Macetown 4WD

A true 4x4 off road adventure which explores the historic gold mining town of Macetown.

Long since abandoned after the gold rush Macetown has now been transformed into a Department of Conservation reserve. Ride the rugged road in the safety of our 4x4 that ensures excitement and adventure crossing the Arrow River some 25 times each way.

Immerse yourself in the history of this precious region by panning for gold and letting our knowledgeable guides teach you about the hardship and exhilaration these miners faced.

Trip Details

The Macetown 4WD tour departs from Queenstown heading out to Arrowtown. Once in Arrowtown you will be shown the historic Chinese Settlers Village and the filming location of the Ford of Bruinen in the Lord of the Rings.

Enroute to Macetown you will cross the Arrow River some 25 times before reaching Macetown. On the Macetown track you will pass through Soho Creek and Britannia Terrace. Both locations provide landmarks and insightful stories into the history of this interesting area.

Upon arrival in Macetown you will be taken to the heritage site of Smith’s Bakehouse, which has recently been restored by the Department of Conservation. Explore the gold mining settlement and learn the history of Needham’s Cottage.

Not far beyond Macetown is Anderson’s Battery. Learn about the only stamping battery with an iron frame in Otago.

Leaving Anderson’s Battery you will start making your way back to Arrowtown along the Macetown Track. Try your hand at gold panning on the Arrow River as our guides teach you the techniques to pan for gold and feel the excitement that drew many people to this area.

Our Macetown experience is true off road driving as our experienced guides show you what these 4x4s can do. But rest assured with one of the founding members of Tread Lightly! NZ you will be with one of the most responsible 4WD tours around. This off road adventure really puts the 4x4s through their paces making it so much more than other heritage tours.

What is at the end of the road?
These trips journey into the past along high and narrow roads hacked into the sheer cliffs. You will visit an abandoned gold mining town that were once bustling with miners. You have the chance to explore renovated buildings and old mining equipment.
How much off road driving is there?
Up to 50 crossings of the Arrow River ensures the journey to/from Macetown is a true off-road experience.
Will we go gold panning?
You will stop at a suitable place on the river where, before giving you your own gold pan, the driver will demonstrate the techniques used by the early prospectors.  small flakes of gold can still be found.
Do you provide refreshments?
Hot drinks, biscuits and cakes are provided & you are welcome to bring your own cold water.
Is any walking involved?
Not a lot of walking is required. Some of it may be on uneven ground but it is not necessary to get out of the vehicle.
How long are the trips?
4 ½ hours for our Macetown trip.
Type of vehicle? The Macetown road is the domain of the Land Rover Defender.

What are your child rates/ Child ages?
We do have child rates available. Infants (0-3 years) travel for free and children (4-14 years) travel at a discounted price.
Can my child come on this tour?
Our 4WD tours in Queenstown welcome all ages; there’s no minimum age requirement. We provide child and booster seats upon request at booking.
Weather Cancellation Policy
Weather cancellation policy Outback New Zealand Limited (t/a Nomad Safaris, Info & Track, Info & Snow) We, Outback New Zealand Ltd, are committed to the protection of our employees, clients & property from accidental injury or damage from work carried out by, and on behalf of, the business. We, Outback New Zealand, adopt health, safety, and welfare as a fundamental business objective. In meeting this commitment, management will comply with all legislative requirements and take all practicable steps to: ● Provide a safe place of work, safe equipment, and proper materials. ● Activities are reviewed by competent staff (internal technical advisors). ● Establish and insist that safe work methods be always practiced. ● Provide supervision and training. ● Ensure employees and clients understand and accept their responsibility to promote a safe and healthy place of work and are part of the safety management process. ● Comply with all Health and Safety Legislation. ● Prevention of serious harm. ● Continually improve. As part of this commitment, we reserve the right to delay or cancel any tours or activities if weather conditions are not suitable. This decision will be made by the Operations Manager or a delegated representative. Guides and Drivers are also authorized to modify their routes, or shorten a tour if weather conditions unexpectedly change. Reasons for this could include, but are not limited to: • Excessive rain causing risk of flooding • Extreme high winds • Snowfall closing roads • Excessive Ice on roading network • Risk of lightning strike during tours • Weather related State of Emergency declared by authorities • Any other extreme environmental or weather event, Such as Earthquake, Landslide, Wildfire, Tsunami, Cyclone, Volcanic Eruption. Weather Cancellation policy v 1.2 Feb 2024
Disclosure of Risk 4WD
Outback New Zealand Limited (t/a Nomad Safaris) Disclosure of Risk for Four Wheel Drive Tours. Wakatipu, Glenorchy, Skippers Canyon, Macetown, Gold Seeker, Essential Queenstown, Private Charter We, Outback New Zealand, are committed to the protection of our employees, clients & property from accidental injury or damage from work carried out by, and on behalf of, the business. We, Outback New Zealand, adopt health, safety, and welfare as a fundamental business objective. In meeting this commitment, management will comply with all legislative requirements and take all practicable steps to: ● Provide a safe place of work, safe equipment, and proper materials. ● Activities are reviewed by competent staff (internal technical advisors). ● Establish and insist that safe work methods be always practiced. ● Provide supervision and training. ● Ensure employees and clients understand and accept their responsibility to promote a safe and healthy place of work and are part of the safety management process. ● Comply with all Health and Safety Legislation. ● Prevention of serious harm. ● Continually improve. Whilst we undertake all reasonably practicable steps to minimize, remove, or isolate risks during our tours, it still exists as it does in everyday life. Risks you may be exposed to during your tour include, but are not limited to: • Motor vehicle accident including collision with other vehicles, stationary objects, or the land, rollovers, or vehicle fires. • Your own failure to heed safety warnings, both Verbal and Written • Actions of other road users or members of the public which could cause harm. • Risk of falling from alighting the motor vehicle. • Risk of falling or injury due to uneven, loose, or slippery terrain. • Risk of drowning. • Risk of injury or death due to natural events such as Earthquakes, Landslide, Flash Flooding, Treefall, Wildfire, Lightning, Blizzards, Volcanic Eruption, Tsunami, Cyclones, and any ongoing consequences of these events Disclosure of Risk 4wd v 1.2 Feb 2024

“Macetown magic, flowers and fun!”
What a great trip! Doing this early summer meant the lupins were in full bloom and made for a spectacular display to add the the stunning scenery and very interesting history. Good weather added to the overall experience, along with a very knowledgeable driver giving us the history of the places as we went along.
Morning tea at the Stamping Battery (far end of Macetown) then retraced our steps and back to Arrowtown in time for lunch. Just on 4 hours return from Arrowtown, and be prepared for a bumpy ride in places that'll put a grin on your face - perfect in the context of the location. All in all a great trip & great experience!!
~ Gerard H, Dunedin, New Zealand
“Stunning trip to a piece of NZ history”
We took the four wheel drive trip to the abandoned mining settlement of Macetown. Our guide Santiago was passionate about the history and landscape and a most engaging host. This is an awesome trip which traverses the Arrow river over 25 times to get to the long abandoned mining settlement. Thrills, landscapes that make your jaw drop and a sense of wonder at the history of this place. Worth every cent.
~ Catherine G, Auckland, New Zealand
“Awesome trip” Our guide Jenny took us to Macetown. She did a great job and the ride was exhilarating. We all had a turn panning for gold but no luck unfortunately. I loved the trip it was fun and interesting. Jenny is a great driver!
~ Rachel M, Auckland, New Zealand