Get off-road with Queenstown’s Original 4WD Company!
Experience true four-wheel-driving on a small group, personalised tour in to the New Zealand backcountry. Nomad Safaris has over 25 years experience operating guided tours in to remote Skippers Canyon and Macetown and to Lord of the Rings locations around Glenorchy and the Wakatipu Basin. These are authentic adventures packed with local history, movie locations, stunning scenery and thrilling off-roading.
Half-day tours depart twice daily from your Queenstown accommodation and include refreshments, or combine two different tours for a full day adventure.
Group sizes are kept small with a maximum of 6 clients per driver/guide to ensure that you receive a personal experience.
We can easily cater to large groups with our fleet of 4WD vehicles. Contact groups@nomadsafaris.co.nz for more information.
Skippers Canyon
The Nomad Safaris Skippers Canyon adventure is a half-day heritage tour that follows the rugged and once treacherous Skippers Road. Travel the road that was hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley. As your experienced guide navigates this awe-inspiring canyon, you can relax and enjoy numerous historic sites along the journey, including a century old suspension bridge and the township of Skippers. Visit the restored Schoolhouse where you will gain a real insight into the local heritage through photos and relics of life in this tough environment. An adventure for the whole family.
The Skippers Canyon 4WD tour departs from Queenstown and heads out of town towards Coronet Peak Skifield. As we head up the mountain, take in panoramic views over the Wakatipu Basin. After entering Skippers Canyon we travel to Lighthouse Rock for a dramatic lookout over the canyon. We continue following in the footsteps of adventurers and discoverers as this historical winding road brings us to the historic Skippers Bridge- a perfect photo opportunity.
After carefully negotiating the bridge, the road continues into the old township of Skippers. Long since abandoned, several original buildings remain waiting to be explored. During a pause for refreshments in the township, immerse yourself in the history of this place as the restored schoolhouse and old homestead divulge a wealth of information through photos and artefacts from the early days of this settlement. The nearby cemetery depicts a more gloomy and dangerous life for these gold prospectors.
On the return journey we stop at Deep Creek where you can test your luck panning for gold in one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world.
Prices valid from 01/10/16 to 30/09/17
Includes:
Departs: 8.15am and 1.30pm
Duration: 4hrs return
Bring: Water, a camera and a sense of adventure! Dress appropriately for outdoor adventures in the mountains.
4 PAX MAX Includes:
Upgrade to 4 PAX MAX!
Bridging the gap between a tour and a private tour!
A maximum of 4 passengers. Forward facing seats and that little extra leg room!
Macetown
A true “4×4” off road adventure which explores the historic gold mining town of Macetown. Long since abandoned after the gold rush, Macetown has now been transformed into a Department of Conservation reserve. Experience the narrow, rugged road in the safety of a Nomad Safaris 4WD vehicle, crossing the Arrow River some 25 times each way. Immerse yourself in the history of this fascinating region by panning for gold while our knowledgeable guides describe the hardship and exhilaration these miners faced.
The Macetown 4WD tour departs from Queenstown heading out via the picturesque town of Arrowtown. Pass the historic Chinese Settlers Village and the filming location of the “Ford of Bruinen” in the Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring.
Once in Macetown explore the remains of the township including a restored bakery, stone cottage and the only stamping battery with an iron frame in Otago.
Make your way back to Arrowtown along the Macetown Track. Try your hand at gold panning in the Arrow River as our guides teach you the techniques to pan for gold and feel the excitement that drew many people to this area during the gold rush of the 1800s.
Prices valid from 01/10/16 to 30/09/17
4 PAX MAX Includes:
Departs: 8am and 1.30pm
Duration: 4hrs return
Bring: Water, a camera and a sense of adventure! Dress appropriately for outdoor adventures in the mountains.
A maximum of 4 passengers. Forward facing seats and that little extra leg room!
4WD Experience
The Nomad Safaris 4WD Experience puts you in the driving seat. Get behind the wheel of one of our signature Land Rover Defenders while our expert instructors teach you essential off-road skills.
The Nomad Safaris 4WD Experience operates on a purpose-built test track incorporating the natural terrain on Queenstown Hill, before progressing onto the Macetown Road through the Arrow River.
Obstacles and challenges include banked turns, ditches, poles and even a slalom course! Once on the river our instructor will teach you how to choose the best places to cross and what to look out for in the water.
This half-day 4WD tour is a unique experience where you can learn truly valuable skills, surrounded by spectacular rugged scenery in the New Zealand high country. An opportunity not to be missed!
Prices valid from 01/10/16 to 30/09/17
Includes:
Departs: 8am and 1.30pm
Duration: 4.5hrs return
Bring: Water, a camera and a sense of adventure! Dress appropriately for outdoor adventures in the mountains.