feed them. Always observe from a safe distance.
The Bison on the property are one of the most iconic and powerful animals in the park. Native to North America, bison are known for their massive heads, strong necks, and thick shoulder humps. Males can weigh up to 1,000 kg and are capable of short bursts of speed despite their size. Their thick coats help them withstand extreme weather conditions, and they use their horns for defense and dominance displays, particularly during the mating season.
Bison are protective and unpredictable — do not approach or attempt to feed them. Always observe from a safe distance.
The Stags in the enclosure are male Red Deer. The Stag’s impressive antlers are structures of display and are used for combat in the mating season. A stag’s dominance is primarily determined by body size and antler size. Stags have an annual growth cycle of antlers, which starts in spring and can grow up to 2cm a day. At the end of the rutting season (autumn), the antlers drop off, and they develop a new pair of antlers every year from bony outgrowths called pedicles at the top of the skull. Do not attempt to feed or approach these animals.
The Stags in the enclosure are male Red Deer. The Stag’s impressive antlers are structures of display and are used for combat in the mating season. A stag’s dominance is primarily determined by body size and antler size. Stags have an annual growth cycle of antlers, which starts in spring and can grow up to 2cm a day. At the end of the rutting season (autumn), the antlers drop off, and they develop a new pair of antlers every year from bony outgrowths called pedicles at the top of the skull. Do not attempt to feed or approach these animals.
Highland Cattle originated in the Highlands and West Coastal Islands of Scotland. Capable of surviving in the harshest of environments. Our pack of Highland cattle love to graze on everything and anything they can get close too, or rub their backsides on a fence post for a scratch. Do not attempt to feed or approach these animals. Stay in your vehicle if you see them.
Highland Cattle originated in the Highlands and West Coastal Islands of Scotland. Capable of surviving in the harshest of environments. Our pack of Highland cattle love to graze on everything and anything they can get close to, or rub their backsides on a fence post for a scratch. Do not attempt to feed or approach these animals. Stay in your vehicle if you see them.
Continue backup up the road, and you will find yourself at location LOTR 7. They filmed the exit from the Paths of the Dead for The Return of the King. From here, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli see the corsair ships come in on the river.
LOTR 6 is where you will find Aragorn’s cliff. They ride into the battle of the wargs and Aragorn gets dragged over the cliff. In a later scene in the movie, the Rohans look over the cliff at Location 6 to look for Aragorn. The Kawarau River is superimposed under the cliffs.
At location LOTR 5, Legolas spots the wargs in the distance and fires arrows at them. From behind him, Rohan soldiers came over the ridge and Legolas leaps on to a horse.
Turn left at the second feeding station (Frankton lookout) and head down the hill to find location LOTR 4. Hike up the hill to find where Legolas comes to the rescue, kills the Warg and returns to the Rohans to warn them of the impending danger. The woman and children are left to continue to Helms deep, and the men move on to battle with the Wargs.
This part of the movie involved the Rohan refugees journey from Edoras to Helms Deep and their battle with the wargs and Orcs. The first scene was the beginning of the trek LOTR 1 with the Rohans moving around the eastern side of the mountain tarn. They camp by the second tarn LOTR 2 where there is a humorous moment when Gimli falls off his horse.
LOTR 03 is the first LOTR site you will find up Deer Park Heights. Just past the third cattle stop, you will see the green sign. Park safely off the side of the road and head towards the double gate. Through the gate, 120m on the left is the rock wall where Hama (a Rider of Rohan) sees and is killed by the warg scout.
Near the top of Deer Park Heights on the walking track, you will find Location LOTR1. A beautiful mountain tarn where in the second movie, several scenes show the people of Rohan braving the road from Edoras to Helm’s Deep. One of these scenes leads to location LOTR 2 where Gimli falls off his horse.
The feral goats ( the colours ones) have been domesticated for over 8000 years in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Goats are agile animals, able to exploit steep hill slope areas unsuitable to other animals. Most of these goats originated from young captured in the Skippers Canyon area. Gold miners brought these goats to the region to provide a source of milk and meat. These gregarious animals mate throughout the year, with a gestation of 5 months they often have twins.
