Private Mackenzie Country 4WD Tour

South Island

Tekapo Adventures

from

NZ$1500

per group

Guests on a private 4WD tour pause to admire the Southern Alps in the Mackenzie Basin

Experiences

4x4 Adventure Tours

Family-friendly Tours

Private Tours

Half-Day Tours

South Island

Start: Lake Tekapo

Travel Time: 4 hours

Details

Jump on a personalised Mackenzie Country Private Tour and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, rich history, and unique geology of New Zealand's Mackenzie Backcountry. Highlights include access to private high country stations, breathtaking landscapes, wildlife viewing, and photo opportunities. The tour features river crossings, glacial-fed lakes, and historic musterers' huts. Ideal for photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families, this tour offers an intimate and unforgettable exploration of the Mackenzie Country.

Tekapo Adventures 4WD driving through rugged backcountry towards alpine mountains

Travellers enjoying an afternoon tea break in a remote alpine valley on a 4WD tour

Couple smiling with tripod overlooking Lake Pukaki and Southern Alps during private tour

Colourful lupins blooming beside Lake Tekapo with Southern Alps in the background

Tekapo Adventures 4WD parked with dramatic snow-covered peaks in the background

Expansive Mackenzie Basin with tussock grass, rugged hills, and distant turquoise lake

Lake Pukaki shining under blue skies, surrounded by dry grasslands and distant mountains

Merino sheep behind a wooden fence on a New Zealand farm

Two 4WD Tekapo Adventures vehicles parked by the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo with mountains in the background

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

Driver
Educational Tour
Light Refreshment
Light Snack

NOT INCLUDED:

Meals
Souvenirs

TOUR INFORMATION:

Departure: AOTEA GIFTS | Tekapo Township
Departure Time: On request
Minimum of 2 People
Dress Code: Casual, Comfortable, Stable Footwear, Warm Jacket, Hat, Sunglasses, Camera
Availability: October - July

Tour Note: There will be opportunities for photos and breathtaking vistas to enjoy. Light walking to close proximity viewpoints for photos, so stable footwear is recommended.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

More than 24 hours before departure: Full Refund.**
Within 24 hours of the tour starting: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

*Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

Embark on a bespoke Mackenzie Country Private Tour, designed for relaxation and discovery of New Zealand's breathtaking Mackenzie Backcountry. Your journey begins with a professional high country driver guide in a comfortable Land Rover Defender, granting you private access to remote high country stations and scenic landscapes around Lake Tekapo. Traverse wild tussock grasslands, cross rivers and glacial-fed lakes, and capture the unique beauty of the Mackenzie Country.

Visit and photograph historic backcountry musterers' huts, majestic waterfalls, glaciers, and towering mountains. Along the way, enjoy opportunities to spot endangered wading birds such as Banded Dotterels, Black Stilts, and Wry Bill, while learning about the region's geology and ecology shaped by recent glaciation processes. Witness Merino sheep, Big Horn rams, Angus cattle, and Red Deer in their natural environments. The tour also includes refreshments and homemade snacks.

For photography enthusiasts, the tour offers unparalleled chances to capture the ever-changing light and landscapes, from dawn to dusk, with access to exclusive areas. Family-friendly tours ensure a fun and adventurous day for all ages, with packed coolers for a day of exploration. Celebrate special moments with your loved ones at picturesque lookouts perfect for memorable occasions. Whether interested in bird watching, farm life, or simply the stunning scenery, this private tour offers a remarkable and intimate exploration of the Mackenzie Country.