Nomad Safaris - Queenstown

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 mi...Show More

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.

Greenstone & amp; Gold - The Best of Middle-earth
Combine Dart River Jet with Nomad Safaris for a full day adventure activity.
A Journey of Rare and Special Beauty The ultimate, original half day Wilderness Jet boat adventure takes you on an unforgettable journey along the braided, glacier-fed Dart River. Experience the unique combination of breath-taking scenery and an exhilarating ...Show More

Greenstone & amp; Gold - The Best of Middle-earth
Combine Dart River Jet with Nomad Safaris for a full day adventure activity.
A Journey of Rare and Special Beauty The ultimate, original half day Wilderness Jet boat adventure takes you on an unforgettable journey along the braided, glacier-fed Dart River. Experience the unique combination of breath-taking scenery and an exhilarating ride as we take you deep into Mount Aspiring National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Area. With unrivalled National Park access, we cover up to 90km of river on a trip making Dart River Adventures the longest jet boat ride in the region. This relaxed pace tour is ideal for those looking to take their time and make the most of being in this phenomenal place. With plenty of time to connect with the area and take in the scenery, your guides give you their authentic touch, sharing stories of the area’s rich history, the Greenstone trail and renowned Māori legends.

Take a True Off-Road Adventure. Take a true off-road adventure in a Safari-equipped 4WD vehicle. Explore the breathtaking, diverse scenery on offer in the Wakatipu Basin, travel through Historic Arrowtown and try your hand at panning for gold in the river. Experience the thrill of 4WD river crossings through the Arrow River, and view the stunning lake and mountain views from the Remarkables Road and the Skippers Canyon Saddle. Visit striking scenery used in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, including the Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings and the Ford of Bruinen.

Your Full Day Adventure Activity:

8:15am: Check in with Dart River Jet at the Station Building on Duke Street.8:30am: Take the scenic transfer to Glenorchy and then embark on the 2hr Wilderness Jet Experience.12:45pm: Return to Queenstown (break to get lunch - not included)1:20pm: Check in at 37 Shotover Street1:30pm: Depart on Nomad Safaris 4WD Tour around Wakatipu basin (afternoon tea included) 5:30pm: Drop off at Queenstown accommodation

The scenic Glenorchy safari offers breathtaking mountain and forest views along the shore of Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy and the Paradise Valley. Visit the filming locations for Isengard, the Ithilien Camp, Lothlorien & Fanghorn forest and the Seat of Seeing/ Battle of Amon Hen, and many more. En route from Glenorchy follow the Dart River to the spectacular filming location for Isengard. T...Show More

The scenic Glenorchy safari offers breathtaking mountain and forest views along the shore of Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy and the Paradise Valley. Visit the filming locations for Isengard, the Ithilien Camp, Lothlorien & Fanghorn forest and the Seat of Seeing/ Battle of Amon Hen, and many more. En route from Glenorchy follow 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.

Visit the filming locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), Gladden Fields, the Ford of Bruinen and more. Travel an historic gold mining road, following the Arrow River, stop for a refreshing morning or afternoon tea and the opportunity to try your hand at gold panning. Take in the spectacular panoramic views over the Wakatipu Basin.

Leading Queenstown activity operators Shotover Jet and Nomad Safaris, have combined to offer visitors an exciting Jet Boat and 4x4 adventure.

World famous as the ultimate jet boat experience, Shotover Jet has thrilled over 2.5 million people since 1970, and now it’s your turn! Take a unique breathtaking ride through dramatic and narrow canyons, and hold on tight for Queenstown’s...Show More

Leading Queenstown activity operators Shotover Jet and Nomad Safaris, have combined to offer visitors an exciting Jet Boat and 4x4 adventure.

World famous as the ultimate jet boat experience, Shotover Jet has thrilled over 2.5 million people since 1970, and now it’s your turn! Take a unique breathtaking ride through dramatic and narrow canyons, and hold on tight for Queenstown’s only exhilarating full 360 ̊ spins. ‘Can you handle the canyons?’ with award winning Shotover Jet, The World’s Most Exciting Jet Boat Ride, and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular River Canyons. Experience a personalised adventure tour into the New Zealand backcountry with Nomad Safaris in their specialised 4x4 vehicles. One of New Zealand’s most established and awarded tour operators with over 25 year’s experience. With Nomad Safaris, you will explore the abandoned gold mining area of the Arrow River and some locations used in ‘Lord of The Rings”. Travel the rugged road and experience true off-roading as you explore the pioneer trails guided by the ‘professional adventurers’.

Climb on board a Nomad Safaris 4WD for a custom offroad tour in to the New Zealand backcountry. With Nomad Safaris you will explore the abandoned gold mining area of the Arrow River and filming locations used in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Travel the rugged road and experience true four-wheel-driving as you explore the pioneer trails guided by the professional adventurers. Morning/Afternoon Tea and Gold Panning is included. Please note we only offer pick-up and drop-off to our shop Info & Track/Snow located on 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown.

