SELF DRIVE REQUIREMENTS Vehicle insurance suitable for this tour. All terrain tyres preferred with minimum 60% tread. Road tyres can be used on dry days but will need to be deflated to a lower pressure if necessary. Hi/low ratio not required during summer A full list of vehicle requirements is on our booking form. Contact us for details. This tour is suitable for people with beginner off-road driving experience, however the tour operates on backcountry tracks and DOC land. As per most backcountry routes this tour has narrow tracks, and tracks at height. Drivers need to be confident driving on back country roads. Due to hazard identification over hand held radios, clients must be fluent in english. Skippers Canyon is a public road. Private and rental vehicle insurance policies must be checked to make sure they include Skippers Canyon. We can direct you to rental companies in Queenstown that allow their vehicles in Skippers. During summer the road does not require 4WD vehicles, but further up the canyon there are small creeks to cross and areas that require vehicles with suitable ground clearance. Please contact us to check vehicle suitability. SELF DRIVE BOOKING 3 steps for booking Email us at info@4wdexpeditions.nz We will send you a link to the booking forms. Please read, sign and return. Payment options, Visa, Mastercard, eftpos, Direct bank transfer. Tour day, visa, mastercard, eftpos or cash INCLUDED Hand held radio use Includes 15% NZ Goods & Services Tax Professional guide Satellite phone / safety equipment Commercial DOC access fees Includes 15% NZ Goods & Services Tax NOT INCLUDED Vehicle hire / fuel / insurance / vehicle recovery DATES AVAILABLE Public trips are run on posted dates. We are able to confirm for one vehicle. Full day tours depart 8:00 am Different start times can be arranged if necessary. Pick-ups at local accommodation by prior arrangement.

ITINERARY We meet at the Skippers Canyon turn off up Coronet Peak Road for a compulsory safety briefing, radio distribution and the plan for the day. Following this, we begin our adventure by crossing Skippers Saddle to get our first views of Mt Aurum, the Skippers Road and a view of the high country terrain which we will drive through. Highlights of the day include: Hells and Heavens Gates Lighthouse Rock Historic gold mining relics Shotover River Major Lord of the Rings locations Engineering marvel Pinchers Bluff Traversing Skippers Bridge (1901) Skippers School (1889) Skippers Cemetery and much more.. Your local kiwi guide, Del has guided tourists into Skippers Canyon since 1990. His knowledge and experience on the road conditions, history and region make this a truly remarkable adventure into the high country. We aim to be out of the canyon by late afternoon.

Fantastic bespoke 4WD tour. We had a 3 day tour with Del. Travelled with my Father and his good mate both in their late 70s. Del really went out of his way to taylor the tour to our needs. We all had a great time. This part of NZ is really beautiful and interesting. Lots of little surprises along the way. Brought back a lot of memories for my dad and our friend who both grew up in this area. Del has been doing this for a long time, we always felt looked after and safe. Thanks Del. Auckland Wonderful 2 day tour with 4WD Expeditions in Queenstown area, tag-along in our own trucks - magic! Highly recommend this time of year - autumn with trees all shades of brilliant yellow,orange and red, set off the already impressive mountain and river landscape. We saw some amazing out-of-the-way spots with superb photo opportunities - truly NZ at its best. Our guide Del was safety conscious, thoroughly professional, very knowledgeable both historically and geographically, with lots of anecdotes to make our tour come alive, nothing was a problem. Very quick and easy communication in the pre-tour phase too. His sense of humour kept us chuckling, very friendly, a good all-round Kiwi bloke with a passion for what he is doing. A++ experience - you will not regret touring with 4WD Expeditions!. Ashburton My family and I had a great trip with 4WD Expeditions back in February. It was the highlight of our time in New Zealand - a truly wonderful way to see the countryside that tourists seldom see, while learning off-road driving skills. We started off the trip pretty easy, but we moved on to some challenging stuff that I wouldn’t have liked to have tried on our own. It was great to see how the lead vehicle took the river crossings and rougher terrain before approaching it ourselves, and Del also coached us over the radio. There were lots of opportunities for pictures and the scenery was spectacular – every photo I took looked like a postcard! Del was extremely knowledgeable about the area, and had entertaining stories to tell about many of the places we saw. I highly recommend a trip with 4WD Expeditions. Laurel - England Excellent 3 days. Excellent guide. (Thank you Del). Views magnificent. Tracks very good. Would do it all again. Alan - Auckland Very good expedition. Well guided and some great places were seen. Del was very good and informative. Bob - Ashburton We thoroughly enjoyed our day with 4WD Expeditions. We started in Garston with a safety check and issue of radios and then followed Del in our own vehicle up over the southern end of the Hector Range and into the Upper Nevis Valley. Del has a lot of knowledge about the area and its history of settlement and gold mining. After a picnic lunch we left the Nevis for a memorable side trip to the Kopuwai Conservation Area on the Old Woman Range. Here the 4WD was more technical and challenging and after some steep climbing we were rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Central Otago landscapes. We returned to the Nevis Road and finished the trip at the bottom of Duffers Saddle just before Bannockburn. Del runs a professional tour with good briefings, a well equipped lead vehicle with safety gear and plenty of stops for photographs and sightseeing. We have no hesitation in recommending Del and 4WD Expeditions for a memorable, entertaining and challenging day trip. John - Christchurch

SEPTEMBER 2022 22nd, 29th OCTOBER 2022 12th, 19th, 26th NOVEMBER 2022 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th DECEMBER 2022 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th JANUARY 2023 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th FEBRUARY 2023 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd MARCH 2023 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th APRIL 2023 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

SELF DRIVE REQUIREMENTS Vehicle insurance suitable for this tour. Travel insurance is recommended for all our tours. All terrain tyres preferred with minimum 60% tread. A full list of vehicle requirements is on our booking form. Contact us for details. This tour is suitable for people with intermediate off-road driving experience. This tour operates on backcountry farm tracks and DOC land. As per most backcountry routes this tour has narrow tracks, and tracks at height. Drivers need to be confident driving on back country roads. Due to hazard identification over hand held radios, clients must be fluent in english. TRACK CONDITIONS The tracks we use for this tour through the Waikaia Bush Rd require tag along drivers to be familiar and competent with the following: Steep, loose surface climbs Heights Narrow tracks Traversing scree's, loose rocks That all said, this tour is achievable for most people that have been off- roading before ; it is not suitable for beginners or drivers that lack confidence on narrow tracks. SELF DRIVE BOOKING 3 steps for booking Email us at info@4wdexpeditions.nz We will send you a link to the booking forms. Please read, sign and return. Payment options, Visa, Mastercard, eftpos, Direct bank transfer. INCLUDED Hand held radio supplied (Private tour) Hand held radios available, limited supply on public tours. Includes 15% NZ Goods & Services Tax Professional guide Satellite phone / safety equipment Commercial DOC access fees Morning tea (Private tour) Lunch available as optional extra, $25pp (Private tour) NOT INCLUDED Vehicle hire Fuel Insurance Vehicle recovery And anything else not listed above. DATES AVAILABLE Public tours run on set dates. Private tours run on demand, we confirm for one vehicle. Private tour start times can be flexible. Private tour pick-ups at local accommodation by prior arrangement.