These timid deer were introduced to NZ from the UK in 1864. There is a herd of 100 in the fallow block on Deer Park Heights. You have to look closely to see these small deer as they flit amongst the tussocks. There are two species: Spanish Fallow and Black Fallow. The white ones you see are ‘albino like’ are Black Fallow Deer. The Hinds fawn in December, they are not commercially farmed here. Please do not get out of your car to feed the deer as some can be aggressive.
These agile goat-like animals originate from the Himalayas and prefer rocky bluffs and steep faces. The Himalayan Tahr was released into the Southern Alps in 1904 from the UK. This herd was bred up from young ones captured in the wild. They mate between June to August with the young born in Dec – Jan.
The red deer is one of the largest deer species. First introduced from Scotland in 1851 to New Zealand, red deer is the most commonly hunted deer in New Zealand. The red deer in Deer Park Heights, are used for breeding young stock to finish for export meat. The male red deer produce velvet which is used for medicinal purposes all over the world. You will see red deer scattered throughout the farm, they’re very timid and can be frightened easily. Please do not get out of your car to feed the deer as some can be aggressive.
The Miniature Horses are a specific breed and must be no taller than 34” to 38”. Originally bred in Europe in the 1600’s as the pets of nobility and for use in coal mines. (In 1842 by law they replaced young children as mine workers.) They can be frisky, especially when it’s feeding time so please supervise all children.
The Kunekune is a small breed of domestic pig from New Zealand. Kunekune are hairy with a rotund build and love their food! The black-spotted one is Button and the Ginger toned pig is called Ginger! These pigs love to play in the waterhole. If you call “Pig Pig Pig” and rattle the tin, they will come up to feed. Please only throw food near the pigs, they may mistake your hands for food if you get too close.
Donkeys are the friendliest of our mammals at Deer Park, they love sheep nuts and a scratch on the head. You may see a family of Donkeys as well as some larger horses which are Mules. The Mules are a mixture of a Miniature horse and Donkey, the perfect mix! Donkeys are known for their intelligence. A donkey will stop and assess a new situation and think about its choices before making a decision on what action to take. These Donkeys are very friendly and will let you feed them by hand.
Alpacas at first glance may resemble their larger cousin the lama but they are quite different! Alpacas have short spear shared ears and small blunt faces. Alpacas shaggy hair is used for fleece production, the wool is soft and durable, similar to sheep wool. To the Incas, Alpaca wool is known as the ‘fibre of the gods’.
The Lamas are bigger than alpacas and have long banana shaped ears and a long face. Lamas were introduced to New Zealand in 1986 and are raised for their soft fleece which is lanolin-free! The Lamas at Deer Park were first brought in when it was originally opened in 1966 and have thrived in the environment.
Alpacas at first glance may resemble their larger cousin the lama but they are quite different! Alpacas have short spear shared ears and small blunt faces. Alpacas shaggy hair is used for fleece production, the wool is soft and durable, similar to sheep wool. To the Incas, Alpaca wool is known as the ‘fibre of the gods’.
Continue backup up the road, and you will find yourself at location LOTR 7. They filmed the exit from the Paths of the Dead for The Return of the King. From here, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli see the corsair ships come in on the river.
LOTR 6 is where you will find Aragorn’s cliff. They ride into the battle of the wargs and Aragorn gets dragged over the cliff. In a later scene in the movie, the Rohans look over the cliff at Location 6 to look for Aragorn. The Kawarau River is superimposed under the cliffs.
At location LOTR 5, Legolas spots the wargs in the distance and fires arrows at them. From behind him, Rohan soldiers came over the ridge and Legolas leaps on to a horse.
Turn left at the second feeding station (Frankton lookout) and head down the hill to find location LOTR 4. Hike up the hill to find where Legolas comes to the rescue, kills the Warg and returns to the Rohans to warn them of the impending danger. The woman and children are left to continue to Helms deep, and the men move on to battle with the Wargs.
Near the top of Deer Park Heights on the walking track, you will find Location LOTR1. A beautiful mountain tarn where in the second movie, several scenes show the people of Rohan braving the road from Edoras to Helm’s Deep. One of these scenes leads to location LOTR 2 where Gimli falls off his horse.
This part of the movie involved the Rohan refugees journey from Edoras to Helms Deep and their battle with the wargs and Orcs. The first scene was the beginning of the trek LOTR1 with the Rohans moving around the eastern side of the mountain tarn. They camp by the second tarn LOTR 2 where there is a humorous moment when Gimli falls off his horse.