Our private Queenstown tours are simply unbeatable. Leave the coach and car hire trips behind and travel in one of our luxury 4×4 Land Rover or Landcruiser vehicles with your own kiwi chauffeur guide – have a friend show you around. We are a family-run business based in Queenstown. We offer discreet private Queenstown tours in the comfort you deserve. There are no time restrictions on our local...Show More

Our private Queenstown tours are simply unbeatable. Leave the coach and car hire trips behind and travel in one of our luxury 4×4 Land Rover or Landcruiser vehicles with your own kiwi chauffeur guide – have a friend show you around. We are a family-run business based in Queenstown. We offer discreet private Queenstown tours in the comfort you deserve. There are no time restrictions on our local tours, so you decide how long or little you wish to stay at each location. We will pick up from any Hotel or B& B in the area, so you can start your tour at your convenience and finish wherever you wish. Our luxury private tours are designed to maximize your experience of our country in whatever time you have available. Some suggestions for your itinerary: Skippers Canyon Pioneer Trail Arrowtown and The Wineries Routeburn Dart Wildlife Discovery Quad Bike Ultimate ATV Adventure U-Drive – The Nomad Safaris 4WD Experience

In addition to our fleet of real off-road vehicles we also have a range of 4* minivans and buses - ideal for wine or art tours, trips to Arrowtown or Wanaka, and airport or restaurant transfers. For large groups, we can increase our carrying capacity according to the needs of your group.

A true 4x4 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. Ride the rugged road in the safety of our 4x4 that ensures excitement and adventure crossing the Arrow River some 25 times each way. Immerse yourself in the history of this precious region by pa...Show More

A true 4x4 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. Ride the rugged road in the safety of our 4x4 that ensures excitement and adventure crossing the Arrow River some 25 times each way. Immerse yourself in the history of this precious region by panning for gold and letting our knowledgeable guides teach you about the hardship and exhilaration these miners faced. Trip Details The Macetown 4WD tour departs from Queenstown heading out to Arrowtown. Once in Arrowtown you will be shown the historic Chinese Settlers Village and the filming location of the Ford of Bruinen in the Lord of the Rings. En route to Macetown you cross the Arrow River some 25 times before reaching Macetown. On the Macetown track you will pass through Soho Creek and Britannia Terrace. Both locations provide landmarks and insightful stories into the history of this interesting area. Upon arrival in Macetown you will be taken to the heritage site of Smith’s Bakehouse, which has recently been restored by the Department of Conservation. Explore the gold mining settlement and learn the history of Needham’s Cottage. Not far beyond Macetown is Anderson’s Battery. Learn about the only stamping battery with an iron frame in Otago. Leaving Anderson’s Battery you will start making your way back to Arrowtown along the Macetown Track. Try your hand at gold panning on 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. At Macetown experience true off road driving as our experienced guides show you what these 4x4s can do. But rest assured with one of the founding members of Tread Lightly! NZ you will be with one of the most responsible 4WD tours around. This off road adventure really puts the 4x4s through their paces making it so much more than other heritage tours.

Trip Details
Nomad Safaris offers a complete 4WD tour into the historic Skippers Canyon.
The Nomad Safaris Skippers Canyon adventure is a half-day heritage tour that travels along the rugged and treacherous Skippers road. As your guide navigates along this awe-inspiring canyon you will visit many historic sites such as the historic Skippers suspension bridge and the historic townshi...Show More

Trip Details
Nomad Safaris offers a complete 4WD tour into the historic Skippers Canyon.
The Nomad Safaris Skippers Canyon adventure is a half-day heritage tour that travels along the rugged and treacherous Skippers road. As your guide navigates along this awe-inspiring canyon you will visit many historic sites such as the historic Skippers suspension bridge and the historic township of Skippers. Visit the restored school house where you will gain a real
insight into the local heritage through photos and histories of life in this tough environment. British Automobile Association voted Skippers Canyon road as one of the 25 most scenic roads in the world. Travel the road that was hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley. This is an exciting adventure
the whole family will enjoy. The Skippers Canyon4WD tour departs from Queenstown heading out towards Coronet Peak. As you head up the peak towards the entrance to this spectacular
canyon there are stunning panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin. After entering Skippers Canyon we 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, much of the original building still remains, waiting for you to explore it. Indulge in morning or afternoon tea at the Skippers School building.
Immerse yourself in the history of this stunning place as the restored school house divulges a wealth of information through photos and artefacts from the early days of this settlement.
The cemetery nearby 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.

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 follow the Dart River to the spectacular filming loc...Show More

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 follow 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.

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 th...Show More

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.

A gentle track takes you through native scrub and beech
forest and along the lake front with stunning mountain views across the lake.
Enjoy a peaceful stroll whilst learning about native birds and the surrounding flora with your experienced guide. This is a great option for those wanting a more gentle walk just a short distance from bustling Queenstown. Departs daily 8am or 1pm – a...Show More

A gentle track takes you through native scrub and beech
forest and along the lake front with stunning mountain views across the lake.
Enjoy a peaceful stroll whilst learning about native birds and the surrounding flora with your experienced guide. This is a great option for those wanting a more gentle walk just a short distance from bustling Queenstown. Departs daily 8am or 1pm – allow 4 ½ hours for the return trip.
WHAT TO WEAR / BRING WITH YOU
·Sturdy footwear – ideally supportive hiking shoes with a closed toe and non slip tread.
·Adequate layers (Queenstown weather can change rapidly and maybe different to town due to microclimates).
·Waterproof jacket, water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, small day pack, and a hat or gloves (optional).
WHATS INCLUDED
·Experienced, knowledgeable guides with informative commentary of flora, fauna, geology and local history.
·Transfers to and from Queenstown or Glenorchy accommodation.
·Snacks and water (picnic lunch on full day hikes).
·Day packs, walking poles and wet weather gear if required.
·Full commentary is given and photo stops made while traveling the short distance by road to the start of these walks.