Accessibility on Our 4WD Tours — Nomad Safaris
We want as many guests as possible to experience the backcountry landscapes of Queenstown, Glenorchy, and Fiordland. This guide explains what to expect, what we can accommodate, and what information we need from you to plan a safe and enjoyable trip.
Our Ability to Accommodate Passengers with Disabilities
We are able to accommodate some passengers with disabilities, depending on their mobility level and any relevant medical considerations. Every booking is assessed on a case-by-case basis to make sure the tour is both safe and enjoyable for the guest.
A support person is strongly recommended for mobility impairment, and required in most cases. Please note our drivers are not trained or expected to lift guests in or out of vehicles.
Vehicles, Terrain & Restrictions
Our vehicles are Land Cruisers and Land Rovers built for genuine off-road conditions, which means a higher step for entry and no wheelchair lifts. Tours travel over uneven terrain, including gravel roads, riverbeds, and slopes, and the ride can be bumpy. This may not suit guests with back or neck issues, and accessibility can be further affected by weather conditions such as mud, snow, or ice.
Land Cruisers
Passenger capacity: 6 passengers
Folded wheelchair max height: 600mm
Folded wheelchair max width: 1100mm
Folded wheelchair max depth: 200mm
Can fit a smaller folded wheelchair within these dimensions.
Defender Land Rovers
Can accommodate a larger folded wheelchair, but this needs to be booked as either the 4-passenger maximum option or a private charter.
Guests transfer into the vehicle seat with their own support person and may need to remain in the vehicle at certain stops. Where possible, we adapt stops and minimise walking, though this depends on the rest of the group, as we need to ensure the tour still covers what’s advertised within the time available.
A private tour is recommended in most cases, allowing more tailored flexibility around stops and time spent at each location.
Which Tours Are Suitable
| Tour | Mobility Impairment | Hearing Impairment | Visual Impairment | Cognitive Disabilities | Notes |
| LOTR Glenorchy 4WD | Suitable (with assistance) | Suitable | Suitable | Case-by-case | Scenic stops; guests can remain in the vehicle instead of joining the 15-minute walk at 12 Mile Delta. |
| LOTR Queenstown 4WD | Suitable (with assistance) | Suitable | Suitable | Case-by-case | Similar to Glenorchy, with more technical terrain. Minimal walking required; river crossing may not be suitable. |
| Skippers Canyon 4WD | Limited | Suitable | Suitable | Case-by-case | Narrow roads with exposure; can be bumpy, so may not suit back or neck conditions. |
| Macetown 4WD | Not suitable | Suitable | Suitable | Case-by-case | Rough terrain with multiple river crossings. |
| Routeburn Walk (Transport) | Not suitable | Suitable | Suitable | Case-by-case | Transport only is suitable; walking depends on individual ability. |
| Quad Biking | Not suitable | Not suitable | Not suitable | Not suitable | Requires full physical capability and independent control. |
Information We Need From You
To help us recommend the right tour and plan for a safe, enjoyable experience, please let us know the following when booking:
- Mobility level and ability to walk unaided or with assistance
- Ability to step or climb into the vehicle
- Any relevant medical conditions (e.g. back or neck issues)
- Type of disability (mobility, hearing, visual, cognitive)
- Support person details and level of assistance required
- Comfort with uneven or off-road terrain
- Wheelchair size, if applicable
Accommodating Specific Impairments
We are generally able to accommodate guests with hearing and visual impairments through adapted communication and strong verbal interpretation. Guests with cognitive disabilities can be accommodated on a case-by-case basis, depending on their level of independence and support person assistance.
Mobility impairments are more limited: guests must be able to transfer into the vehicle with their own assistance, as we do not have wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
Support Person Policy
A support person is required for most disabilities and travels at the standard retail rate. This can be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for group bookings or trade operators.
We’re happy to work directly with tour operators to assess individual guest requirements and recommend the most suitable experience.
Have a Specific Enquiry?
Every guest’s needs are different, and we’re happy to talk it through. Please feel free to send us any specific questions before booking.
