Macetown 4WD Adventure – Full Day Guided Tour from Queenstown
Highlights
- Explore historic gold mining town
- Off-road adventure in 4WD vehicle
- 25 river crossings along the way
- Pan for gold in the Arrow River
- Breathtaking views of Arrow Gorge
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Duration 4.5 hours
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Includes pickup from Queenstown
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Light refreshments provided
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Small group tour experience
Embark on an exhilarating 4WD off-road adventure and discover the hidden treasures of Macetown, a historic gold mining town. This captivating journey takes you through the rugged terrain of the Department of Conservation reserve, accessible only by 4WD. As you wind your way from river level to high above the Arrow Gorge, be prepared for over 25 thrilling river crossings, ever-changing views, and the opportunity to try your luck at gold panning in the Arrow River. With a knowledgeable driver/guide leading the way, you'll learn about the fascinating history of this ghost town from the gold rush era. Along the way, enjoy light refreshments including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fruit cake, and cookies. Pickup from central Queenstown accommodations is included, making it convenient for you to embark on this unforgettable adventure. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the remnants of a bygone era.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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9 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Embark on a thrilling 4WD adventure to Macetown, exploring historic gold mining sites and crossing rivers in stunning New Zealand landscapes.
Included
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Lunch
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Pickup from central Queenstown accommodations is included. Surround suburbs (Kelvin Heights, Frankton, Arthur's Point, Fernhill and others) by arrangement. Please contact to reconfirm pick up arrangement and time.
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Entrance fees
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Driver/guide
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Snacks
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Transport by 4WD vehicle
Meeting Point
Wait outside our Nomad Safaris shop at 37 Shotover Street for the 4WD vehicle to pick you up.
37 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300 , New Zealand
End Point
Wait outside our Nomad Safaris shop at 37 Shotover Street for the 4WD vehicle to pick you up.
37 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300 , New Zealand
What to expect
Enjoy the scenic drive from Queenstown to the quaint historic Arrowtown Village.
Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery
Explore the Museum with a brief visit and experience the history of the Gold Mining era.
Macetown
Arrive at Macetown for a picnic lunch and relic exploration while soaking up the backcountry views.
Macetown
Walk for 90 minutes return through wild alpine terrain to the towering, four-story Homeward Bound Battery - a powerful remnant of gold mining ingenuity
Try your luck at gold panning in the Arrow River with hands-on instruction.
Arrow River
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.
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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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
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Not recommended for pregnant travelers
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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Operates in all weather conditions unless the river is too high. Dress appropriately for comfort and the 90 minute walk.
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Specialized infant seats are available
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Dress in layers for changing weather
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Try gold panning at Arrow River
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Visit Arrowtown for local history
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Enjoy fresh cookies during the tour
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Bring a camera for stunning views
More About this Experience
Introduction
Get ready for a thrilling adventure with the Macetown 4WD Tour from Queenstown. This tour takes you on a real off-road experience, exploring the historic gold mining town of Macetown. Once a booming gold rush town, Macetown is now a Department of Conservation reserve, accessible only by 4WD vehicles. Brace yourself for an exciting journey as you navigate through over 25 river crossings and wind your way from river level to high above the Arrow Gorge. Along the way, you'll be treated to ever-changing views and the opportunity to try your hand at gold panning in the Arrow River.What to expect?
Embark on a rugged 4WD adventure that will take you back in time to the gold rush era. As you traverse the challenging terrain, you'll experience the thrill of crossing rivers and witnessing breathtaking views. The tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the historic Macetown, a ghost town that holds the secrets of New Zealand's gold mining past. With the guidance of a knowledgeable driver/guide, you'll learn about the town's fascinating history and immerse yourself in its captivating atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to try your luck at gold panning in the Arrow River, just like the prospectors of old.Who is this for?
The Macetown 4WD Tour is perfect for adventure seekers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, this tour offers something for everyone. The captivating journey and the opportunity to explore a ghost town will intrigue history buffs, while the off-road adventure will satisfy thrill-seekers. Nature enthusiasts will be mesmerized by the stunning landscapes and the chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Arrow Gorge. This tour is suitable for anyone with a sense of adventure and a desire to uncover the hidden gems of New Zealand's gold mining history.Why book this?
What sets the Macetown 4WD Tour apart is its unique blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty. This tour offers a rare opportunity to visit a Department of Conservation reserve that is only accessible by 4WD vehicles. The thrill of crossing multiple river crossings and the ever-changing views along the way make this an unforgettable experience. The chance to explore the historic Macetown and try gold panning in the Arrow River adds a touch of excitement and authenticity to the tour. With a knowledgeable driver/guide to lead the way, you can rest assured that you'll be in safe hands while immersing yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes of the region.Good to know
When booking the Macetown 4WD Tour, you can expect to be picked up from your central Queenstown accommodation. If you're staying in surrounding suburbs such as Kelvin Heights, Frankton, Arthur's Point, or Fernhill, arrangements can be made for pickup as well. Light refreshments, including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fruit cake, and cookies, will be provided during the tour to keep you energized. It's important to note that gratuities are not included, so you may want to show your appreciation to the driver/guide for their exceptional service. Get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime.Reviews
Reviews from individuals who have taken the Macetown 4WD Tour rave about the unique experience it offers. Travelers have praised the knowledgeable and friendly driver/guides who provide fascinating insights into the gold rush era and Macetown's history. The breathtaking views and the excitement of crossing the river multiple times have been highlighted as major highlights of the tour. Many have also expressed their delight in trying their luck at gold panning in the Arrow River, feeling like true prospectors for a day. Overall, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with travelers describing the Macetown 4WD Tour as a thrilling and unforgettable adventure that showcases the best of New Zealand's gold mining history.This is a popular product and the date you are looking for just sold out. Next available date is