Fulfil your need for speed at Highlands

You don’t have to be a speed freak to enjoy yourself at Highlands Motorsport Park, but it helps. Dedicated to the fun side of motor vehicles, this worldclass facility has a $25 million museum of classic cars, including rarities such as a Rolls-Royce Ghost and an Aston Martin Vulcan.

There is a virtual reality room and games to play and, downstairs, the cafe overlooks the 4.1-kilometre racetrack, with enough hairpin bends and speedy straights to challenge any professional. This it does at much-anticipated race meetings during the year. Most days, though, that track is for you.

WHY GO?

Because where else could you take a taxi ride in a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, at up to 180kmh? Or drive a grunty V8 Mustang, or low-slung Radical racing car, doing seven laps of a proper racetrack? Or just whip along in a go-kart at 50kmh,?

There is a Porsche Taycan Takeoff to ride in too, the fastest in the park at 0-100 in 2.4 seconds – and it is electric.

It also features immovable cars in a witty display.

INSIDER TIP

You will be there long enough to need a comfort stop anyway but, when you go, be sure to visit every toilet available, even those for the opposite sex. Each Loo with a View is different, funny and inventive.

ON THE WAY/NEARBY

Visit Cromwell’s Heritage Precinct to see old buildings moved to safety when the Clyde Dam was built, and treat yourself to something at Armando’s Kitchen. You can also visit the ‘‘big apple’’ here, as well as the big nectarine, pear and apricot, on the main road. Buy the real thing, in season, from the nearby fruit stalls or orchards, including the best and cheapest cherries you will find anywhere.

Hire a bike to pedal along the Lake Dunstan Trail to the coffee and burger boats beyond Cornish Point. Visit local wineries for tastings and excellent food. Walk up to Bannockburn Sluicings for exercise, history and views.

Challenge your four-wheel-driving skills on Nevis Rd, the country’s highest, and visit the Sunday farmers’ and craft market.

HOW MUCH?

Museum entry is $30 adult, $20 senior, $10 child. Standard activity fees include go-karts $49, the Taxi $129, Mustang V8 U-drive $395, but check the website for special deals.

BEST TIME TO GO

If you want to get hands-on, view the schedule to avoid actual races hogging the track. The park is open every day, 10am4pm, and is a 45-minute drive from Queenstown Airport. Visit highlands.co.nz.

Staying safe:

New Zealand is under Covid-19 restrictions. Face coverings are mandatory on flights and public transport. Proof of vaccination is required. Follow the instructions at covid19.govt.nz.