About this tour
When Mia from our BugBitten team hit up Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park near Cromwell, she found herself in a slick operation about 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport. The park's main drawcard is the Radical U-Drive experience — a 30-minute stint where you get behind the wheel of a genuine high-performance machine on a proper circuit. It's the kind of place that appeals across the board: solo travellers after a buzz, families wanting something beyond the usual, and petrolheads after an adrenaline hit. The vibe is welcoming, the Central Otago setting is stunning, and the whole operation feels genuinely dialled in.
Highlights
- 30 minutes behind the wheel of a genuine Radical supercar
- Safety gear and helmets sorted; no mucking about
- Proper circuit driving, not a racetrack fantasy
- Close enough to Queenstown for a solid day trip
- Friendly staff who know their brief
- Stunning Central Otago backdrop while driving
- Appeal across fitness levels and experience
What to expect
You'll roll up to a place that's clearly professional — no dodgy shed operation here. After a quick brief and gear check, you're strapped in and given a proper induction on the circuit. The 30 minutes themselves go quickly; you're not lounging around. Mia noted the driving is genuine track time, not a glorified parking lot spin. The Central Otago landscape frames the whole thing nicely, and there's a real sense of 'I just did that' when you come back in. The staff don't rush you through; they're engaged and make sure you understand what you're doing.
The whole visit feels compact but complete. You're not waiting around for ages, and the operation has the feel of a proper motorsport venue that happens to welcome tourists. It's not theme-park flashy — it's a genuine track experience with tourists welcome.
What travellers say
- Genuine circuit driving, not a gimmick experience
- Compact 30-minute format suits day-trip planning
- Professional setup with engaged, clued-in staff
- No hidden hassles — safety gear all included
- Accessible to keen drivers of any experience level
- Stunning regional setting amplifies the buzz
- Not suitable for spinal, pregnancy, or cardiac concerns
- Half-hour slot may feel short for enthusiasts
- Weather dependent; rain affects track grip
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is genuinely for people who want to drive a proper performance car without years of racing licence faff. The 30-minute slot is perfect for a day-trip add-on when you're exploring Central Otago. Small enough that you're not lost in a massive group. The location means you can loop it into a Cromwell or Arrowtown visit without major detour.
Not suitable if you've got spinal issues, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns — the G-forces are real. The 30 minutes is brief; some drivers will want more. Weather can matter (rain makes circuits slippery). Early booking essential in peak season. Helmets and safety gear included, but bring nothing; you'll be given everything. Group sizes vary, so check when booking. Peak times are school holidays and weekends.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.