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Macetown Gold Heritage 4WD Adventure

Pricing From
$295

South Island
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Overview

This is a genuine 4WD off road adventure that explores the historic gold mining town of Macetown. Long since deserted following the gold rush; Macetown has nowadays been converted into a Department of Conservation reserve. Travel the rugged road in the safety of a 4x4 that guarantees thrills and adventure crossing the Arrow River some 25 times each way. Engross yourself in the times gone by of this precious area by panning for gold and letting our experienced guides educate you regarding the deprivation and elation these miners faced.

Macetown 4WD Adventure with Nomad Safaris

macetown, 4wd, queenstown, adventure, gold panning

Arrow River crossing

macetown, 4wd, queenstown, adventure, gold panning

Arrow River gold panning

macetown, 4wd, queenstown, adventure, gold panning

Macetown in winter

Leaving from Queenstown the Macetown 4WD trip travels out to Arrowtown. Once in Arrowtown you will be shown the historic Chinese Settlers Village and the movie setting of the Ford of Bruinen in the Lord of the Rings.

On the way to Macetown you traverse the Arrow River some 25 times before arriving at Macetown. On the Macetown track you will pass through Soho Creek and Britannia Terrace. Both spots present landmarks and enlightening yarns into the history of this fascinating region.

On arrival in Macetown you will be taken to the heritage location of Smith's Bakehouse, which has in recent times been restored by the Department of Conservation. Discover the gold mining settlement and find out about the history of Needham's Cottage. Not far beyond Macetown is Anderson's Battery . Find out about the only stamping battery with an iron frame in Otago.

Departing Anderson's Battery you will start making your way back to Arrowtown down the Macetown Track. Try your hand at gold panning in the Arrow River as our guides instruct you in the techniques to pan for gold and feel the excitement that drew many people to this locale.

The Macetown experience is a true off road driving adventure as our knowledgeable guides show you what these 4x4s can do. This true off-road adventure really shows the ability of these 4x4's which makes it so much more than other tours.

Cost per person

October 2022 - September 2023

6 seater vehicle

  • Adult: NZ$295
  • Child: NZ$149

4 seater vehicle (guaranteed forward facing seats)

  • Adult: NZ$345 (4 passenger maximum)
  • Child: NZ$199 (4 passenger maximum)

Private charter

  • Half day Private Charter: NZ$1,475 per vehicle

Child Age: 4-14 years inclusive

0-3 yrs free of charge

Leaving from Queenstown the Macetown 4WD trip travels out to Arrowtown. Once in Arrowtown you will be shown the historic Chinese Settlers Village and the movie setting of the Ford of Bruinen in the Lord of the Rings.

On the way to Macetown you traverse the Arrow River some 25 times before arriving at Macetown. On the Macetown track you will pass through Soho Creek and Britannia Terrace. Both spots present landmarks and enlightening yarns into the history of this fascinating region.

On arrival in Macetown you will be taken to the heritage location of Smith's Bakehouse, which has in recent times been restored by the Department of Conservation. Discover the gold mining settlement and find out about the history of Needham's Cottage. Not far beyond Macetown is Anderson's Battery . Find out about the only stamping battery with an iron frame in Otago.

Departing Anderson's Battery you will start making your way back to Arrowtown down the Macetown Track. Try your hand at gold panning in the Arrow River as our guides instruct you in the techniques to pan for gold and feel the excitement that drew many people to this locale.

The Macetown experience is a true off road driving adventure as our knowledgeable guides show you what these 4x4s can do. This true off-road adventure really shows the ability of these 4x4's which makes it so much more than other tours.

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