ITINERARY This is a big day. This tour can has two start points depending on the weather. These are determined on the day. From Queenstown we head west through the Kawarau Gorge to historic Bannockburn. From Bannockburn we start climbing steeply to 1280m on the Duffers Saddle Road, providing commanding views over Lake Dunstan and Cromwell. This area has an average annual temperature close to zero degrees Celsius. As a result the ranges are dotted with distinctive schist rock tors and bisected by fields of freeze-thaw hummocks and mounds, creating a wave-like effect across the slopes and basins. We negotiate the old gold mining tracks and trails traversing the Old Woman and Old Man Ranges which run from north-west to south- east, creating a rain shadow that blocks and absorbs southerly fronts, making Central Otago New Zealand’s driest area. Attaining the height of 1740m we start travelling through the Kopuwai Conservation area, with stunning Central Otago vistas on our left, and the Nevis Valley and Hector Mountains on our right. Unlike our Kopuwai tour which exits via the Obelisk Rock, this tour proceeds onto the Waikaia Bush Road, Piano flat and Waikaia. Once we hit the ridge the countryside has commanding views over the Garvie and Umbrella mountains. Rock tors are a common feature in this landscape adding to the dramatic views. There is a rock step section that requires vehicles have good entry and exit departure angles (vehicles with low overhanging front or rear bumpers and tow-bars are not suitable for this trip). From the ridgeline we descend via a zigzag track down through stunning beech forest at Piano Flat beside the Waikaia River and onto Waikaia township, Lumsden and back to Queenstown. Due to safety with conditions, if it is wet or raining at Piano Flat we will not attempt the zigzag track section before Piano Flat. Instead we will exit as per our Kopuwai tour at the Obelisk and Central Otago.

My family and I had a great trip with 4WD Expeditions back in February. It was the highlight of our time in New Zealand - a truly wonderful way to see the countryside that tourists seldom see, while learning off-road driving skills. We started off the trip pretty easy, but we moved on to some challenging stuff that I wouldn’t have liked to have tried on our own. It was great to see how the lead vehicle took the river crossings and rougher terrain before approaching it ourselves, and Del also coached us over the radio. There were lots of opportunities for pictures and the scenery was spectacular – every photo I took looked like a postcard! Del was extremely knowledgeable about the area, and had entertaining stories to tell about many of the places we saw. I highly recommend a trip with 4WD Expeditions. Laurel - England We booked the Pisa Range tour to see something a bit different and we were not disappointed. The road trip to the summit was full of interest and beautiful vistas. A stop at an alpine hut for morning tea was well timed. More climbing in our comfortable vehicle led us to the summit and 360 degree views of the Southern Alps, Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Lake Dunstan, Cromwell and Alexandra – breath-taking! We enjoyed a tasty lunch at the summit taking in the views. At times we were above pockets of snow. Then there were the side trips to view alpine lakes and impressive rock tors. Plenty of opportunities for photos, we were never rushed and Del was full of information about the area’s rock formations, plant and bird life. This would have to rate as one of the best tours we have done. Del is a fantastic driver and tour guide, full of information and humour and gave us a wonderful day on Mt Pisa. We have no hesitation in recommending him and this tour. Peter and Jacquie, Hamilton NZ.2020 Fantastic bespoke 4WD tour. We had a 3 day tour with Del. Travelled with my Father and his good mate both in their late 70s. Del really went out of his way to taylor the tour to our needs. We all had a great time. This part of NZ is really beautiful and interesting. Lots of little surprises along the way. Brought back a lot of memories for my dad and our friend who both grew up in this area. Del has been doing this for a long time, we always felt looked after and safe. Thanks Del. Auckland Wonderful 2 day tour with 4WD Expeditions in Queenstown area, tag-along in our own trucks - magic! Highly recommend this time of year - autumn with trees all shades of brilliant yellow,orange and red, set off the already impressive mountain and river landscape. We saw some amazing out-of-the-way spots with superb photo opportunities - truly NZ at its best. Our guide Del was safety conscious, thoroughly professional, very knowledgeable both historically and geographically, with lots of anecdotes to make our tour come alive, nothing was a problem. Very quick and easy communication in the pre-tour phase too. His sense of humour kept us chuckling, very friendly, a good all-round Kiwi bloke with a passion for what he is doing. A++ experience - you will not regret touring with 4WD Expeditions!. Ashburton Excellent 3 days. Excellent guide. (Thank you Del). Views magnificent. Tracks very good. Would do it all again. Alan - Auckland Very good expedition. Well guided and some great places were seen. Del was very good and informative. Bob - Ashburton We thoroughly enjoyed our day with 4WD Expeditions. We started in Garston with a safety check and issue of radios and then followed Del in our own vehicle up over the southern end of the Hector Range and into the Upper Nevis Valley. Del has a lot of knowledge about the area and its history of settlement and gold mining. After a picnic lunch we left the Nevis for a memorable side trip to the Kopuwai Conservation Area on the Old Woman Range. Here the 4WD was more technical and challenging and after some steep climbing we were rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Central Otago landscapes. We returned to the Nevis Road and finished the trip at the bottom of Duffers Saddle just before Bannockburn. Del runs a professional tour with good briefings, a well equipped lead vehicle with safety gear and plenty of stops for photographs and sightseeing. We have no hesitation in recommending Del and 4WD Expeditions for a memorable, entertaining and challenging day trip. John - Christchurch

HAZARD STATEMENT Any off road / back country driving can lead to unexpected incidents. This can include but is not limited to - accidents, injuries, vehicle damage, property damage & loss of life. All participants, drivers & passengers have to accept & acknowledge this on our booking form.

SELF DRIVE REQUIREMENTS Vehicle insurance suitable for this tour. We recommend travel insurance for all tours. All terrain or mud terrain tyres preferred with minimum 60% tread Hi/low ratio not required during summer. A full list of vehicle requirements is on our booking form. Contact us for details. This tour is suitable for people with intermediate off-road driving experience. As per most backcountry routes this tour has narrow tracks, and tracks at height. Drivers need to be confident driving on back country roads. Due to hazard identification over hand held radios, clients must be fluent in english. TRACK CONDITIONS The tracks we use for this tour through the Waikaia Bush Rd require tag along drivers to be familiar and competent with the following: Steep, loose surface climbs Heights Narrow tracks Traversing scree's, loose rocks That all said, this tour is achievable for most people that have been off- roading before ; it is not suitable for beginners or drivers that lack confidence on narrow tracks. SELF DRIVE BOOKING 3 steps for bookin Email us at info@4wdexpeditions.nz We will send you a link to the booking forms. Please read, sign and return. Payment options, Visa, Mastercard, eftpos, Direct bank transfer. INCLUDED Hand held radio supplied (Private tour) Hand held radios available, limited supply on public tours. Includes 15% NZ Goods & Services Tax Professional guide Satellite phone / safety equipment Commercial DOC access fees Morning tea (Private tour) Lunch available as optional extra, $25pp (Private tour) NOT INCLUDED Vehicle hire Fuel Insurance Vehicle recovery DATES AVAILABLE Public tours run on set published dates. Private tours run on demand, we confirm for one vehicle. Private tour start times can be flexible. Private tour pick-ups at local accommodation by prior arrangement.

