Nomad Safaris
Explore Queenstown’s Backcountry with the Professional Adventurers
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Nomad Safaris has been taking visitors off the beaten track and into some of the Queenstown region’s most spectacular landscapes for over 30 years.
Our adventures combine incredible scenery, local history, Lord of the Rings filming locations and genuine off-road experiences. From historic gold-mining country and dramatic mountain roads to the landscapes of Glenorchy and Paradise, our experienced local guides take you to places many visitors never get to see.
Tours are designed to offer a personal experience with plenty of interaction with your driver- guide. We also cater for larger groups, corporate outings and special events, with tailored options available to suit different group sizes and itineraries. Private tours are also available.
Whether you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, history lover, keen photographer or simply looking for a genuine Queenstown adventure, Nomad Safaris will take you beyond the usual sightseeing routes.
Choose from half-day and full-day adventures departing from Queenstown, including:
Lord of the Rings – Queenstown
Explore famous filming locations around the Wakatipu Basin while discovering the region’s gold-mining history, Arrow River landscapes and spectacular viewpoints towards Skippers Canyon. Includes refreshments and gold panning.
BOOK HERE
Lord of the Rings – Glenorchy
Journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy and Paradise, visiting spectacular filming locations including landscapes used for Isengard, Ithilien and Middle-earth. Includes refreshments.
BOOK HERE
Lord of the Rings Full Day Adventure
Combine our Queenstown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings tours for a full-day journey through some of the region’s most spectacular Middle-earth landscapes. Explore filming locations around Queenstown, the Wakatipu Basin, Glenorchy and Paradise, while also discovering local history, gold-mining country and dramatic backcountry scenery. Includes refreshments and a café lunch voucher.
BOOK HERE
Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure
Travel deep into historic Skippers Canyon on one of New Zealand’s most impressive backcountry roads. Discover dramatic scenery, gold-mining history and remote viewpoints while enjoying an authentic 4WD experience. Includes refreshments and gold panning.
BOOK HERE
Macetown 4WD Full-Day Adventure
Follow the historic road into the abandoned gold-mining settlement of Macetown, crossing the Arrow River numerous times along the way. Explore the settlement, learn about its fascinating history, and enjoy a 90-minute walk to the historic Homeward Bound Battery. Includes picnic lunch, refreshments and gold panning.
BOOK HERE
Essential Queenstown – Shotover Jet & 4WD Combo
Combine two iconic Queenstown experiences in one adventure. Enjoy a thrilling Shotover Jet ride before heading off-road on a guided 4WD journey through spectacular backcountry scenery, historic gold-mining areas and scenic viewpoints. A great option for guests wanting to experience two Queenstown highlights in one day.
BOOK HERE
Quad Bike Adventures
Experience Queenstown’s backcountry from the seat of a quad bike on our private high- country farm. Follow purpose-built trails through varied terrain, with incredible 360-degree views across the surrounding mountains and valleys. With one of the longest quad bike riding experiences in Queenstown, you’ll have plenty of time to build confidence and enjoy the adventure, accompanied by experienced guides. Includes refreshments.
BOOK HERE
Routeburn Nature Trail – Guided Walk
Enjoy a relaxed 1.5–2 hour guided walk through the beautiful Routeburn Valley, following the Nature Walk Loop through native beech forest and beside crystal-clear rivers. Learn about the local flora, fauna and landscapes from your experienced guide. Includes refreshments.
BOOK HERE
Routeburn Experience – Guided Hike
Spend a full day exploring one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, with approximately 6–7 hours of walking along the Routeburn Track. Hike through native forest and alpine scenery towards Routeburn Flats Hut, continuing towards Routeburn Falls Hut if time and conditions allow. Includes refreshments and lunch.
BOOK HERE
Our adventures combine incredible scenery, local history, Lord of the Rings filming locations and genuine off-road experiences. From historic gold-mining country and dramatic mountain roads to the landscapes of Glenorchy and Paradise, our experienced local guides take you to places many visitors never get to see.
Tours are designed to offer a personal experience with plenty of interaction with your driver- guide. We also cater for larger groups, corporate outings and special events, with tailored options available to suit different group sizes and itineraries. Private tours are also available.
Whether you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, history lover, keen photographer or simply looking for a genuine Queenstown adventure, Nomad Safaris will take you beyond the usual sightseeing routes.
