
4x4 Safari of Scenes
4x4 Safari of Scenes
The perfect tour for those who want the thrills of an off-road adventure but also want to discover exciting 'Lord of the Rings' film locations.
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Guests are collected from a convenient pick-up point and driven to the tranquil village of Glenorchy, on the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu. Here you board the Dart River jet-boat on a white-knuckle ride for an hour and a half up the narrow, meandering waterway, into real wilderness country. Jet boats are a New Zealand design which allow high speed travel up extremely shallow glacial riverbeds, and a by-product of this design feature is that they are able to put on the brakes suddenly which is hugely exciting.
Once you have disembarked from the boat, take a short guided walk on some picturesque forest tracks, where your knowledgeable guide will enliven your walk with and informative and entertaining commentary about the ancient native beech forest the unique flora and fauna, as well as the fascinating Maori and colonial history of the area. Finally, you return to Glenorchy by 4WD coach via a scenic back-road route, while hearing stories about the surrounding countryside and stopping to view scenery that has formed the epic backdrop for many international films, including 'The Lord of the Rings'.
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
4x4 Safari of Scenes
The perfect tour for those who want the thrills of an off-road adventure but also want to discover exciting 'Lord of the Rings' film locations.
Hot Air Balloon Flight
Depart early this morning on your hot air balloon flight over the magnificent scenery surrounding Queenstown. Lift off usually takes place in the valleys between Queenstown and Arrowtown with magnificent views of the unique terrain.
River and Rings Horseback Ride
Dart Stables provide a superb riding experience through some of New Zealand's most breathtaking scenery. You will journey through locations used in such films as 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Willow' whilst taking in the spectacular surroundings.
Routeburn Track — 3 Days
Climb a well-graded track to Key Summit, where you can sit among the alpine plants and partake in 'The Annual General Meeting of the Mountains'. You then descend to Lake Howden before gradually climbing through lush silver beech forest to the base of Earland Falls: quite a sight in wet weather!
Shotover River Jet Boat
The Shotover Jet is an adrenaline fuelled jet boat trip through the Shotover Canyon, which towers over you on either side. Skim around crags and boulders and then enjoy the sensation as the boat spins around 360 degrees in its own length.
TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm
Affectionately know as the 'Lady of the Lake', the TSS Earnslaw has been steaming the length of Lake Wakatipu since 1912. You can watch sheepdogs in action, see the shearing or even try your hand at wool spinning. After morning or afternoon tea you then steam back to Queenstown.