ITINERARY This is a big day. This tour can has two start points depending on the weather. These are determined on the day. From Queenstown we head west through the Kawarau Gorge to historic Bannockburn. From Bannockburn we start climbing steeply to 1280m on the Duffers Saddle Road, providing commanding views over Lake Dunstan and Cromwell. This area has an average annual temperature close to zero degrees Celsius. As a result the ranges are dotted with distinctive schist rock tors and bisected by fields of freeze-thaw hummocks and mounds, creating a wave-like effect across the slopes and basins. We negotiate the old gold mining tracks and trails traversing the Old Woman and Old Man Ranges which run from north-west to south- east, creating a rain shadow that blocks and absorbs southerly fronts, making Central Otago New Zealand’s driest area. Attaining the height of 1740m we start travelling through the Kopuwai Conservation area, with stunning Central Otago vistas on our left, and the Nevis Valley and Hector Mountains on our right. Unlike our Kopuwai tour which exits via the Obelisk Rock, this tour proceeds onto the Waikaia Bush Road, Piano flat and Waikaia. Once we hit the ridge the countryside has commanding views over the Garvie and Umbrella mountains. Rock tors are a common feature in this landscape adding to the dramatic views. There is a rock step section that requires vehicles have good entry and exit departure angles (vehicles with low overhanging front or rear bumpers and tow-bars are not suitable for this trip). From the ridgeline we descend via a zigzag track down through stunning beech forest at Piano Flat beside the Waikaia River and onto Waikaia township, Lumsden and back to Queenstown. Due to safety with conditions, if it is wet or raining at Piano Flat we will not attempt the zigzag track section before Piano Flat. Instead we will exit as per our Kopuwai tour at the Obelisk and Central Otago.

My family and I had a great trip with 4WD Expeditions back in February. It was the highlight of our time in New Zealand - a truly wonderful way to see the countryside that tourists seldom see, while learning off-road driving skills. We started off the trip pretty easy, but we moved on to some challenging stuff that I wouldn’t have liked to have tried on our own. It was great to see how the lead vehicle took the river crossings and rougher terrain before approaching it ourselves, and Del also coached us over the radio. There were lots of opportunities for pictures and the scenery was spectacular – every photo I took looked like a postcard! Del was extremely knowledgeable about the area, and had entertaining stories to tell about many of the places we saw. I highly recommend a trip with 4WD Expeditions. Laurel - England We booked the Pisa Range tour to see something a bit different and we were not disappointed. The road trip to the summit was full of interest and beautiful vistas. A stop at an alpine hut for morning tea was well timed. More climbing in our comfortable vehicle led us to the summit and 360 degree views of the Southern Alps, Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Lake Dunstan, Cromwell and Alexandra – breath-taking! We enjoyed a tasty lunch at the summit taking in the views. At times we were above pockets of snow. Then there were the side trips to view alpine lakes and impressive rock tors. Plenty of opportunities for photos, we were never rushed and Del was full of information about the area’s rock formations, plant and bird life. This would have to rate as one of the best tours we have done. Del is a fantastic driver and tour guide, full of information and humour and gave us a wonderful day on Mt Pisa. We have no hesitation in recommending him and this tour. Peter and Jacquie, Hamilton NZ.2020 Fantastic bespoke 4WD tour. We had a 3 day tour with Del. Travelled with my Father and his good mate both in their late 70s. Del really went out of his way to taylor the tour to our needs. We all had a great time. This part of NZ is really beautiful and interesting. Lots of little surprises along the way. Brought back a lot of memories for my dad and our friend who both grew up in this area. Del has been doing this for a long time, we always felt looked after and safe. Thanks Del. Auckland Wonderful 2 day tour with 4WD Expeditions in Queenstown area, tag-along in our own trucks - magic! Highly recommend this time of year - autumn with trees all shades of brilliant yellow,orange and red, set off the already impressive mountain and river landscape. We saw some amazing out-of-the-way spots with superb photo opportunities - truly NZ at its best. Our guide Del was safety conscious, thoroughly professional, very knowledgeable both historically and geographically, with lots of anecdotes to make our tour come alive, nothing was a problem. Very quick and easy communication in the pre-tour phase too. His sense of humour kept us chuckling, very friendly, a good all-round Kiwi bloke with a passion for what he is doing. A++ experience - you will not regret touring with 4WD Expeditions!. Ashburton Excellent 3 days. Excellent guide. (Thank you Del). Views magnificent. Tracks very good. Would do it all again. Alan - Auckland Very good expedition. Well guided and some great places were seen. Del was very good and informative. Bob - Ashburton We thoroughly enjoyed our day with 4WD Expeditions. We started in Garston with a safety check and issue of radios and then followed Del in our own vehicle up over the southern end of the Hector Range and into the Upper Nevis Valley. Del has a lot of knowledge about the area and its history of settlement and gold mining. After a picnic lunch we left the Nevis for a memorable side trip to the Kopuwai Conservation Area on the Old Woman Range. Here the 4WD was more technical and challenging and after some steep climbing we were rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Central Otago landscapes. We returned to the Nevis Road and finished the trip at the bottom of Duffers Saddle just before Bannockburn. Del runs a professional tour with good briefings, a well equipped lead vehicle with safety gear and plenty of stops for photographs and sightseeing. We have no hesitation in recommending Del and 4WD Expeditions for a memorable, entertaining and challenging day trip. John - Christchurch

HAZARD STATEMENT Any off road / back country driving can lead to unexpected incidents. This can include but is not limited to - accidents, injuries, vehicle damage, property damage & loss of life. All participants, drivers & passengers have to accept & acknowledge this on our booking form.

SELF DRIVE REQUIREMENTS Vehicle insurance suitable for this tour. We recommend travel insurance for all tours. All terrain or mud terrain tyres preferred with minimum 60% tread Hi/low ratio not required during summer. A full list of vehicle requirements is on our booking form. Contact us for details. This tour is suitable for people with intermediate off-road driving experience. As per most backcountry routes this tour has narrow tracks, and tracks at height. Drivers need to be confident driving on back country roads. Due to hazard identification over hand held radios, clients must be fluent in english. TRACK CONDITIONS The tracks we use for this tour through the Waikaia Bush Rd require tag along drivers to be familiar and competent with the following: Steep, loose surface climbs Heights Narrow tracks Traversing scree's, loose rocks That all said, this tour is achievable for most people that have been off- roading before ; it is not suitable for beginners or drivers that lack confidence on narrow tracks. SELF DRIVE BOOKING 3 steps for bookin Email us at info@4wdexpeditions.nz We will send you a link to the booking forms. Please read, sign and return. Payment options, Visa, Mastercard, eftpos, Direct bank transfer. INCLUDED Hand held radio supplied (Private tour) Hand held radios available, limited supply on public tours. Includes 15% NZ Goods & Services Tax Professional guide Satellite phone / safety equipment Commercial DOC access fees Morning tea (Private tour) Lunch available as optional extra, $25pp (Private tour) NOT INCLUDED Vehicle hire Fuel Insurance Vehicle recovery DATES AVAILABLE Public tours run on set published dates. Private tours run on demand, we confirm for one vehicle. Private tour start times can be flexible. Private tour pick-ups at local accommodation by prior arrangement.

