Safaris Queenstown

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. Enjoy dressing up with props from the movies and have a sword fight!

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.
Morning or Afternoon tea is included.
We are unable to offer pickups from the Hilton Hotel or Frankton for this tour due to traffic delays, please make your way to our Info & Track shop at 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown.
If your preferred date and time are unavailable, please feel free to contact us.

Important: get in touch if you need to cancel between 7 days and 24 hours prior to your tour: res@nomadsafaris.co.nz



IMPORTANT Every adventure has risks — from changing weather to rough trails and physical challenges. Before you book, please review our full Weather Cancellation Policy and Disclosure of Risks.


Discover Queenstown with Nomad Safaris. Explore our full range of adventure tours at www.nomadsafaris.co.nz

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 see 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.
We then travel 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 to Lighthouse Rock.
If your preferred date and time are unavailable, please feel free to contact us.

Important: get in touch if you need to cancel between 7 days and 24 hours prior to your tour: res@nomadsafaris.co.nz



IMPORTANT Every adventure has risks — from changing weather to rough trails and physical challenges. Before you book, please review our full Weather Cancellation Policy and Disclosure of Risks.


Discover Queenstown with Nomad Safaris. Explore our full range of adventure tours at www.nomadsafaris.co.nz

The Nomad Quads base is just a 15 minute transfer from downtown Queenstown. Here, we will kit you out in protective clothing before your training begins. We ensure you are comfortable with operating a Quad - our guides recognise that riding a quad bike for the first time can sometimes be a little nerve-racking and we pride ourselves on making riding as fun as possible for ALL levels of experience.
Nomad Quad Safaris operate fully automatic 400cc quad bikes with 4WD ensuring an experience that is adventurous yet safe. Full training on the quad bike ensures that all levels are catered for. All weather waterproof clothing is also provided along with all safety gear in order to ensure a fun yet safe quad bike tour.
Nomad Safaris has exclusive use of Queenstown Hill ensuring that on your Quad Bike tour you get breath-taking panoramic views that are exclusively yours. Don’t forget your camera as the viewpoints provide stunning photo opportunities. As Nomad Safaris has exclusive use of Queenstown Hill this ensures access to a wealth of trails covering different types of terrain allowing a Quad Bike tour that is tailored to the ability of the group.
The Nomad Quad Safari is 3.5 hours in duration and 2.25 hours on the Quad bike.
* If your preferred date and time are unavailable, please feel free to contact us.


* All riders must be over 16, under 150 kgs and with a good command of the English language *
Important : get in touch if you need to cancel between 7 days and 24 hours prior to your tour: res@nomadsafaris.co.nz

Please be advised that quad biking is not recommended for expecting mothers or individuals with disabilities or physical conditions that may affect their participation, such as hearing loss, vision impairment, or loss of mobility.



Quad Bike Riding and Safety

Training and Safety Protocol:
* To ensure everyone's safety, we offer training at the beginning of your quad bike experience. If you're unable to demonstrate safe riding or cannot communicate with our guides during the training in plain English, for your safety and the safety of others, we won't allow you to participate in the quad bike activity.
* Quad biking is a physically demanding activity which requires a degree of physical strength and people of smaller stature/slight build are at greater risk of accident. Guides are trained to recognise potential safety concerns, including rider size and strength. This may restrict participation based on known risk factors.
Alternative Options: If you can't ride the quad bike safely we may offer you a refund of $50 for your quad bike activity, you may be able to ride pillion with the guide but this is not guaranteed.



Credit Card Policy:
A valid credit/debit card is required when you check in, otherwise you can not participate in the trip and there will be no refund. In the event of an accident, we may charge up to $2,500 to cover any damage, repairs or insurance excess.


Is there a free parking area where I can be picked up from?
If you have your own vehicle, you can park for free out at the Nomad Safaris Quad Bike Pick Up Location - 420 Tucker Beach Road (Tucker Beach Recreational Reserve), Queenstown. The car park is located very close to our quad base, and if you have your own vehicle you can park it there at your own risk and we can pick you up on the way through. Please ensure you inform us if you prefer this option. Otherwise, it will be assumed you are meeting us at the shop or at your chosen pick-up location. It can also be found using What3Words: asparagus.remixes.restarts.
Google maps link for Tucker Beach Road carpark: https://g.co/kgs/WNJRdSvCheers


IMPORTANT Every adventure has risks — from changing weather to rough trails and physical challenges. Before you book, please review our full Weather Cancellation Policy and Disclosure of Risks.


