Deer Park Heights
Joshua Yates is an exclusive member of approved photographers for Deer Park Heights.
Only an eight minute drive from the airport, this location has it all - Lord Of The Rings filming spots (yes you read that correctly), unrivalled views, and cute animals that you can feed along the way! If you are looking for not only a family shoot, but an unforgettable experience with your kids in Queenstown, I couldn’t recommend Deer Park Heights enough. This place is one of my regulars and I fall in love with it more and more with each trip.
Once into the park, you can drive all around the breathtaking grounds in the comfort of your car, feeding all kinds of friendly animals. You can find llamas, alpacas, donkeys, ducks, pigs, cows, fancy Shetland cows, goats, deer of all kind and perhaps the most breathtaking of all, the great big stags. All these animals (apart from the deer) you can feed. This combined with the unrivalled views makes for an unforgettable experience.
Things to know before you go:
Location: 432 Peninsula Road, Kelvin Heights, Queenstown 9300
Deer Park Heights is fantastic at any time of the year though it really comes alive in between April and September. Which means it’s perfect if you are out of ideas for winter family photoshoot spots. The surrounding mountains at this time of the year are typically covered in snow making golden hour just that much more spectacular. The sun sets much earlier too, meaning golden hour is more between 3 pm and 4:30 pm. Lots of families find that this works very well with bed times and dinner plans.
Want to feed the animals? There is an animal feed dispenser at the entrance to
the park. There is a small cost but this is included in the photoshoot package.
Allow for extra time with the animals, I always suggest at least an xtra 30 mins
to explore and feed animals. This is a big part of what sets this place apart and
makes it special.
Bring a 4WD car if possible. A 2WD car will get up there but it’s much more comfortable in a 4WD.
To be allowed to photograph a family on the grounds, you need a photography permit which costs $500 nzd. Every Family I have taken here were so happy they had made the decision to pay the extra $500 nzd to come here. The experience with the animals is a highlight for the kids and the views are jaw dropping. This permit is included in the Deer Park Heights package.
Deer Park Heights is my favourite location! The versatility of this spot is second to none! You have so many options all in one location; whether it’s facing the lake to the west and south, facing the Remarkables mountain range or looking back over Frankton! It’s easy to get to and close to the airport. Could you ask for anything more!? If you’d like to book a photoshoot at Deer Park Heights, click Here.