ITINERARY This is a big day. This tour can has two start points depending on the weather. These are determined on the day. From Queenstown we head west through the Kawarau Gorge to historic Bannockburn. From Bannockburn we start climbing steeply to 1280m on the Duffers Saddle Road, providing commanding views over Lake Dunstan and Cromwell. This area has an average annual temperature close to zero degrees Celsius. As a result the ranges are dotted with distinctive schist rock tors and bisected by fields of freeze-thaw hummocks and mounds, creating a wave-like effect across the slopes and basins. We negotiate the old gold mining tracks and trails traversing the Old Woman and Old Man Ranges which run from north-west to south- east, creating a rain shadow that blocks and absorbs southerly fronts, making Central Otago New Zealand’s driest area. Attaining the height of 1740m we start travelling through the Kopuwai Conservation area, with stunning Central Otago vistas on our left, and the Nevis Valley and Hector Mountains on our right. Unlike our Kopuwai tour which exits via the Obelisk Rock, this tour proceeds onto the Waikaia Bush Road, Piano flat and Waikaia. Once we hit the ridge the countryside has commanding views over the Garvie and Umbrella mountains. Rock tors are a common feature in this landscape adding to the dramatic views. There is a rock step section that requires vehicles have good entry and exit departure angles (vehicles with low overhanging front or rear bumpers and tow-bars are not suitable for this trip). From the ridgeline we descend via a zigzag track down through stunning beech forest at Piano Flat beside the Waikaia River and onto Waikaia township, Lumsden and back to Queenstown. Due to safety with conditions, if it is wet or raining at Piano Flat we will not attempt the zigzag track section before Piano Flat. Instead we will exit as per our Kopuwai tour at the Obelisk and Central Otago.

My family and I had a great trip with 4WD Expeditions back in February. It was the highlight of our time in New Zealand - a truly wonderful way to see the countryside that tourists seldom see, while learning off-road driving skills. We started off the trip pretty easy, but we moved on to some challenging stuff that I wouldn’t have liked to have tried on our own. It was great to see how the lead vehicle took the river crossings and rougher terrain before approaching it ourselves, and Del also coached us over the radio. There were lots of opportunities for pictures and the scenery was spectacular – every photo I took looked like a postcard! Del was extremely knowledgeable about the area, and had entertaining stories to tell about many of the places we saw. I highly recommend a trip with 4WD Expeditions. Laurel - England We booked the Pisa Range tour to see something a bit different and we were not disappointed. The road trip to the summit was full of interest and beautiful vistas. A stop at an alpine hut for morning tea was well timed. More climbing in our comfortable vehicle led us to the summit and 360 degree views of the Southern Alps, Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Lake Dunstan, Cromwell and Alexandra – breath-taking! We enjoyed a tasty lunch at the summit taking in the views. At times we were above pockets of snow. Then there were the side trips to view alpine lakes and impressive rock tors. Plenty of opportunities for photos, we were never rushed and Del was full of information about the area’s rock formations, plant and bird life. This would have to rate as one of the best tours we have done. Del is a fantastic driver and tour guide, full of information and humour and gave us a wonderful day on Mt Pisa. We have no hesitation in recommending him and this tour. Peter and Jacquie, Hamilton NZ.2020 Fantastic bespoke 4WD tour. We had a 3 day tour with Del. Travelled with my Father and his good mate both in their late 70s. Del really went out of his way to taylor the tour to our needs. We all had a great time. This part of NZ is really beautiful and interesting. Lots of little surprises along the way. Brought back a lot of memories for my dad and our friend who both grew up in this area. Del has been doing this for a long time, we always felt looked after and safe. Thanks Del. Auckland Wonderful 2 day tour with 4WD Expeditions in Queenstown area, tag-along in our own trucks - magic! Highly recommend this time of year - autumn with trees all shades of brilliant yellow,orange and red, set off the already impressive mountain and river landscape. We saw some amazing out-of-the-way spots with superb photo opportunities - truly NZ at its best. Our guide Del was safety conscious, thoroughly professional, very knowledgeable both historically and geographically, with lots of anecdotes to make our tour come alive, nothing was a problem. Very quick and easy communication in the pre-tour phase too. His sense of humour kept us chuckling, very friendly, a good all-round Kiwi bloke with a passion for what he is doing. A++ experience - you will not regret touring with 4WD Expeditions!. Ashburton Excellent 3 days. Excellent guide. (Thank you Del). Views magnificent. Tracks very good. Would do it all again. Alan - Auckland Very good expedition. Well guided and some great places were seen. Del was very good and informative. Bob - Ashburton We thoroughly enjoyed our day with 4WD Expeditions. We started in Garston with a safety check and issue of radios and then followed Del in our own vehicle up over the southern end of the Hector Range and into the Upper Nevis Valley. Del has a lot of knowledge about the area and its history of settlement and gold mining. After a picnic lunch we left the Nevis for a memorable side trip to the Kopuwai Conservation Area on the Old Woman Range. Here the 4WD was more technical and challenging and after some steep climbing we were rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Central Otago landscapes. We returned to the Nevis Road and finished the trip at the bottom of Duffers Saddle just before Bannockburn. Del runs a professional tour with good briefings, a well equipped lead vehicle with safety gear and plenty of stops for photographs and sightseeing. We have no hesitation in recommending Del and 4WD Expeditions for a memorable, entertaining and challenging day trip. John - Christchurch

HAZARD STATEMENT Any off road / back country driving can lead to unexpected incidents. This can include but is not limited to - accidents, injuries, vehicle damage, property damage & loss of life. All participants, drivers & passengers have to accept & acknowledge this on our booking form.

Waikaia Bush Road Tag Along

WAIKAIA BUSH RD TAG ALONG

Get ready to experience your newest passion

WAIKAIA BUSH

TAG ALONG

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

JOIN QUEENSTOWN'S MOST EXPERIENCED 4WD

GUIDE ON A PRIVATE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOUR

WAIKAIA BUSH ROAD

AVAILABLE TOURS : PASSENGER | PHOTOGRAPHY | SELF DRIVE

WAIKAIA BUSH ROAD

AVAILABLE TOURS : PASSENGER | PHOTOGRAPHY | SELF DRIVE

GUIDED TAG ALONG TOUR | INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

WAIKAIA BUSH ROAD

This full day expedition provides an opportunity to explore the Waikaia Bush Road, a fairly rugged 4WD track requiring a reasonable amount of off road experience to safely traverse. From the serene Waikaia river, lush beech forest, tussock plateaus, gold mining and massive rock tor covered scenery, this road provides access to the beautiful Umbrella and Old Man Ranges.

