Macetown 4WD Adventure – available for bookings now!

• Depart Queenstown and drive to Arrowtown
• Explore the Lakes District Museum and historic town centre
• Begin the off-road journey following the Arrow River
• Learn about historic sites such as Soho Creek and Britannia Terrace
• Arrive at Macetown for a picnic lunch and relic exploration
• Take a 90-minute return guided walk to the Homeward Bound Battery
• Try gold panning with your guide in the Arrow River
• Return via the same scenic route

What is 4 Pax max?
Choose this option to guarantee everyone a window seat. A maximum of four passengers per vehicle, each guest enjoys their own window seat. This differs from our standard tours, which accommodate up to six passengers per vehicle, and do not guarantee a window seat throughout the experience. Please note, our guides always encourage seat rotation so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a different window view during the tour.

What should I bring?
Wear comfortable sturdy footwear and bring a rain jacket, sunscreen, hat, and a large water bottle. Dress in layers as the weather can change quickly. We recommend a second pair of shoes to wear after the walk as your feet will likely be wet.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes – it’s family-friendly. However, the off-road journey is bumpy, so may not suit very young children or anyone with certain medical conditions.

How long is the walk to Homeward Bound Battery?
About 45 minutes each way on a rugged Alpine track. Moderate fitness is recommended, not suitable for less agile participants as there are three creek crossings and well as crossing over washouts.

What’s included in the lunch?
A selection of fresh filled rolls, fresh fruit, snacks, and beverages. Dietary needs can be catered to with advance notice.

Do I need experience to pan for gold?
Not at all. We supply all the equipment and will teach you the techniques used by the early miners.

When does the tour operate?
October to the end of May, when weather is more favourable. Tours are subject to river and road conditions.

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Disclosure of Risk 4WD

Nomad Adventures Limited (t/a Nomad Safaris) Disclosure of Risk for Four Wheel Drive Tours. Wakatipu, Glenorchy, Skippers Canyon, Macetown, Gold Seeker, Essential Queenstown and Private Charter

We, Nomad Adventures Limited, 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, Nomad Adventures Limited, 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 v1.2 – Nov 2025

Weather Cancellation Policy

Weather cancellation policy Nomad Adventures Limited (t/a Nomad Safaris, Info & Track, Info & Snow)

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 v1.2 – Nov 2025

“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