Top South Island ATV Tours

Drive a Quad Bike along the ancient glacial pathways of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, carved into the landscape by ice and water over thousands of years. Admire the lush landscape of the dense rainforest and reconnect with Mother Nature.

For your next activity in the proclaimed ‘Adventure Capital of the World,’ set out for Queenstown’s off-road terrain aboard a Suzuki sports quad, led by an expert guide. You’ll bump along dirt-bike tracks with creek crossings and hill climbs boasting spectacular views, from the Kawarau River up into the mountains of the Kawarau Gorge. Each tailor-made tour runs with a select small group based on skill level, guaranteeing both beginning and advanced riders an exhilarating 1.5-hour ride.

New Zealand is known across the world for its stunning landscapes, and the North Canterbury region is no different. Drive across the region’s countryside and through native bushland on this ATV tour outside just Hanmer Springs. Take a free transport from the Hanmer Springs village centre and drive around over 6,000 hectares full of hills, streams and meadows.

Enjoy high-octane thrills in the New Zealand wilderness on this 2-hour Cardrona Valley quad bike experience from Wanaka. Following a comprehensive safety briefing, pull on your helmet and hop onto your 350cc quad bike. Master the controls in safety, then spin off into the mountains of the mighty Cardrona Valley with your guide. Navigate winding dirt tracks through rolling alpine farmland where Merino sheep and cattle graze. Bounce and roll over the rugged terrain, and enjoy panoramic views over the wilds of New Zealand’s South Island.

This quad bike adventure is an exciting way to tour the bush-clad terrain near Nelson. After being thoroughly briefed on how to use the bikes safely, travel along 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) of tracks. You’ll be treated to beautiful views across Cable Bay, and will make plenty of stops so your guide can tell you all about the area. This is a fun outing for families and friends traveling together.

Explore New Zealand’s rugged countryside by quad bike and enjoy plenty of off-road adventure on this family-friendly 2-hour off-road tour in Hanmer Springs. Choose a morning or afternoon tour and hop onto your quad bike. Then, open the throttle and zoom along winding dirt tracks with a guide. Spin along riverbanks and over creek crossings, and follow farmland trails into the wilderness. Along the way, feel the wind in your face and enjoy sweeping views over the rugged landscapes for which the South Island is famous.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Queenstown region with this gold mining tour. Stop in at key towns of the gold rush days including charming Arrowtown, and visit the Goldfields Mining Centre where you will be able to have a go at gold panning yourself. As you travel, learn the history and hear marvelous stories via themed GPS headsets.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Queenstown and head along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the aptly-named Paradise. On this half-day tour deep into Otago, experience New Zealand life outside of the urban centers. Stop at a local farm to feed the local animals and watch a genuine sheep-shearing demonstration; stroll around the picturesque film-making hotspot Glenorchy; drive all the way out to the isolated parks and historic buildings in Paradise. Make sure to take lots of photos of this scenic region!

Travelers who want to spend time outdoors while trying something new will love this quad bike tour through native forest and a farm. You don’t need to have driven a quad bike before, as full instruction will be given before you start. Drive through different terrain, with lots of beautiful views, and several stops so your guide can tell you all about the area. The ride lasts for about 90 minutes, depending on riders’ skills and needs.

Thrill-seeking travelers will love the chance to drive powerful ATVs around an extreme track surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery. Conveniently located close to Queenstown, this fun half-hour adventure can easily fit into busy itineraries. Drive at speeds of over 45 miles (75 kilometers) per hour around the 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) track. Go solo or take a friend, to share the excitement.

With rugged trails winding through open wilderness and mineral-rich thermal waters, Hanmer Springs is a haven of exciting outdoor adventure. On this adrenaline-pumping combo tour, zoom through the countryside by quad bike and tackle the Waiau Gorge’s grade II white-water currents by raft. With all safety equipment included, experience high-octane thrills and watery spills on New Zealand’s spectacular South Island.

We jump in “the beast” and cruise up Kingston Hill to give you exclusive access to the most stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. You and your friends can enjoy a thrilling ride up the hill in a Can-Am Maverick X3 Max Turbo. The Maverick pairs Can-Am technology with Fox Podium suspension to give you one comfortable ride. The tour lasts around 2 hours with plenty of time to take photos and videos of the stunning scenery.

Enjoy a two-for-one helicopter and ATV quad bike adventure on the Kaikōura coast. Fly down the East Coast before landing atop a hill, taking in panoramic views of the ocean and coastline. Get ready for adventure as you track up and down hills, along the coastline and the middle of a river on your ATV. Ride to the Haumuri Bluffs and Spyglass Point for more adventure and rugged scenery.