Steep and slippery track to a magnificent cave with unique formations.

From Packard Rd you can drive the farm track (leaving the gate as you find it) until you reach the parking area at the foot of the mountain. From there the rough and overgrown walking track follows the dry river bed through some nice forest.

When the track heads directly up the valley side you know you're in for a workout. It's a tough climb with many switch-backs that never seem to end.

The cave is well worth it and DOC has somewhat recently installed a platform inside with information about the history and formation.

You got this.

Reviewed 19 days ago

We had an early morning ferry to catch in Picton.

This camping ground is less than an hour's drive away from the ferry terminal so, for us, was a convenient stop.

We were welcomed with fresh muffins and overfed farm animals. Turned out to be a relaxing environment. We had a small cabin with access to the shared facilities. Everything was clean and well thought out.

The only issue was that the cabin had no ventilation unless a door or window was opened. And these had no insect screens. Otherwise a great accommodation.

😄

Reviewed 6 months ago

No longer a place to stay overnight which is a shame.

I remember coming for weekends with the whanau back in the 80's.

Still worth a stop for a swim and a bush walk. Clean water flowing from the forest - some tannins give it a deep golden colour.

Only downside about this place is some people leave their rubbish and dog sh*t.

Reviewed 8 months ago and experienced in March 2023

The roads a bit rough to get to this site.

A few kilometres with deep pot holes that can't really be avoided.

Once there you'll forget the road. Several nice flat grassy spaces surrounded by bush, rocky crags and a small river.

The walk to the river blessed us with a whio sighting. It spied us quickly and silently flew further downstream.

Although there's a fee for the stay its hard to pay when the fee lock-box has been vandalised and gone.

Reviewed over 2 years ago

There's nothing grandiose about Wingspan but you'll leave with the feeling that you experienced something special.

The people are passionate about NZ birds of prey and it rubs off.

Seeing the falcons, hawks and owls in the aviaries is nice but the real bonus is the falconry display. Watching the birds and their handlers working and hearing the stories is a gift. You even get the opportunity to hold the birds and look into their eyes.

Reviewed about 14 years ago

A real gem hidden away from all the fanfare.

From the outside you have no idea how much you're in store for.

We were advised to walk right through the entire museum to the very back and then walk back. This is a good idea otherwise we'd have had no idea how long it might take to investigate the whole place.

Could easily have spent 5-6 hours if the kids hadn't mentally worn down.

Definitely check out the kauri gum collection downstairs too.

Reviewed about 14 years ago

Choice little cinema with true small town class.

Mid-movie intervals, sofas and cushions. Cups of hot tea for $1. Friendly staff.

Yeah I sound like an advert but this is something not to be missed!

Reviewed about 15 years ago

Beautiful spot to camp right next to the lake and away from the hubbub of Queenstrap.

Not much shelter from the elements so be prepared. The wind came up in the middle of the night and we had to pack the tent into the back of the car and sleep there to avoid getting blown into the lake.

Reviewed about 14 years ago and experienced in February 2004