PRIVATE TOUR PRICE PER VEHICLE

$1098 one vehicle

$698 two vehicles

POA more than 2 vehicles

Daily 7am

Up to 12 hours

PRIVATE TAG ALONG TOUR

PRICE PER VEHICLE : $1200 (1) $650 (2)

DATES : RUNS DAILY ON DEMAND

TIME : UP TO 8 HOURS

INFORMATION
SELF DRIVE REQUIREMENTS
- Vehicle insurance suitable for this tour.
- All terrain tyres preferred with minimum 60% tread.
- Road tyres can be used on dry days but will need to be deflated to a lower pressure if necessary.
- Hi/low ratio not required during summer
- A full list of vehicle requirements is on our booking form. Contact us for details.
- This tour is suitable for people with beginner off-road driving experience, however the tour operates on backcountry tracks and DOC land. As per most backcountry routes this tour has narrow tracks, and tracks at height. Drivers need to be confident driving on back country roads.
- Due to hazard identification over hand held radios, clients must be fluent in english.
- Skippers Canyon is a public road. Private and rental vehicle insurance policies must be checked to make sure they include Skippers Canyon. We can direct you to rental companies in Queenstown that allow their vehicles in Skippers.
- During summer the road does not require 4WD vehicles, but further up the canyon there are small creeks to cross and areas that require vehicles with suitable ground clearance. Please contact us to check vehicle suitability.
SELF DRIVE BOOKING

3 steps for booking
1. Email us at info@4wdexpeditions.nz
2. We will send you a link to the booking forms. Please read, sign and return.
3. Payment options, Visa, Mastercard, eftpos, Direct bank transfer. Tour day, visa, mastercard, eftpos or cash
INCLUDED
- Hand held radio use
- Includes 15% NZ Goods & Services Tax
- Professional guide
- Satellite phone / safety equipment
- Commercial DOC access fees
- Includes 15% NZ Goods & Services Tax
NOT INCLUDED

Vehicle hire / fuel / insurance / vehicle recovery

DATES AVAILABLE
- Public trips are run on posted dates.
- We are able to confirm for one vehicle.
- Full day tours depart 8:00 am
- Different start times can be arranged if necessary. Pick-ups at local accommodation by prior arrangement.
ITINERARY
ITINERARY

We meet at the Skippers Canyon turn off up Coronet Peak Road for a compulsory safety briefing, radio distribution and the plan for the day.

Following this, we begin our adventure by crossing Skippers Saddle to get our first views of Mt Aurum, the Skippers Road and a view of the high country terrain which we will drive through.

Highlights of the day include:
- Hells and Heavens Gates
- Lighthouse Rock
- Historic gold mining relics
- Shotover River
- Major Lord of the Rings locations
- Engineering marvel Pinchers Bluff
- Traversing Skippers Bridge (1901)
- Skippers School (1889)
- Skippers Cemetery
- and much more..
Your local kiwi guide, Del has guided tourists into Skippers Canyon since 1990. His knowledge and experience on the road conditions, history and region make this a truly remarkable adventure into the high country.

We aim to be out of the canyon by late afternoon.
TESTIMONIALS

Fantastic bespoke 4WD tour. We had a 3 day tour with Del. Travelled with my
Father and his good mate both in their late 70s. Del really went out of his way to taylor the tour to our needs. We all had a great time. This part of NZ is really beautiful and interesting. Lots of little surprises along the way. Brought back a lot of memories for my dad and our friend who both grew up in this area. Del has been doing this for a long time, we always felt looked after and safe. Thanks Del. Auckland

Wonderful 2 day tour with 4WD Expeditions in Queenstown area, tag-along in our own trucks - magic! Highly recommend this time of year - autumn with trees all shades of brilliant yellow,orange and red, set off the already impressive mountain and river landscape. We saw some amazing out-of-the-way spots with superb photo opportunities - truly NZ at its best.
Our guide Del was safety conscious, thoroughly professional, very knowledgeable both historically and geographically, with lots of anecdotes to make our tour come alive, nothing was a problem. Very quick and easy communication in the pre-tour phase too. His sense of humour kept us chuckling, very friendly, a good all-round Kiwi bloke with a passion for what he is doing.
A++ experience - you will not regret touring with 4WD Expeditions!. Ashburton

My family and I had a great trip with 4WD Expeditions back in February. It was the highlight of our time in New Zealand - a truly wonderful way to see the countryside that tourists seldom see, while learning off-road driving skills. We started off the trip pretty easy, but we moved on to some challenging stuff that I wouldn’t have liked to have tried on our own. It was great to see how the lead vehicle took the river crossings and rougher terrain before approaching it ourselves, and Del also coached us over the radio. There were lots of opportunities for pictures and the scenery was spectacular – every photo I took looked like a postcard! Del was extremely knowledgeable about the area, and had entertaining stories to tell about many of the places we saw. I highly recommend a trip with 4WD Expeditions. Laurel - England

Excellent 3 days. Excellent guide. (Thank you Del). Views magnificent. Tracks very good. Would do it all again. Alan - Auckland

Very good expedition. Well guided and some great places were seen. Del was very good and
informative. Bob - Ashburton

We thoroughly enjoyed our day with 4WD Expeditions. We started in Garston with a safety check and issue of radios and then followed Del in our own vehicle up over the southern end of the Hector Range and into the Upper Nevis Valley. Del has a lot of knowledge about the area and its history of settlement and gold mining. After a picnic lunch we left the Nevis for a memorable side trip to the Kopuwai Conservation Area on the Old Woman Range. Here the 4WD was more technical and challenging and after some steep climbing we were rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Central Otago landscapes.
We returned to the Nevis Road and finished the trip at the bottom of Duffers Saddle just before Bannockburn.
Del runs a professional tour with good briefings, a well equipped lead vehicle with safety gear and plenty of stops for photographs and sightseeing.
We have no hesitation in recommending Del and 4WD Expeditions for a memorable, entertaining and challenging day trip. John - Christchurch
DATES 2022 | 2023

SEPTEMBER 2022
22nd, 29th

OCTOBER 2022
12th, 19th, 26th

NOVEMBER 2022
2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

DECEMBER 2022
7th, 14th, 21st, 28th

JANUARY 2023
4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

FEBRUARY 2023
1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd

MARCH 2023
1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th

APRIL 2023
5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

INFORMATION
SELF DRIVE REQUIREMENTS
- Vehicle insurance suitable for this tour.
- Travel insurance is recommended for all our tours.
- All terrain tyres preferred with minimum 60% tread.
- A full list of vehicle requirements is on our booking form. Contact us for details.
- This tour is suitable for people with intermediate off-road driving experience.
- This tour operates on backcountry farm tracks and DOC land.
- As per most backcountry routes this tour has narrow tracks, and tracks at height. Drivers need to be confident driving on back country roads.
- Due to hazard identification over hand held radios, clients must be fluent in english.
TRACK CONDITIONS

The tracks we use for this tour through the Waikaia Bush Rd require tag along drivers to be familiar and competent with the following:
- Steep, loose surface climbs
- Heights
- Narrow tracks
- Traversing scree's, loose rocks
That all said, this tour is achievable for most people that have been off- roading before ; it is not suitable for beginners or drivers that lack confidence on narrow tracks.