Discover Queenstown with Nomad Safaris. Explore our full range of adventure tours at www.nomadsafaris.co.nz

This is the ultimate tour for every Lord of the Rings true fan! Spend a full day deep in the scenic movie locations, hear tales and behind the scenes filming stories, try replica props and walk in ancient forests. Our local guides will transport you through the magical lands of Queenstown and Glenorchy, bringing the films to life for you. This tour includes a light lunch ($20 voucher) in a Queenstown café as well as morning and afternoon tea.
The morning begins with the scenic Glenorchy safari which 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.
The Route from Glenorchy follows 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.
After lunch travel part way up Queenstown hill, you get a birds-eye view of Deer Park Heights, which was used for the refugees of Rohan and the Battle of the Wargs scenes. Travelling from the Queenstown hill 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 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 Queenstown and into Skippers Canyon to Lighthouse Rock.
The trip may alternate with the Queenstown tour in the morning and Glenorchy in the afternoon.

If your preferred date and time are unavailable, please feel free to contact us.

Important: get in touch if you need to cancel between 7 days and 24 hours prior to your tour: res@nomadsafaris.co.nz



IMPORTANT Every adventure has risks — from changing weather to rough trails and physical challenges. Before you book, please review our full Weather Cancellation Policy and Disclosure of Risks.


Discover Queenstown with Nomad Safaris. Explore our full range of adventure tours at www.nomadsafaris.co.nz

Macetown 4WD Adventure – Full Day Guided Tour

Step into the past on this thrilling full-day 4x4 off-road journey to Macetown – a remote gold mining settlement tucked deep in Queenstown’s backcountry. Follow the rugged Arrow River trail, crossing its waters 25 times in each direction, as you discover dramatic landscapes, historic sites, and a legacy carved during Otago’s 1860s gold rush.

Ideal for adventurous travellers, photographers, history buffs, and families looking to experience the South Island’s untouched beauty.

What to Expect

This is no ordinary road trip – it’s a true off-road expedition. Our expert guides drive you along the narrow miners’ old wagon trail once used by gold prospectors, deep into the mountains behind Arrowtown. With river crossings, scenic walks, historic relics, and stunning lupin-covered valleys in spring and summer, every moment is an experience.

Along the way, your guide will share stories of pioneer hardship, colourful characters of the gold rush era, and the rise and fall of the once bustling township. Expect immersive storytelling, a deep connection to place, and plenty of photo-worthy moments throughout this rugged and remarkable journey.

Tour Highlights

• Experience the thrill of crossing the Arrow River over 50 times in a rugged 4WD, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery
• Enjoy lively, engaging commentary from expert local guides who bring Otago’s gold rush history to life
• Walk through wild alpine terrain to the towering, four-story Homeward Bound Battery – a powerful remnant of gold mining ingenuity
• Step back in time at the Lakes District Museum in historic Arrowtown and explore the town’s gold rush roots
• Relax with a picnic lunch in the remote and beautiful Macetown, far from the crowds
• Try your luck at gold panning in the Arrow River with hands-on instruction
• Relive iconic film moments at locations used in The Lord of the Rings, including the Ford of Bruinen

Itinerary Snapshot

• Depart Queenstown and drive to Arrowtown
• Explore the Lakes District Museum and historic town centre
• Begin the off-road journey following the Arrow River
• Learn about historic sites such as Soho Creek and Britannia Terrace
• Arrive at Macetown for a picnic lunch and relic exploration
• Take a 90-minute return guided walk to the Homeward Bound Battery
• Try gold panning with your guide in the Arrow River
• Return via the same scenic route

Sustainable Travel

Nomad Safaris operates under Department of Conservation guidelines and prioritises responsible off-road travel in sensitive environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: What should I bring?
  A: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a rain jacket, sunscreen, hat, and a water bottle. Dress in layers as the weather can change quickly.
• Q: Is the tour suitable for children?
  A: Yes – it’s family-friendly. However, the off-road journey is bumpy, so may not suit very young children or anyone with certain medical conditions.
• Q: How long is the walk to Homeward Bound Battery?
  A: About 45 minutes each way on a rugged alpine track. Moderate fitness is recommended.
• Q: What’s included in the lunch?
  A: A selection of fresh filled rolls, fresh fruit, snacks, and beverages. Dietary needs can be catered to with advance notice.
• Q: Do I need experience to pan for gold?
  A: Not at all. We supply all the equipment and will teach you the techniques used by the early miners.
• Q: When does the tour operate?
  A: October to the end of May, when weather is more favourable. Tours are subject to river and road conditions.

Ready to unlock the secrets of Macetown? Join Nomad Safaris for an unforgettable full-day 4WD adventure – rich in history, scenery, and hands-on discovery. Book now through our website or contact our team to reserve your seat.

IMPORTANT Every adventure has risks — from changing weather to rough trails and physical challenges. Before you book, please review our full Weather Cancellation Policy and Disclosure of Risks.

Discover Queenstown with Nomad Safaris. Explore our full range of adventure tours at www.nomadsafaris.co.nz