Safaris Queenstown

For true Lord of the Rings fans, this is the trip where Nomad Safaris really does take you There and Back again. This scenic si ghtseeing t our incl udes recognisable filming locations and stunning natural scenery. The Glenorchy Safari of the Scenes takes you from Queenstown to Gl enorchy stopping at breath-taking viewpoints.
En route from Glenorchy foll ow the Dart River to the spectacular filming location for Isengard. This location offers stunning views of Mt Earnslaw. Heading to Paradise discover the location for the Forrest of Lothlorien. Leaving Glenorchy and heading towards Queenstown you will stop at 12 Mile Delta to explore the location of the Ithilien Camp.
The Safari of the Scenes – Glenorchy also incl udes locati ons from Xmen Origins: Wolverine, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

The perfect tour for those that want the thrills of an off road adventure but also want to discover exciting Lord of the Rings filming locations. The Wakatipu Basin tour takes you to The Remarkables, which were used as various mountains throughout the trilogy including the Misty Mountains. Travelling part way up Queenstown hill you get a birds eye view onto Deer Park Heights, which was used for the refugees of Rohan and the Battle of the Wargs scenes.
Travelling from The Remarkables viewpoint we head to the Kawarau Gorge where the filming took place for the Argonath, or Pillars of the Kings. Leaving the Kawarau Gorge the trip heads to Arrowtown where the loss of The One Ring at Gladden Fields was shot. Near Arrowtown you will experience a true off road adventure. Following a historic gold mining road up the Arrow River you will cross the river many times to get to the Ford of Bruinen. At this point you can indulge in morning or afternoon tea and try your hand at a spot of gold panning.
From Arrowtown you will travel to the entrance of Skippers Canyon where you will be offered spectacular panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin and into Skippers Canyon.

The Nomad Quads base is just a 15 minute transfer from downtown Queenstown. Here, we will kit you out in protective clothing before your training begins. We ensure you are comfortable with operating a Quad - our guides recognise that riding a quad bike for the first time can sometimes be a little nerve-racking and we pride ourselves on making riding as fun as possible for ALL levels of experience.
Nomad Quad Safaris operate fully automatic 400cc quad bikes with 4WD ensuring an experience that is adventurous yet safe. Full training on the quad bike ensures that all levels are catered for. All weather waterproof clothing is also provided along with all safety gear in order to ensure a fun yet safe quad bike tour.
Nomad Safaris has exclusive use of Queenstown Hill ensuring that on your Quad Bike tour you get breath-taking panoramic views that are exclusively yours. Don’t forget your camera as the viewpoints provide stunning photo opportunities. As Nomad Safaris has exclusive use of Queenstown Hill this ensures access to a wealth of trails covering different types of terrain allowing a Quad Bike tour that is tailored to the ability of the group.
The Nomad Quad Safari is 3.5 hours in duration and all riders must be over 16 with a good command of the English language. A credit card bond is taken similar to a car hire procedure.

Leading Queenstown activity operators Shotover Jet and Nomad Safaris, have combined to offer visitors an exciting Jet Boat and 4x4 adventure.

World famous as the ultimate jet boat experience, Shotover Jet has thrilled over 2.5 million people since 1970, and now it’s your turn! Take a unique breathtaking ride through dramatic and narrow canyons, and hold on tight for Queenstown’s only exhilarating full 360 ̊ spins. ‘Can you handle the canyons?’ with award winning Shotover Jet, The World’s Most Exciting Jet Boat Ride, and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular River Canyons. Experience a personalised adventure tour into the New Zealand backcountry with Nomad Safaris in their specialised 4x4 vehicles. One of New Zealand’s most established and awarded tour operators with over 25 year’s experience. With Nomad Safaris, you will explore the abandoned gold mining area of the Arrow River and some locations used in ‘Lord of The Rings”. Travel the rugged road and experience true off-roading as you explore the pioneer trails guided by the ‘professional adventurers’.

Climb on board a Nomad Safaris 4WD for a custom offroad tour in to the New Zealand backcountry. With Nomad Safaris you will explore the abandoned gold mining area of the Arrow River and filming locations used in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Travel the rugged road and experience true four-wheel-driving as you explore the pioneer trails guided by the professional adventurers. Morning/Afternoon Tea and Gold Panning is included.

Leading Queenstown activity operators Shotover Jet and Nomad Safaris, have combined to offer visitors an exciting Jet Boat and 4x4 adventure.

World famous as the ultimate jet boat experience, Shotover Jet has thrilled over 2.5 million people since 1970, and now it’s your turn! Take a unique breathtaking ride through dramatic and narrow canyons, and hold on tight for Queenstown’s only exhilarating full 360 ̊ spins. ‘Can you handle the canyons?’ with award winning Shotover Jet, The World’s Most Exciting Jet Boat Ride, and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular River Canyons. Experience a personalised adventure tour into the New Zealand backcountry with Nomad Safaris in their specialised 4x4 vehicles. One of New Zealand’s most established and awarded tour operators with over 25 year’s experience. With Nomad Safaris, you will explore the abandoned gold mining area of the Arrow River and some locations used in ‘Lord of The Rings”. Travel the rugged road and experience true off-roading as you explore the pioneer trails guided by the ‘professional adventurers’.

Climb on board a Nomad Safaris 4WD for a custom offroad tour in to the New Zealand backcountry. With Nomad Safaris you will explore the abandoned gold mining area of the Arrow River and filming locations used in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Travel the rugged road and experience true four-wheel-driving as you explore the pioneer trails guided by the professional adventurers. Morning/Afternoon Tea and Gold Panning is included.
Please note we only offer pick-up and drop-off to our shop Info & Track/Snow located on 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown.


Please be aware that the availability for the jet boat tours is not shown as we are unable to access the Ngai Tahu portal directly from our website for the jet boat portion of this tour. As a result, all bookings will be pending until we reconfirm back to you.



Important: get in touch if you need to cancel between 7 days and 24 hours prior to your tour: res@nomadsafaris.co.nz

The scenic Glenorchy safari offers breathtaking mountain and forest views along the shore of Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy and the Paradise Valley. Visit the filming locations for Isengard, the Ithilien Camp, Lothlorien & Fanghorn forest and the Seat of Seeing/ Battle of Amon Hen, and many more.En route from Glenorchy follow the Dart River to the spectacular filming location for Isengard.This location offers stunning views of Mt Earnslaw. Heading to Paradise discover the location for the Forrest of Lothlorien. Leaving Glenorchy and heading towards Queenstown you will stop at 12 Mile Delta to explore the location of the Ithilien Camp.


Visit the filming locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), Gladden Fields, the Ford of Bruinen and more. Travel an historic gold mining road, following the Arrow River, stop for a refreshing morning or afternoon tea and the opportunity to try your hand at gold panning. Take in the spectacular panoramic views over the Wakatipu Basin.