SELF DRIVE BOOKING

3 steps for booking
1. Email us at info@4wdexpeditions.nz
2. We will send you a link to the booking forms. Please read, sign and return.
3. Payment options, Visa, Mastercard, eftpos, Direct bank transfer.
INCLUDED
- Hand held radio supplied (Private tour)
- Hand held radios available, limited supply on public tours.
- Includes 15% NZ Goods & Services Tax
- Professional guide
- Satellite phone / safety equipment
- Commercial DOC access fees
- Morning tea (Private tour)
- Lunch available as optional extra, $25pp (Private tour)
NOT INCLUDED
- Vehicle hire
- Fuel
- Insurance
- Vehicle recovery
- And anything else not listed above.
DATES AVAILABLE
- Public tours run on set dates.
- Private tours run on demand, we confirm for one vehicle.
- Private tour start times can be flexible.
- Private tour pick-ups at local accommodation by prior arrangement.
ITINERARY

ITINERARY

This is a big day.

This tour can has two start points depending on the weather. These are determined on the day.

From Queenstown we head west through the Kawarau Gorge to historic Bannockburn. From Bannockburn we start climbing steeply to 1280m on the Duffers Saddle Road, providing commanding views over Lake Dunstan and Cromwell. This area has an average annual temperature close to zero degrees Celsius. As a result the ranges are dotted with distinctive schist rock tors and bisected by fields of freeze-thaw hummocks and mounds, creating a wave-like effect across the slopes and basins.

We negotiate the old gold mining tracks and trails traversing the Old Woman and Old Man Ranges which run from north-west to south- east, creating a rain shadow that blocks and absorbs southerly fronts, making Central Otago New Zealand’s driest area. Attaining the height of 1740m we start travelling through the Kopuwai Conservation area, with stunning Central Otago vistas on our left, and the Nevis Valley and Hector Mountains on our right.

Unlike our Kopuwai tour which exits via the Obelisk Rock, this tour proceeds onto the Waikaia Bush Road, Piano flat and Waikaia. Once we hit the ridge the countryside has commanding views over the Garvie and Umbrella mountains. Rock tors are a common feature in this landscape adding to the dramatic views.

There is a rock step section that requires vehicles have good entry and exit departure angles (vehicles with low overhanging front or rear bumpers and tow-bars are not suitable for this trip).

From the ridgeline we descend via a zigzag track down through stunning beech forest at Piano Flat beside the Waikaia River and onto Waikaia township, Lumsden and back to Queenstown.

Due to safety with conditions, if it is wet or raining at Piano Flat we will not attempt the zigzag track section before Piano Flat. Instead we will exit as per our Kopuwai tour at the Obelisk and Central Otago.
TESTIMONIALS

My family and I had a great trip with 4WD Expeditions back in February. It was the highlight of our time in New Zealand - a truly wonderful way to see the countryside that tourists seldom see, while learning off-road driving skills. We started off the trip pretty easy, but we moved on to some challenging stuff that I wouldn’t have liked to have tried on our own. It was great to see how the lead vehicle took the river crossings and rougher terrain before approaching it ourselves, and Del also coached us over the radio. There were lots of opportunities for pictures and the scenery was spectacular – every photo I took looked like a postcard! Del was extremely knowledgeable about the area, and had entertaining stories to tell about many of the places we saw. I highly recommend a trip with 4WD Expeditions. Laurel - England

We booked the Pisa Range tour to see something a bit different and we were not disappointed. The road trip to the summit was full of interest and beautiful vistas. A stop at an alpine hut for morning tea was well timed. More climbing in our comfortable vehicle led us to the summit and 360 degree views of the Southern Alps, Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Lake Dunstan, Cromwell and Alexandra – breath-taking! We enjoyed a tasty lunch at the summit taking in the views. At times we were above pockets of snow. Then there were the side trips to view alpine lakes and impressive rock tors. Plenty of opportunities for photos, we were never rushed and Del was full of information about the area’s rock formations, plant and bird life. This would have to rate as one of the best tours we have done. Del is a fantastic driver and tour guide, full of information and humour and gave us a wonderful day on Mt Pisa. We have no hesitation in recommending him and this tour.
Peter and Jacquie, Hamilton NZ.2020

Fantastic bespoke 4WD tour. We had a 3 day tour with Del. Travelled with my
Father and his good mate both in their late 70s. Del really went out of his way to taylor the tour to our needs. We all had a great time. This part of NZ is really beautiful and interesting. Lots of little surprises along the way. Brought back a lot of memories for my dad and our friend who both grew up in this area. Del has been doing this for a long time, we always felt looked after and safe. Thanks Del. Auckland

Wonderful 2 day tour with 4WD Expeditions in Queenstown area, tag-along in our own trucks - magic! Highly recommend this time of year - autumn with trees all shades of brilliant yellow,orange and red, set off the already impressive mountain and river landscape. We saw some amazing out-of-the-way spots with superb photo opportunities - truly NZ at its best.
Our guide Del was safety conscious, thoroughly professional, very knowledgeable both historically and geographically, with lots of anecdotes to make our tour come alive, nothing was a problem. Very quick and easy communication in the pre-tour phase too. His sense of humour kept us chuckling, very friendly, a good all-round Kiwi bloke with a passion for what he is doing.
A++ experience - you will not regret touring with 4WD Expeditions!. Ashburton

Excellent 3 days. Excellent guide. (Thank you Del). Views magnificent. Tracks very good. Would do it all again. Alan - Auckland

Very good expedition. Well guided and some great places were seen. Del was very good and
informative. Bob - Ashburton

We thoroughly enjoyed our day with 4WD Expeditions. We started in Garston with a safety check and issue of radios and then followed Del in our own vehicle up over the southern end of the Hector Range and into the Upper Nevis Valley. Del has a lot of knowledge about the area and its history of settlement and gold mining. After a picnic lunch we left the Nevis for a memorable side trip to the Kopuwai Conservation Area on the Old Woman Range. Here the 4WD was more technical and challenging and after some steep climbing we were rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Central Otago landscapes.
We returned to the Nevis Road and finished the trip at the bottom of Duffers Saddle just before Bannockburn.
Del runs a professional tour with good briefings, a well equipped lead vehicle with safety gear and plenty of stops for photographs and sightseeing.
We have no hesitation in recommending Del and 4WD Expeditions for a memorable, entertaining and challenging day trip. John - Christchurch
HAZARD STATEMENT

HAZARD STATEMENT

Any off road / back country driving can lead to unexpected incidents. This can include but is not limited to - accidents, injuries, vehicle damage, property damage & loss of life. All participants, drivers & passengers have to accept & acknowledge this on our booking form.

TAG ALONG

WAIKAIA BUSH ROAD

PRIVATE TOUR

PRICE : $1200 one vehicle, $650 per 2 vehicles, POA 2+ vehicles

INFORMATION
SELF DRIVE REQUIREMENTS
- Vehicle insurance suitable for this tour.
- We recommend travel insurance for all tours.
- All terrain or mud terrain tyres preferred with minimum 60% tread
- Hi/low ratio not required during summer.
- A full list of vehicle requirements is on our booking form. Contact us for details.
- This tour is suitable for people with intermediate off-road driving experience.
- As per most backcountry routes this tour has narrow tracks, and tracks at height. Drivers need to be confident driving on back country roads.
- Due to hazard identification over hand held radios, clients must be fluent in english.
TRACK CONDITIONS

The tracks we use for this tour through the Waikaia Bush Rd require tag along drivers to be familiar and competent with the following:
- Steep, loose surface climbs
- Heights
- Narrow tracks
- Traversing scree's, loose rocks
That all said, this tour is achievable for most people that have been off- roading before ; it is not suitable for beginners or drivers that lack confidence on narrow tracks.

