During our recent trip to Central Otago, we couldn’t wait to experience the thrill of Highlands Motorsport Park, one of Cromwell’s top-rated attractions. With its international race circuit, supercar experiences, 650m outdoor Go-Kart track, and unique features like the National Motorsport Museum, the famous “Loo with a View,” and an 18-hole themed Mini Golf Course, it’s easy to see why this place is such a draw for motorsport fans and families alike.
But beyond the adrenaline rush and world-class facilities, how does Highlands Motorsport Park fare when it comes to accessibility? With a wheelchair in tow, we set out to explore the park and see just how inclusive this high-octane destination really is.
Parking & Entrance
Highlands offers plenty of parking, including one designated mobility park located conveniently by the main entrance. A bonus? Depending on where you park, you might find yourself alongside some impressive supercars!
The main entrance is well-designed for accessibility, with large, lip-free glass doors and a lowered reception desk for wheelchair users, an excellent first impression. Perfection would be automated glass sliding doors, so you wouldn’t need to ask for assistance if your hands are full.
Hand-Controlled Supercar – A Fantastic Inclusive Feature
One of the highlights of our visit was seeing the hand-controlled supercar. What an incredible addition for inclusivity! It’s great to know that motorsport lovers with limited mobility can still experience the thrill of the track. This is definitely a huge win for accessibility at Highlands.
Getting to the Go-Karting & Mini Golf Area
To access the go-karting and mini golf area, visitors must walk down a long path—but caution is needed. Not only is it steep, but it also has exposed tree roots, creating a tripping hazard. Unfortunately, this route is not particularly friendly for anyone with mobility challenges.
Using the road as an alternative isn’t an option either, as this is the designated access route for the supercars. Additionally, there is a toilet block along the way, but none of the toilets are accessible—each one requires stepping up into it.
A simple solution to improve accessibility here could be offering a golf cart ride for visitors with mobility challenges, making it safer and more inclusive for everyone to reach these attractions.
Go-Karting – Fun but Limited Viewing Access
The go-kart track is a popular attraction, and we were pleased to hear that people using wheelchairs and walkers have successfully taken part in the tandem karts. Staff explained that they have Velcro straps for securing arms or legs, booster seats for added support, headrests, harnesses, and bucket seats for comfort and security. I could absolutely see the potential for getting Finlay in here with a hoist, and the staff’s knowledge and experience gave me confidence in their ability to accommodate different access needs.
However, while the track itself is relatively inclusive, viewing the go-karts was much more challenging.
The dedicated viewing platforms were either up steps or required navigating a grassy slope with an uneven dip, making them difficult, and in most cases impossible to access. To watch the action, we had to move onto the grass, which was also obstructed by children’s play equipment.
Go-Kart Reception Access:
- The main entrance has a narrow 740mm hinged door with a small lip, which was tight for our powerchair.
- Staff kindly pointed out an alternative entry, but this was also not ideal but the lip was easier to manage. We managed it, just!
- The pathways around the reception area had pinch points due to large riverstones and gravel, making navigation impossible
- The podium area for first, second, and third place also created a bottleneck on the concrete path.
Accessible Toilet at Go-Karting:
- Reaching the accessible toilet was a challenge due to a badly placed handrail that encroached on the pathway.
- The toilet door was heavy and hinged, meaning assistance was needed to open it.
- There is also a gap filled with small stones that would be problematic for smaller caster wheels.
Mini Golf – No Accessibility, No Fun
Sadly, the mini golf course was completely inaccessible. Finlay and I had no option but to sit on the sidelines and watch from a distance. There wasn’t even an accessible route for spectators, which was a real letdown.
Loo with a View – Not for Everyone
One of Highlands’ quirkiest attractions is the “Loo with a View”, but unfortunately, it is not accessible at all. Even if someone managed to navigate the steps, there isn’t an accessible toilet inside. This felt like a missed opportunity, especially since accessible toilets throughout the venue presented various barriers.
I went in search of an alternative route and considered a paved path that wraps around the entire building, providing access to the toilets from below through a service entry. While this is an option, it’s not ideal—it feels more like a workaround rather than an inclusive solution. These unique toilets are such a fun part of the venue, and it’s disappointing that not everyone can experience them in the same way. Hopefully, Highlands Motorsport Park will consider improving accessibility here in the future.
Café – Spacious & Accessible, but Watch Your Drinks!
The fully licensed café is spacious and wheelchair-friendly, with plenty of room to move around and a great view of the racetrack. However, as mentioned earlier, the toilets serving this area are inaccessible due to steps—so it might be best to limit your drinks from the bar unless you’re up for a long trek to the only truly accessible toilet.
National Motorsport Museum – Finally, a Decent Accessible Toilet!
After struggling to find a usable accessible toilet throughout the complex, I finally discovered one inside the National Motorsport Museum. Given the issues with other facilities, I believe the staff should be actively informing visitors with mobility needs about this option.
Museum Accessibility:
- The ground floor is wheelchair-accessible and contains most of the exhibits.
- The upper floor is only accessible via stairs, as there is no lift.
- There’s also a wine tasting area inside, which is a nice touch for those wanting to pair their motorsport experience with a bit of local flavor.
Final Thoughts: A Thrilling Experience with Room for Improvement
Highlands Motorsport Park delivers when it comes to adrenaline-fueled fun, with plenty of unique experiences and attractions for motorsport lovers. The hand-controlled supercar and inclusive go-karting experience are standout features, showing that the park has considered accessibility in some areas.
However, significant barriers still exist, particularly when it comes to toilet access, spectator viewing, mini golf, and the Loo with a View. Small changes—such as better signage for accessible facilities, alternative routes for viewing areas, and improved toilet access—could make a huge difference in ensuring that everyone can enjoy the full Highlands experience.
If you’re visiting with accessibility needs, I’d recommend planning ahead, being prepared for some challenges, and asking staff for assistance where needed. Despite the shortfalls, there’s still plenty of fun to be had—and hopefully, with some future improvements, Highlands Motorsport Park will become even more inclusive for all visitors.
🚗💨 Have you visited Highlands Motorsport Park? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments!