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Macetown 4x4 Adventure – Full Day Guided Tour from Queenstown

By Nomad Safaris
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$551 per adult
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Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 9h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
Overview

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

Perfect for adventurous travellers, photographers, history buffs, and families, this is no ordinary road trip – it’s a true off-road expedition. Expert guides take you along the narrow miners’ wagon trail once used by gold prospectors, deep into the mountains behind Arrowtown. With 50 river crossings, 90 minute walk, picnic lunch, relics, and lupin-filled valleys in spring and summer, every moment offers something new. Hear tales of pioneer hardship, colourful gold rush characters, and the rise and fall of the once-thriving township, with immersive storytelling and countless photo-worthy scenes along the way.

Activity location
  • Arrowtown Village
    • Buckingham Street,
    • 9302, Arrowtown, New Zealand
Meeting/Redemption Point
  • 37 Shotover Street
    • 37 Shotover Street
    • 9300, Queenstown, Otago Region, New Zealand

Check availability

Macetown 4x4 Adventure – Full Day Guided Tour from Queenstown
  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • English
Language options: English
Starting time: 8:30 am
Price details
AU$550.59 x 1 AdultAU$550.59
Total
Price is AU$550.59
Until Sun, 21 Dec

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Entrance fee covered for the Lakes District Museum
  • What's includedWhat's included
    A selection of fresh filled rolls, fresh fruit, snacks, and drinks.
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Light refreshments (including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fruit cake and cookies)
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Driver/guide
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Pickup from central Queenstown accommodation is included. Surround suburbs (Kelvin Heights, Frankton, Arthur's Point, Fernhill and others) by arrangement. Please contact to reconfirm pick up arrangement and time.
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Transport by 4x4 vehicle

Know before you book

  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Specialised infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
  • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Operates in all weather conditions unless the river is too high. Dress appropriately for comfort and the 90 minute walk.
  • Minimum numbers apply (min 2 per tour for confirmed departure, min 4 on NZ public holidays). There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

Activity itinerary

Arrowtown Village
  • 45m
Enjoy the scenic drive from Queenstown to the quaint historic Arrowtown Village.
Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery
  • 30m
  • Admission ticket included
Explore the Museum with a brief visit and experience the history of the Gold Mining era.
Macetown
  • 1h
Arrive at Macetown for a picnic lunch and relic exploration while soaking up the backcountry views.
Macetown
  • 1h 30m
Walk for 90 minutes return through wild alpine terrain to the towering, four-story Homeward Bound Battery - a powerful remnant of gold mining ingenuity
Arrowtown
  • 30m
Try your luck at gold panning in the Arrow River with hands-on instruction.
Arrow River
  • 1h
Follow the miners’ old wagon trail and explore 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. Experience the narrow, rugged road in safety with a Nomad Safaris tour.

Location

Activity location
  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Arrowtown Village
    • Buckingham Street,
    • 9302, Arrowtown, New Zealand
Meeting/Redemption Point
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    37 Shotover Street
    • 37 Shotover Street
    • 9300, Queenstown, Otago Region, New Zealand

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Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. We offer one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Arrowtown your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.