SELF DRIVE BOOKING

3 steps for bookin
- Email us at info@4wdexpeditions.nz
- We will send you a link to the booking forms. Please read, sign and return.
- Payment options, Visa, Mastercard, eftpos, Direct bank transfer.
INCLUDED
- Hand held radio supplied (Private tour)
- Hand held radios available, limited supply on public tours.
- Includes 15% NZ Goods & Services Tax
- Professional guide
- Satellite phone / safety equipment
- Commercial DOC access fees
- Morning tea (Private tour)
- Lunch available as optional extra, $25pp (Private tour)
NOT INCLUDED
- Vehicle hire
- Fuel
- Insurance
- Vehicle recovery
DATES AVAILABLE
- Public tours run on set published dates.
- Private tours run on demand, we confirm for one vehicle.
- Private tour start times can be flexible.
- Private tour pick-ups at local accommodation by prior arrangement.
ITINERARY

ITINERARY

This is a big day.

This tour can has two start points depending on the weather. These are determined on the day.

From Queenstown we head west through the Kawarau Gorge to historic Bannockburn. From Bannockburn we start climbing steeply to 1280m on the Duffers Saddle Road, providing commanding views over Lake Dunstan and Cromwell. This area has an average annual temperature close to zero degrees Celsius. As a result the ranges are dotted with distinctive schist rock tors and bisected by fields of freeze-thaw hummocks and mounds, creating a wave-like effect across the slopes and basins.

We negotiate the old gold mining tracks and trails traversing the Old Woman and Old Man Ranges which run from north-west to south- east, creating a rain shadow that blocks and absorbs southerly fronts, making Central Otago New Zealand’s driest area. Attaining the height of 1740m we start travelling through the Kopuwai Conservation area, with stunning Central Otago vistas on our left, and the Nevis Valley and Hector Mountains on our right.

Unlike our Kopuwai tour which exits via the Obelisk Rock, this tour proceeds onto the Waikaia Bush Road, Piano flat and Waikaia. Once we hit the ridge the countryside has commanding views over the Garvie and Umbrella mountains. Rock tors are a common feature in this landscape adding to the dramatic views.

There is a rock step section that requires vehicles have good entry and exit departure angles (vehicles with low overhanging front or rear bumpers and tow-bars are not suitable for this trip).

From the ridgeline we descend via a zigzag track down through stunning beech forest at Piano Flat beside the Waikaia River and onto Waikaia township, Lumsden and back to Queenstown.

Due to safety with conditions, if it is wet or raining at Piano Flat we will not attempt the zigzag track section before Piano Flat. Instead we will exit as per our Kopuwai tour at the Obelisk and Central Otago.
TESTIMONIALS

My family and I had a great trip with 4WD Expeditions back in February. It was the highlight of our time in New Zealand - a truly wonderful way to see the countryside that tourists seldom see, while learning off-road driving skills. We started off the trip pretty easy, but we moved on to some challenging stuff that I wouldn’t have liked to have tried on our own. It was great to see how the lead vehicle took the river crossings and rougher terrain before approaching it ourselves, and Del also coached us over the radio. There were lots of opportunities for pictures and the scenery was spectacular – every photo I took looked like a postcard! Del was extremely knowledgeable about the area, and had entertaining stories to tell about many of the places we saw. I highly recommend a trip with 4WD Expeditions. Laurel - England

We booked the Pisa Range tour to see something a bit different and we were not disappointed. The road trip to the summit was full of interest and beautiful vistas. A stop at an alpine hut for morning tea was well timed. More climbing in our comfortable vehicle led us to the summit and 360 degree views of the Southern Alps, Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Lake Dunstan, Cromwell and Alexandra – breath-taking! We enjoyed a tasty lunch at the summit taking in the views. At times we were above pockets of snow. Then there were the side trips to view alpine lakes and impressive rock tors. Plenty of opportunities for photos, we were never rushed and Del was full of information about the area’s rock formations, plant and bird life. This would have to rate as one of the best tours we have done. Del is a fantastic driver and tour guide, full of information and humour and gave us a wonderful day on Mt Pisa. We have no hesitation in recommending him and this tour.
Peter and Jacquie, Hamilton NZ.2020

Fantastic bespoke 4WD tour. We had a 3 day tour with Del. Travelled with my
Father and his good mate both in their late 70s. Del really went out of his way to taylor the tour to our needs. We all had a great time. This part of NZ is really beautiful and interesting. Lots of little surprises along the way. Brought back a lot of memories for my dad and our friend who both grew up in this area. Del has been doing this for a long time, we always felt looked after and safe. Thanks Del. Auckland

Wonderful 2 day tour with 4WD Expeditions in Queenstown area, tag-along in our own trucks - magic! Highly recommend this time of year - autumn with trees all shades of brilliant yellow,orange and red, set off the already impressive mountain and river landscape. We saw some amazing out-of-the-way spots with superb photo opportunities - truly NZ at its best.
Our guide Del was safety conscious, thoroughly professional, very knowledgeable both historically and geographically, with lots of anecdotes to make our tour come alive, nothing was a problem. Very quick and easy communication in the pre-tour phase too. His sense of humour kept us chuckling, very friendly, a good all-round Kiwi bloke with a passion for what he is doing.
A++ experience - you will not regret touring with 4WD Expeditions!. Ashburton

Excellent 3 days. Excellent guide. (Thank you Del). Views magnificent. Tracks very good. Would do it all again. Alan - Auckland

Very good expedition. Well guided and some great places were seen. Del was very good and
informative. Bob - Ashburton

We thoroughly enjoyed our day with 4WD Expeditions. We started in Garston with a safety check and issue of radios and then followed Del in our own vehicle up over the southern end of the Hector Range and into the Upper Nevis Valley. Del has a lot of knowledge about the area and its history of settlement and gold mining. After a picnic lunch we left the Nevis for a memorable side trip to the Kopuwai Conservation Area on the Old Woman Range. Here the 4WD was more technical and challenging and after some steep climbing we were rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Central Otago landscapes.
We returned to the Nevis Road and finished the trip at the bottom of Duffers Saddle just before Bannockburn.
Del runs a professional tour with good briefings, a well equipped lead vehicle with safety gear and plenty of stops for photographs and sightseeing.
We have no hesitation in recommending Del and 4WD Expeditions for a memorable, entertaining and challenging day trip. John - Christchurch
HAZARD STATEMENT

HAZARD STATEMENT

Any off road / back country driving can lead to unexpected incidents. This can include but is not limited to - accidents, injuries, vehicle damage, property damage & loss of life. All participants, drivers & passengers have to accept & acknowledge this on our booking form.