Choose from half-day and full-day adventures departing from Queenstown, including:
Lord of the Rings – Queenstown
Explore famous filming locations around the Wakatipu Basin while discovering the region’s gold-mining history, Arrow River landscapes and spectacular viewpoints towards Skippers Canyon. Includes refreshments and gold panning.
BOOK HERE
Lord of the Rings – Glenorchy
Journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy and Paradise, visiting spectacular filming locations including landscapes used for Isengard, Ithilien and Middle-earth. Includes refreshments.
BOOK HERE
Lord of the Rings Full Day Adventure
Combine our Queenstown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings tours for a full-day journey through some of the region’s most spectacular Middle-earth landscapes. Explore filming locations around Queenstown, the Wakatipu Basin, Glenorchy and Paradise, while also discovering local history, gold-mining country and dramatic backcountry scenery. Includes refreshments and a café lunch voucher.
BOOK HERE
Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure
Travel deep into historic Skippers Canyon on one of New Zealand’s most impressive backcountry roads. Discover dramatic scenery, gold-mining history and remote viewpoints while enjoying an authentic 4WD experience. Includes refreshments and gold panning.
BOOK HERE
Macetown 4WD Full-Day Adventure
Follow the historic road into the abandoned gold-mining settlement of Macetown, crossing the Arrow River numerous times along the way. Explore the settlement, learn about its fascinating history, and enjoy a 90-minute walk to the historic Homeward Bound Battery. Includes picnic lunch, refreshments and gold panning.
BOOK HERE
Essential Queenstown – Shotover Jet & 4WD Combo
Combine two iconic Queenstown experiences in one adventure. Enjoy a thrilling Shotover Jet ride before heading off-road on a guided 4WD journey through spectacular backcountry scenery, historic gold-mining areas and scenic viewpoints. A great option for guests wanting to experience two Queenstown highlights in one day.
BOOK HERE
Quad Bike Adventures
Experience Queenstown’s backcountry from the seat of a quad bike on our private high- country farm. Follow purpose-built trails through varied terrain, with incredible 360-degree views across the surrounding mountains and valleys. With one of the longest quad bike riding experiences in Queenstown, you’ll have plenty of time to build confidence and enjoy the adventure, accompanied by experienced guides. Includes refreshments.
BOOK HERE
Routeburn Nature Trail – Guided Walk
Enjoy a relaxed 1.5–2 hour guided walk through the beautiful Routeburn Valley, following the Nature Walk Loop through native beech forest and beside crystal-clear rivers. Learn about the local flora, fauna and landscapes from your experienced guide. Includes refreshments.
BOOK HERE
Routeburn Experience – Guided Hike
Spend a full day exploring one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, with approximately 6–7 hours of walking along the Routeburn Track. Hike through native forest and alpine scenery towards Routeburn Flats Hut, continuing towards Routeburn Falls Hut if time and conditions allow. Includes refreshments and lunch.
BOOK HERE
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all. While our Lord of the Rings tours visit filming locations, they also showcase some of the Queenstown region’s best scenery, local history, gold-mining heritage and backcountry landscapes.
Our standard 4WD tours operate in small groups of up to six guests per driver-guide, creating a more personal experience with plenty of interaction with your guide. Selected 4 pax maximum options are also available for guests wanting additional space and a window seat.
Refreshments are included on our half-day 4WD tours, Lord of the Rings tours, quad bike adventures and guided walks. Our Macetown Adventure and Routeburn Experience include a picnic lunch, while full day Lord of the Rings experience includes a café lunch voucher.
No previous quad biking experience is required. Our experienced guides provide a full safety briefing and training before heading out onto the trails. Riders must be able to safely control the quad bike and successfully complete a practical safety assessment before the tour begins.
Our Routeburn Nature Trail is a relaxed guided walk with approximately 1.5–2 hours of walking. The full-day Routeburn Experience includes approximately 6–7 hours of walking and requires a moderate level of fitness.
Pickup is available from selected Queenstown accommodation locations for many of our tours, otherwise our main meeting point is our shop at 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown.
Yes. Private 4WD tour options are available for guests looking for a more personalised Queenstown experience.
Many of our 4WD and Lord of the Rings tours are family-friendly. Quad biking is available for riders aged 16 years and over.
Queenstown weather can change quickly, so we recommend comfortable footwear and layered clothing suitable for the conditions. Specific equipment or clothing requirements will be provided when needed for your chosen adventure.
