HYDERABAD: Cromwell has always been the Cinderella of Central Otago, compared to its much more glamorous neighbour, Queenstown. It is a blue-collar town and its claim to fame before “Highlands” was the orchard and wine industries and the giant fruit sculpture just off the main highway. When Highlands happened it was a major turning point and as the cliché goes, there’s no looking back! Today Cromwell is, contrary to what most people might think, a great location for a racetrack.
The “Highlands Motorsport Park” is a motor racing circuit and a premiere tourist destination in Cromwell, Otago, New Zealand. The owner Tony Quinn built this $35 million circuit in Central Otago, using local contractors, and now it supports the small community of Cromwell: the team that works at Highlands is 100 percent local. The facility features a 4.1-kilometre circuit, designed by drawing inspiration from some of the world’s most famous racetracks. The circuit is open seven days a week, with a stunning setting and it’s only 40 minutes’ drive from Queenstown Airport, which makes a convenient trip for visitors. It was an amazing drive from Queenstown through the Kawarau Gorge, which features dramatic views including the Kawarau River, Gibbston Valley wineries, Kawarau Bridge Bungy and orchards.
New Zealand has a great heritage and history in world motorsport. For such a small country, they have produced many top international drivers, engineers, mechanics and motor racing brains. Highlands has a “Wall of Fame” with biographies and pictures of the greats like Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme, Chris Amon and Scott Dixon, as well as an outstanding collection of cars and motorsport memorabilia. It is an eclectic mix of old and new, classic cars and sports cars, DIY dream machines and multi-million dollar supercars. There are single seaters, saloon cars, drag racers, motorbikes and even a Rolls Royce Ghost. Noted Kiwi photographers line the walls with over 100 iconic motorsport images.
Highlands is much more than a motor racing circuit; it’s a year-round adventure tourism attraction offering a wide range of activities appealing to motorsport fans, thrill seekers and families. You can go for a high-speed taxi ride in a Porsche or Lamborghini. Or get behind the wheel of a Subaru WRX, a Radical SR3 or a V8 muscle car. The go-kart track is the best in the country while for kids and families there are off-road buggies, a safari adventure tour, a Jurassic themed playground, mini-golf and a wacky sculpture park. With 12 different activities on site, there is something for everyone here.
“Many people drop in to see if the place lives up to the hype and very few go away disappointed. Whether you are a speed junkie seeking high octane high adrenaline adventure or you’re looking for somewhere to while away a few hours with your family, there’s something for you at Highlands” says Paula Buchanan of Highlands.
The Scottish mountains of the same name inspired the name Highlands. Highlands celebrates New Zealand wine and fashion as well as housing the finest collection of cars and motorsport memorabilia in the country. It is also the home of New Zealand’s National Motorsport Museum, and displays a wide range of machinery, including ex-F1 cars, famous racers from New Zealand’s storied motorsport past.
All this in a stunning setting, surrounded by the Central Otago hills, well-manicured grounds, a modern architectural Museum with full glass windows overlooking the circuit. The cafe looks out over the Motorsport Park with the beautiful Otago scenery beyond. They even grow their own grapes on site as you enter through the main entrance! After a sumptuous lunch, I had the most exciting “Highlands Action Experiences”.
While go-karting, I applied the same rule of “Speed and Thrill” and raced on. Nothing can match the look of sheer exhilaration when a group of people are on the track vying to be the quickest and it is a heap of fun to challenge oneself to better one’s own lap times. The Highlands Go karts are top class German built Rimo karts capable of speeds of up to 50km/hour. The track is 650 metres and edged with 4,830 tyres! After a highly exciting race, exhausted from the experience I chilled in their museum, admiring various vintage beauties.
My Ferrari ride was something else! Chris drove me around explaining how the park was developed while pointing out various features of the track. Later, at 240 km per hour, our Ferrari rocketed off giving me an adrenaline rush that I hadn’t asked for! Well, that’s how it feels in a Race Car!! Didn’t I ask for the ride??
(The author is a documentary filmmaker and travel writer; she blogs at ijayaprataptravelandbeyond.com)