TAG ALONG

WAIKAIA BUSH ROAD

PRIVATE TOUR

PRICE : $1200 one vehicle, $650 per 2 vehicles, POA 2+ vehicles

INFORMATION
SELF DRIVE REQUIREMENTS
- Vehicle insurance suitable for this tour.
- We recommend travel insurance for all tours.
- All terrain or mud terrain tyres preferred with minimum 60% tread
- Hi/low ratio not required during summer.
- A full list of vehicle requirements is on our booking form. Contact us for details.
- This tour is suitable for people with intermediate off-road driving experience.
- As per most backcountry routes this tour has narrow tracks, and tracks at height. Drivers need to be confident driving on back country roads.
- Due to hazard identification over hand held radios, clients must be fluent in english.
TRACK CONDITIONS

The tracks we use for this tour through the Waikaia Bush Rd require tag along drivers to be familiar and competent with the following:
- Steep, loose surface climbs
- Heights
- Narrow tracks
- Traversing scree's, loose rocks
That all said, this tour is achievable for most people that have been off- roading before ; it is not suitable for beginners or drivers that lack confidence on narrow tracks.

SELF DRIVE BOOKING

3 steps for bookin
- Email us at info@4wdexpeditions.nz
- We will send you a link to the booking forms. Please read, sign and return.
- Payment options, Visa, Mastercard, eftpos, Direct bank transfer.
INCLUDED
- Hand held radio supplied (Private tour)
- Hand held radios available, limited supply on public tours.
- Includes 15% NZ Goods & Services Tax
- Professional guide
- Satellite phone / safety equipment
- Commercial DOC access fees
- Morning tea (Private tour)
- Lunch available as optional extra, $25pp (Private tour)
NOT INCLUDED
- Vehicle hire
- Fuel
- Insurance
- Vehicle recovery
DATES AVAILABLE
- Public tours run on set published dates.
- Private tours run on demand, we confirm for one vehicle.
- Private tour start times can be flexible.
- Private tour pick-ups at local accommodation by prior arrangement.
ITINERARY

ITINERARY

This is a big day.

This tour can has two start points depending on the weather. These are determined on the day.

From Queenstown we head west through the Kawarau Gorge to historic Bannockburn. From Bannockburn we start climbing steeply to 1280m on the Duffers Saddle Road, providing commanding views over Lake Dunstan and Cromwell. This area has an average annual temperature close to zero degrees Celsius. As a result the ranges are dotted with distinctive schist rock tors and bisected by fields of freeze-thaw hummocks and mounds, creating a wave-like effect across the slopes and basins.

We negotiate the old gold mining tracks and trails traversing the Old Woman and Old Man Ranges which run from north-west to south- east, creating a rain shadow that blocks and absorbs southerly fronts, making Central Otago New Zealand’s driest area. Attaining the height of 1740m we start travelling through the Kopuwai Conservation area, with stunning Central Otago vistas on our left, and the Nevis Valley and Hector Mountains on our right.

Unlike our Kopuwai tour which exits via the Obelisk Rock, this tour proceeds onto the Waikaia Bush Road, Piano flat and Waikaia. Once we hit the ridge the countryside has commanding views over the Garvie and Umbrella mountains. Rock tors are a common feature in this landscape adding to the dramatic views.

There is a rock step section that requires vehicles have good entry and exit departure angles (vehicles with low overhanging front or rear bumpers and tow-bars are not suitable for this trip).

From the ridgeline we descend via a zigzag track down through stunning beech forest at Piano Flat beside the Waikaia River and onto Waikaia township, Lumsden and back to Queenstown.

Due to safety with conditions, if it is wet or raining at Piano Flat we will not attempt the zigzag track section before Piano Flat. Instead we will exit as per our Kopuwai tour at the Obelisk and Central Otago.
TESTIMONIALS

My family and I had a great trip with 4WD Expeditions back in February. It was the highlight of our time in New Zealand - a truly wonderful way to see the countryside that tourists seldom see, while learning off-road driving skills. We started off the trip pretty easy, but we moved on to some challenging stuff that I wouldn’t have liked to have tried on our own. It was great to see how the lead vehicle took the river crossings and rougher terrain before approaching it ourselves, and Del also coached us over the radio. There were lots of opportunities for pictures and the scenery was spectacular – every photo I took looked like a postcard! Del was extremely knowledgeable about the area, and had entertaining stories to tell about many of the places we saw. I highly recommend a trip with 4WD Expeditions. Laurel - England

We booked the Pisa Range tour to see something a bit different and we were not disappointed. The road trip to the summit was full of interest and beautiful vistas. A stop at an alpine hut for morning tea was well timed. More climbing in our comfortable vehicle led us to the summit and 360 degree views of the Southern Alps, Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Lake Dunstan, Cromwell and Alexandra – breath-taking! We enjoyed a tasty lunch at the summit taking in the views. At times we were above pockets of snow. Then there were the side trips to view alpine lakes and impressive rock tors. Plenty of opportunities for photos, we were never rushed and Del was full of information about the area’s rock formations, plant and bird life. This would have to rate as one of the best tours we have done. Del is a fantastic driver and tour guide, full of information and humour and gave us a wonderful day on Mt Pisa. We have no hesitation in recommending him and this tour.
Peter and Jacquie, Hamilton NZ.2020

Fantastic bespoke 4WD tour. We had a 3 day tour with Del. Travelled with my
Father and his good mate both in their late 70s. Del really went out of his way to taylor the tour to our needs. We all had a great time. This part of NZ is really beautiful and interesting. Lots of little surprises along the way. Brought back a lot of memories for my dad and our friend who both grew up in this area. Del has been doing this for a long time, we always felt looked after and safe. Thanks Del. Auckland

Wonderful 2 day tour with 4WD Expeditions in Queenstown area, tag-along in our own trucks - magic! Highly recommend this time of year - autumn with trees all shades of brilliant yellow,orange and red, set off the already impressive mountain and river landscape. We saw some amazing out-of-the-way spots with superb photo opportunities - truly NZ at its best.
Our guide Del was safety conscious, thoroughly professional, very knowledgeable both historically and geographically, with lots of anecdotes to make our tour come alive, nothing was a problem. Very quick and easy communication in the pre-tour phase too. His sense of humour kept us chuckling, very friendly, a good all-round Kiwi bloke with a passion for what he is doing.
A++ experience - you will not regret touring with 4WD Expeditions!. Ashburton

Excellent 3 days. Excellent guide. (Thank you Del). Views magnificent. Tracks very good. Would do it all again. Alan - Auckland

Very good expedition. Well guided and some great places were seen. Del was very good and
informative. Bob - Ashburton

We thoroughly enjoyed our day with 4WD Expeditions. We started in Garston with a safety check and issue of radios and then followed Del in our own vehicle up over the southern end of the Hector Range and into the Upper Nevis Valley. Del has a lot of knowledge about the area and its history of settlement and gold mining. After a picnic lunch we left the Nevis for a memorable side trip to the Kopuwai Conservation Area on the Old Woman Range. Here the 4WD was more technical and challenging and after some steep climbing we were rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Central Otago landscapes.
We returned to the Nevis Road and finished the trip at the bottom of Duffers Saddle just before Bannockburn.
Del runs a professional tour with good briefings, a well equipped lead vehicle with safety gear and plenty of stops for photographs and sightseeing.
We have no hesitation in recommending Del and 4WD Expeditions for a memorable, entertaining and challenging day trip. John - Christchurch
HAZARD STATEMENT

HAZARD STATEMENT

Any off road / back country driving can lead to unexpected incidents. This can include but is not limited to - accidents, injuries, vehicle damage, property damage & loss of life. All participants, drivers & passengers have to accept & acknowledge this on our booking form.