About this tour
When Alex from our BugBitten team hit the Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park near Cromwell, the Supercar Fast Dash lived up to its name — a 15-minute adrenaline hit behind the wheel of a genuine high-performance machine. Nestled 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport along State Highway 6, this Central Otago spot has carved out a reputation as the region's go-to for petrol-heads and curious travellers alike. The park operates with a relaxed, welcoming vibe; staff know their stuff and the whole setup caters to everyone from solo drivers to families wanting a taste of speed.
Highlights
- Gripped the steering wheel of an actual supercar on a closed circuit
- Safety gear and helmet sorted before you even step into the cockpit
- Tight 15-minute window keeps energy high and adrenaline flowing
- Stunning Central Otago backdrop as your racetrack scenery
- Easy 45-minute drive from Queenstown — zero faffing about
- Wheelchair-accessible facilities throughout the park
- Friendly crew who explain the car and safety without the lecture
- Compact enough to slot into a day trip itinerary
What to expect
You'll roll up to the park, get a proper safety briefing, and slip on a helmet and protective gear. The team walks you through the supercar's controls and limits — nothing fancy, just the essentials so you're confident before you go. Then you're in the driver's seat on a closed circuit, foot down, feeling exactly what these machines can do. Fifteen minutes flies past. It's genuinely thrilling, not a simulator or a passenger ride: you're driving. The circuit itself is well-maintained and the setting — rolling hills and vineyards in the distance — beats any cramped city track.
After your run, adrenaline still pumping, you'll debrief with staff who actually care about whether you enjoyed it. The whole experience is slick without being pretentious. You're not queuing for hours or sitting through corporate waffle. It's straight-up fun, and that's why it's earned its TripAdvisor rating.
What travellers say
- You actually drive the supercar yourself, not just ride along
- Accessible to most abilities — wheelchair-friendly throughout
- Close enough to Queenstown for a practical half-day adventure
- Professional but relaxed staff who know their cars
- Compact duration keeps the experience punchy and exciting
- Zero tourist-trap vibe; genuinely well-run operation
- Not suitable for pregnant, spinal-injury, or cardiovascular-risk travellers
- Fifteen minutes may feel brief for some drivers
- Requires your own transport to reach Cromwell location
- Peak-season crowds can affect booking availability
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 worth doing if you love cars or want a legitimate thrill that's more than a tourist gimmick. Fifteen minutes is short enough to fit into a day trip but long enough to feel like you've actually had a go. The park is fully accessible — all surfaces are wheelchair-friendly, and they're set up for prams and service animals. It's family-friendly too, though kids will need to meet the height/age requirements to drive. No hidden costs; what you book is what you get.
The medical exclusions are real — the G-forces mean it's not suitable if you've got spinal issues, cardiovascular concerns, or are pregnant. Fifteen minutes means no hanging about; if you're hoping for a leisurely experience, this isn't it. Peak times (school holidays, weekends) can get busy. The location in Cromwell is scenic but remote, so you'll need your own transport or a hire car to get there. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen; the circuit is exposed.
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.