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Kawarau Gorge, New Zealand

4x4 Safari of Scenes

The perfect tour for those who want the thrills of an off-road adventure but also want to discover exciting 'Lord of the Rings' film locations.

The Wakatipu Basin tour takes you to The Remarkables, which were used as various mountains throughout the trilogy, including the Misty Mountains. Traveling part way up this beautiful mountain range you get a bird's-eye view onto Deer Park Heights, which was used for the Refugees of Rohan and the Battle of the Wargs scenes. Traveling from The Remarkables you 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 filmed. Near Arrowtown you will experience some true off-road adventure. Following a historic gold mining road up the Arrow River you will cross the river 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 over Skippers Canyon.

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Audley specialist Haley

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Other experiences in Queenstown

These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.

  • Dart River Wilderness Safari
    Jet boat on the Dart River

    Dart River Wilderness Safari

    Dart River Wilderness Safari

    Board the Dart River jet-boat on a white-knuckle ride for an hour and a half up the narrow, meandering waterway, into real wilderness country.

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  • Routeburn Track — 3 Days
    Lake Mackenzie, Routeburn Track

    Routeburn Track — 3 Days

    Routeburn Track — 3 Days

    Climb a well-graded track to Key Summit, where you can sit among the alpine plants and partake in 'The Annual General Meeting of the Mountains'. You then descend to Lake Howden before gradually climbing through lush silver beech forest to the base of Earland Falls: quite a sight in wet weather!

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  • Shotover River Jet Boat
    Shotover River, Queenstown

    Shotover River Jet Boat

    Shotover River Jet Boat

    The Shotover Jet is an adrenaline fuelled jet boat trip through the Shotover Canyon, which towers over you on either side. Skim around crags and boulders and then enjoy the sensation as the boat spins around 360 degrees in its own length.

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  • TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm
    TSS Earnslaw, Queenstown

    TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm

    TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm

    Affectionately known as the 'Lady of the Lake', the TSS Earnslaw has been steaming the length of Lake Wakatipu since 1912. You can watch sheepdogs in action, see the shearing or even try your hand at wool spinning. After morning or afternoon tea you then steam back to Queenstown.

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Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.