Nomad Safaris – Queenstown Tours & Adventures

Discover some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes with Nomad Safaris, offering memorable Queenstown tours by 4WD, quad bike and on foot.

Operating in Queenstown since 1992, Nomad Safaris takes visitors beyond the main sightseeing routes to explore rugged backcountry, historic gold-mining areas, famous Lord of the Rings filming locations and the spectacular Routeburn Track.

Choose from half-day and full-day adventures around Queenstown, Glenorchy, Skippers Canyon, Macetown and the Routeburn Track, along with additional experiences including self-drive 4WD adventures and combination tours.

Why Choose Nomad Safaris?

• Operating in Queenstown since 1992
• Half-day and full-day Queenstown tours
• Queenstown, Glenorchy and full-day Lord of the Rings tours
• Skippers Canyon 4WD tour
• Macetown 4WD adventure
• Queenstown quad bike tours
• Half-day and full-day Routeburn guided walks
• Experience 4WD – U Drive
• Jet boat and 4WD combination tours
• Private Queenstown tours and charters
• Group adventures and packages
• Experienced guides
• Spectacular backcountry scenery
• Historic gold-mining locations
• Central Queenstown location

Lord of the Rings Tours

Explore spectacular Lord of the Rings filming locations around Queenstown and Glenorchy by 4WD, combining Middle-earth scenery with remote landscapes, historic routes and local stories.

Lord of the Rings Queenstown

Travel through the Wakatipu Basin on a half-day 4WD adventure visiting landscapes associated with the Misty Mountains, Pillars of the Kings, Gladden Fields and Ford of Bruinen.

Along the way, discover historic gold-mining country, tackle river crossings and try gold panning in the Arrow River.

Lord of the Rings Glenorchy

Journey towards Glenorchy and Paradise, where mountains, valleys, forests and rivers provided the backdrop for memorable Middle-earth scenes.

This scenic adventure ventures into spectacular landscapes around the northern end of Lake Wakatipu and is a great choice for movie fans wanting to discover more of the region’s filming locations. Enjoy dressing up with replica props and swords.

Lord of the Rings Full Day

Combine the Queenstown and Glenorchy tours for a more immersive full-day Middle-earth adventure.

The approximately 9.5-hour journey explores a wider selection of filming landscapes, with behind-the-scenes stories and replica movie props adding to the experience.

Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour

Explore one of the region’s most dramatic historic landscapes on a Skippers Canyon 4WD tour.

Travel along the legendary Skippers Road into rugged backcountry shaped by Queenstown’s gold-mining history, with impressive canyon, river and mountain scenery throughout the journey.

An experienced driver-guide takes care of the challenging backcountry road, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery and discover the fascinating history of this remote part of Queenstown.

Macetown 4WD Adventure

Journey into historic gold-mining country on a full-day Macetown 4WD Adventure.

The route follows rugged backcountry tracks and numerous river crossings into the mountains beyond Arrowtown, reaching the historic Macetown area.

Remote scenery, off-road driving and gold-mining history combine to create a memorable full-day adventure away from Queenstown’s more frequently visited attractions. The current Macetown experience is approximately nine hours.

Quad Bike Tour Queenstown

Experience Queenstown’s backcountry from a different perspective on a guided quad bike tour across Queenstown Hill Station.

More than 25 kilometres of varied trails provide plenty of opportunity for off-road adventure, accompanied by panoramic views across the surrounding lakes and mountains.

Tours are guided and tailored to different experience levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders. Approximately 2.25 hours are spent on the quad bike as part of the 4-hour experience.

Age, physical and safety requirements apply to quad biking and should be checked when booking.

Routeburn Guided Walk – Half Day

Experience part of one of New Zealand’s Great Walks on the Routeburn Guided Walk – Half Day.

Travel along the scenic road from Queenstown towards Glenorchy before continuing to the Routeburn Track for a guided walk through spectacular wilderness.

The complete experience takes approximately 4.5 hours with 2 hours of walking, making it a convenient option for visitors wanting to experience the Routeburn without committing to a full-day hike.

Routeburn Guided Hike – Full Day

Spend more time exploring the wilderness on the Routeburn Guided Walk Full Day, also ideal for visitors seeking a full-day guided Routeburn hiking experience.

The approximately 10-hour experience with 7 hours of hiking provides more time to discover the track and surrounding landscape with a guide.

The full-day option is suited to visitors wanting a more substantial walking experience while still returning to Queenstown at the end of the day.

More Queenstown Adventures

Alongside the signature Lord of the Rings, 4WD, quad biking and Routeburn experiences, there are several more ways to explore Queenstown with Nomad Safaris.

Experience 4WD – U Drive

Get behind the wheel on the Experience 4WD – U Drive adventure.

Participants drive a Land Rover Defender while an experienced instructor teaches essential off-road driving skills on a purpose-built course in the Queenstown backcountry.

The experience may also include an Arrow River crossing when conditions permit and is available as a private tour.

Shotover Jet & 4WD Combo

Combine two different Queenstown adventures with the Shotover Jet & 4WD Combo.

The approximately 3.5-hour experience combines jet boating with an off-road 4WD adventure, providing a convenient way to experience two popular Queenstown activities in one trip.

Dart River Jet & 4WD Combo

Discover the landscapes surrounding Queenstown, Glenorchy and Mount Aspiring National Park with the Dart River Jet & 4WD Combo.

This full-day experience combines a scenic Dart River jet boat journey with a 4WD adventure through the Wakatipu Basin, including off-road travel and gold panning.

Private Queenstown Tours

Private Queenstown tours and charters are available for travellers wanting a more personalised experience.

Travel by private 4WD with a driver-guide and tailor the experience around individual interests, with potential itineraries including Skippers Canyon, Arrowtown, Routeburn and other backcountry destinations.

Private Lord of the Rings tours and the Experience 4WD – U Drive adventure are also available.

Queenstown Group Tours & Adventures

A range of experiences can be arranged for groups visiting Queenstown, from smaller private parties to larger organised groups.

Group options include Lord of the Rings tours, quad biking, Skippers Canyon adventures and dedicated experiences such as the Gold Seeker 4WD Tour.

Contact Nomad Safaris directly to discuss group numbers, preferred activities and suitable options.

Explore Queenstown Beyond the Main Roads

From historic gold-mining trails and remote river valleys to famous movie locations and alpine walking tracks, Nomad Safaris provides many different ways to experience the Queenstown region.

Adventures by 4WD, quad bike, jet boat and on foot provide access to landscapes around Queenstown, Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Paradise, Skippers Canyon, Macetown and the Routeburn Track.

For more places to visit, activities and travel inspiration throughout the region, explore the Otago Travel Guide.

Book Your Queenstown Adventure

Choose from Lord of the Rings tours, 4WD adventures, quad biking, guided Routeburn walks and a range of additional Queenstown experiences.

Contact Nomad Safaris directly for current departure times, availability and tour information.

Support local and book direct with Nomad Safaris.