Nomad Safaris 4WD Adventures in Queenstown

Guided off-Road adventures

Nomad Safaris, Queenstown’s 4WD specialist, offer small, personalised tours into the spectacular New Zealand back country, with either half or full day tours using a fleet of modern off road vehicles. Nomad Safaris 4WD tours encompass everything from Lord of the Rings tours to historical gold mining tours. Our 4WD tours explore locations around the Wakatipu basin, including Arrowtown, Glenorchy and Paradise and backcountry locations such as Skippers Canyon and Macetown.
We respect the environment we visit and are actively involved in the care and preservation of heritage areas. Qualmark Enviro Gold – working towards sustainable tourism. Half day and full day tours include hotel transfers and refreshments. Max. 6 people per guide.

Nomad 4 WD Safari Tour Options:

Nomad Safaris – Lord of the Rings Full Day Tour

Price:  $490 per person – Child $215 pp
Departs: 8:00 am 
Duration: 8 Hours approx.

Nomad Safari of Scenes – The Glenorchy Tour

Price:  $245 per person – Child $99 pp
Private Charter:  $1225
Departs:  8:00 am or 1:30 pm
Duration:  4 Hours approx.

For true Lord of the Rings fans, this is the trip where Nomad Safaris really does take you There and Back again. This scenic sightseeing tour includes recognisable filming locations and stunning natural scenery. The Glenorchy Safari of the Scenes takes you from Queenstown to Glenorchy stopping at breath-taking viewpoints. 

En route from Glenorchy foll ow the Dart River to the spectacular filming location for Isengard. This location offers stunning views of Mt Earnslaw. Heading to Paradise discover the location for the Forrest of Lothlorien. Leaving Glenorchy and heading towards Queenstown you will stop at 12 Mile Delta to explore the location of the Ithilien Camp. 

The Safari of the Scenes – Glenorchy also includes locations from Xmen Origins: Wolverine, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. 

Nomad Safaris – Scenes 0f Wakatipu Basin

Price:  $245 per person – Child $99 pp
Private Charter:  $1225
Departs:  8:15 am or 1:30 pm
Duration:  4 Hours approx.

The perfect tour for those that want the thrills of an off road adventure but also want to discover exciting Lord of the Rings filming locations. The Wakatipu Basin tour takes you to The Remarkables, which were used as various mountains throughout the trilogy including the Misty Mountains. Travelling part way up  Queenstown hill  you get a birds eye view onto Deer Park Heights, which was used for the refugees of Rohan and the Battle of the Wargs scenes. 

Travelling from The Remarkables viewpoint we head to the Kawarau Gorge where the filming took place for the Argonath, or Pillars of the Kings. Leaving the Kawarau Gorge the trip heads to Arrowtown where the loss of The One Ring at Gladden Fields was shot. Near Arrowtown you will experience a true off road adventure. Following a historic gold mining road up the Arrow River you will cross the river many times to get to the Ford of Bruinen. At this point you can indulge in morning or afternoon tea and try your hand at a spot of gold panning. 

From Arrowtown you will travel to the entrance of Skippers Canyon where you will be offered spectacular panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin and into Skippers Canyon. 

Nomad Safaris Gold Heritage – Skippers Canyon Tour

Price:  $245 per person – Child  $99 per person
Private Charter:  $1225
Departs: 8:15 am or 1:30 pm
Duration: 4 Hours approx.

The Skippers Canyon 4WD tour departs from Queenstown heading out towards Coronet Peak. As you head up the peak towards the entrance to this spectacular canyon you will stop at Plane Table, which gives a stunning panoramic view of the Wakatipu Basin. After entering Skippers Canyon you will travel to Lighthouse Rock, which gives a dramatic lookout over the entire canyon. Follow in the footsteps of many adventurers and discoverers as this historical winding road brings you to the historic Skippers Bridge, which provides a stunning photo opportunity. 

Carefully travelling over the bridge, the road continues into the historical township of Skippers. Long since abandoned many original building still remain waiting for you to explore. Indulge in morning or afternoon tea at the Skippers Schoolhouse. Immerse yourself in the history of this stunning place as the restored schoolhouse divulges a wealth of information through photos and artefacts from the early days of this settlement. The cemetery depicts a more gloomy and dangerous life for these gold prospectors. 

Returning along the road you will stop at Deep Creek where you can immerse yourself in the heritage of the local area by turning your hand to a spot of gold panning. Our trained guides will teach you techniques to successfully pan for gold on one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world. Some may also recognise spots along the Skippers Road as being featured in The Lord of The Rings.

Nomad Safaris Gold Seeker – Nugget of Gold

Price:  $169 per person – Child $95 pp
Private Charter:  $845
Departs: 8:15 am – 10:30am – 1:30 pm or 3:30 pm
Duration: 2 Hours approx.

Gold Seeker is an amazing experience in the abandoned gold mining areas of Queenstown. Using two of the most spectacular Roads in the world, the tour encompasses breath taking scenery, exhilaration off-road driving, amazing history along with great refreshments and an opportunity to find real “wild” gold.

Near Arrowtown you will experience a true off road adventure. Following a historic gold mining road up the Arrow River you will cross the river many times to get to the Ford of Bruinen. At this point you can indulge in morning or afternoon tea and try your hand at a spot of gold panning. From Arrowtown you will travel to the entrance of Skippers Canyon where you will be offered spectacular panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin and into Skippers Canyon.

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