LOTR 03 is the first LOTR site you will find up Deer Park Heights. Just past the third cattle stop, you will see the green sign. Park safely off the side of the road and head towards the double gate. Through the gate, 120m on the left is the rock wall where Hama (a Rider of Rohan) sees and is killed by the warg scout.
The Lamas are bigger than alpacas and have long banana shaped ears and a long face. Lamas were introduced to New Zealand in 1986 and are raised for their soft fleece which is lanolin-free! The Lamas at Deer Park were first brought in when it was originally opened in 1966 and have thrived in the environment.
The Miniature Horses are a specific breed and must be no taller than 34” to 38”. Originally bred in Europe in the 1600’s as the pets of nobility and for use in coal mines. (In 1842 by law they replaced young children as mine workers.) They can be frisky, especially when it’s feeding time so please supervise all children.
The Miniature Horses are a specific breed and must be no taller than 34” to 38”. Originally bred in Europe in the 1600’s as the pets of nobility and for use in coal mines. (In 1842 by law they replaced young children as mine workers.) They can be frisky, especially when it’s feeding time so please supervise all children.
The Kunekune is a small breed of domestic pig from New Zealand. Kunekune are hairy with a rotund build and love their food! The black-spotted one is Button and the Ginger toned pig is called Ginger! These pigs love to play in the waterhole. If you call “Pig Pig Pig” and rattle the tin, they will come up to feed. Please only throw food near the pigs, they may mistake your hands for food if you get too close.
These agile goat-like animals originate from the Himalayas and prefer rocky bluffs and steep faces. The Himalayan Tahr was released into the Southern Alps in 1904 from the UK. This herd was bred up from young ones captured in the wild. They mate between June to August with the young born in Dec – Jan.
The red deer is one of the largest deer species. First introduced from Scotland in 1851 to New Zealand, red deer is the most commonly hunted deer in New Zealand. The red deer in Deer Park Heights, are used for breeding young stock to finish for export meat. The male red deer produce velvet which is used for medicinal purposes all over the world. You will see red deer scattered throughout the farm, they’re very timid and can be frightened easily. Please do not get out of your car to feed the deer as some can be aggressive.
The feral goats ( the colours ones) have been domesticated for over 8000 years in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Goats are agile animals, able to exploit steep hill slope areas unsuitable to other animals. Most of these goats originated from young captured in the Skippers Canyon area. Gold miners brought these goats to the region to provide a source of milk and meat. These gregarious animals mate throughout the year, with a gestation of 5 months they often have twins.
These timid deer were introduced to NZ from the UK in 1864. There is a herd of 100 in the fallow block on Deer Park Heights. You have to look closely to see these small deer as they flit amongst the tussocks. There are two species: Spanish Fallow and Black Fallow. The white ones you see are ‘albino like’ are Black Fallow Deer. The Hinds fawn in December, they are not commercially farmed here. Please do not get out of your car to feed the deer as some can be aggressive.
The Stags in the enclosure are male Red Deers. The Stags impressive antlers are structures of display and are used for combat in the mating season. A Stags dominance is primarily determined on body size and antler size. Stags have an annual growth cycle of antlers which starts in spring and can grow up to 2cm a day. At the end of the rutting season (autumn) the antlers drop off, and they develop a new pair of antlers every year from bony outgrowths called pedicles at the top of the skull. Do not attempt to feed or approach these animals.
The Stags in the enclosure are male Red Deers. The Stags impressive antlers are structures of display and are used for combat in the mating season. A Stags dominance is primarily determined on body size and antler size. Stags have an annual growth cycle of antlers which starts in spring and can grow up to 2cm a day. At the end of the rutting season (autumn) the antlers drop off, and they develop a new pair of antlers every year from bony outgrowths called pedicles at the top of the skull. Do not attempt to feed or approach these animals.
Donkeys are the friendliest of our mammals at Deer Park, they love sheep nuts and a scratch on the head. You may see a family of Donkeys as well as some larger horses which are Mules. The Mules are a mixture of a Miniature horse and Donkey, the perfect mix! Donkeys are known for their intelligence. A donkey will stop and assess a new situation and think about its choices before making a decision on what action to take. These Donkeys are very friendly and will let you feed them by hand.
