Full-Day 4WD, Lunch And Gold Panning

Full Day Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour from Queenstown

★ 4.8 90 reviews

from $378.28 per person

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Duration: 9 hours
Meeting point: Shotover Street, Queenstown
Cancellation: Cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Nomad Safaris

Overview

This full day Lord of the Rings tour from Queenstown spends nine hours in a six seater 4WD with a dedicated guide, tracking film locations between Queenstown, Glenorchy, Paradise and Skippers Canyon. It starts at 08:00 from Info and Track at 37 Shotover Street, with pickup from selected central Queenstown accommodation possible if you confirm with the operator by phone. The listed stops include Paradise, 12 Mile Delta, the Arrow River and the Kawarau Bungy Centre.

The tour is aimed at film fans, but reviewers who had never seen the movies said it still worked as a landscape tour, with guides matching film stills to the exact spots where scenes were shot. Gold panning is built into the day, and transport, lunch at a local cafe, plus snacks of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cake and cookies are covered in the price.

Groups run to a maximum of six travellers, and a minimum of two passengers is needed for the tour to depart, rising to four on New Zealand statutory holidays. It suits most travellers, though it is not wheelchair accessible. The day ends back at the meeting point in Queenstown.

$378.28from, per person

9 hoursduration

4.8across 90 guest reviews

6guests at most

What's Included

Included

Lunch (lunch at a local cafe)
Snacks ( (including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cake and cookies))
Transport by 6 seater 4WD vehicle with your guide
Pickup from selected central Queenstown accommodations
Gold panning

Itinerary

Meet in QueenstownMeet at Info and Track, 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown at 08:00. Pickup from selected central accommodation may be possible; phone the operator on 034426699 to confirm.
Glenorchy Road driveThe tour sets off along the Glenorchy to Queenstown Road, a 10 minute stretch at the start of the day.
ParadiseOne hour in the Paradise area.
12 Mile DeltaA 20 minute stop with free admission at 12 Mile Delta.
Queenstown stopA 45 minute stop in Queenstown, which is where lunch at a local cafe is taken on the full day tour.
Kawarau Bungy CentreA 30 minute stop at the Kawarau Bungy Centre by AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand, free to visit.
Arrow RiverOne hour at the Arrow River.
Skippers CanyonA 30 minute stretch through Skippers Canyon, before returning to the meeting point.

GuideIncluded

PickupSelected stays only

What To Expect From The Tour

A nine hour day in a 4WD with up to five other travellers, so a little preparation goes a long way.

Dress for change. Bring comfortable shoes, suitable clothing, sun protection and water, and dress for changeable mountain weather. Tours run in most conditions but can be altered or cancelled if conditions are unsafe.
Film knowledge optional. Reviewers who had not seen the movies still found the day engaging and interesting.
Food and drink. Lunch at a local cafe is included, plus snacks such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cake and cookies, with one reviewer calling the tea and banana bread welcome. A few travellers found the lunch site, chosen by the company, average, so manage expectations there.
Small group feel. The vehicle seats six plus the guide, so the day stays conversational. Reviewers praised the guides as friendly and knowledgeable.
Bring a camera. A camera or phone is recommended, and the itinerary covers a wide range of terrain across the day. One reviewer said the tour gave a real sense for the incredible variety of geography in New Zealand.
Long but full day. At nine hours it is a big commitment, and one reviewer wondered afterwards whether a half day would have been enough.

Ready To BookCheck availability →

Common issues. The tour needs a minimum of two passengers to depart, four on New Zealand statutory holidays, and if numbers are not met you are offered an alternative date or a full refund. It is not wheelchair accessible, and travellers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions are asked not to join. One reviewer was disappointed the souvenir cloaks were out of stock, and another found the company chosen lunch spot not especially healthy, so the midday meal is a modest affair rather than a highlight. Poor weather can also change or end the day early if conditions turn unsafe.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Pickup from selected central Queenstown accommodation is listed, and the meeting point is Info and Track at 37 Shotover Street. The operator asks you to phone 034426699 to confirm your pickup. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What Is Included In The Price?

Transport in a six seater 4WD with your guide, hotel pickup where confirmed, lunch at a local cafe, snacks including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cake and cookies, and gold panning.

How Long Is The Tour?

Nine hours, starting at 08:00. The day covers the Glenorchy Road, Paradise, 12 Mile Delta, Queenstown, the Kawarau Bungy Centre, the Arrow River and Skippers Canyon before returning to the meeting point.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

Infant seats are available and most travellers can participate. However the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and travellers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions are asked not to join.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the 08:00 start for a full refund. Inside 24 hours no refund or changes are accepted. If the operator cancels because minimum passenger numbers are not met, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Bring water, a camera or phone, sun protection, comfortable shoes and suitable clothing for changeable mountain weather. Layers are sensible given the mix of open stops and canyon driving.