Who can resist the adorable and cuddly little animals? This is truly the place I’ve explored while road-tripping the South Island of New Zealand, and it’s the spot I couldn’t bear to leave – Deer Park Heights! The park covers an entire hilltop, and from the summit, you can enjoy a 360° view of Queenstown. The feeling of having all sorts of round and fluffy animals following you, eagerly waiting to be fed, is truly fantastic!
Deer Park Heights is a private farm with no confusing additional fees, and you can get up close with the animals! Once you’re in the park and start feeding the animals, you might find yourself standing still for an hour!
Little creatures you will encounter at Deer Park Heights
Little Deer: These deer are very intelligent but a bit shy around people. Feeding them requires some technique. The staff taught me to sprinkle the food on the ground, stand still, and let the little deer come closer on their own.
Ponies & Donkeys: Super enthusiastic! We suggest feeding them from inside your car. You might get surrounded, but at least you won’t be encircled by their big mouths!
Little Sheep: Who can resist the round and fluffy little sheep? Just shake the feed can in your hand, and they’ll come running towards you with their little short legs!
Highland Cattle: Their hair is truly elegant, and if they see you have food, they’ll come over to get a snack. Absolutely adorable!
Piggies: They are the most enthusiastic beings in the entire park! Even if you still have the smell of food on your hands, the pigs would continue following you slowly.
Hoe much does it cost
$50 per car, you can drive in (for cars with up to 7 seats). No on-site ticket sales, you need to buy tickets in advance on the official website.
After receiving the code via text message, just enter it at the entrance to get in. $2 per bucket of feed, self-service – make sure to have coins ready. Once inside, place the bucket under the feed machine and give it a push-pull, and the feed will drop into the bucket (it’s a big bucket!).
Photo spots: Signposts at the summit indicate filming locations, and this is also where scenes from The Lord of the Rings were shot.
Duration: 2-3 hours (recommended to stay longer for a chance to encounter a deer stag!)
Distance: 20 minutes’ drive from Queenstown city centre.
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