Queenstown: Quad Bike Tour

If you’re heading to Queenstown and looking for a high-octane adventure that combines gorgeous scenery with a splash of adrenaline, the Queenstown Quad Bike Tour might just be your perfect match. This tour promises an hour of exciting riding on sports quads across a sprawling 650-acre property outside the town center—an ideal way to get off the beaten path and see a different side of New Zealand’s South Island.

What sets this experience apart? First, the focus on personalized attention with small groups ensures you’re not just another face in the crowd. Second, the spectacular views from the trails—over the Shotover River, Coronet Peak, and Queenstown itself—are truly memorable.

A possible downside? The tour is not suitable for children under 14 or pregnant women, so families with younger kids or those with health considerations will need to look elsewhere. Otherwise, this activity is best suited for those who enjoy adventure and outdoor exploration with safety and fun at the forefront. Whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned rider, you’ll find something to love here.

Key Points

• Personalized riding experience tailored to your skill level
• Spectacular panoramic views from rugged hill climbs
• Expert guides ensure safety and boost confidence
• All gear provided—helmets, gloves, goggles, and weather gear
• Complimentary photos to remember your trip
• Small group sizes for attentive guiding and safety

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Quad Bike Tour Stand Out?

The Queenstown Quad Bike Tour offers a unique combination of adventure, scenery, and guided expertise. The tour takes place on a dedicated 650-acre property just outside of downtown Queenstown, making it readily accessible yet feeling worlds away from the town’s busy streets. The ride itself is staged on rugged trails and steep hills that reward with panoramic views over iconic landmarks like the Shotover River and Coronet Peak.

What we really appreciate is the flexibility in guiding. The tours are tailored to your skill level, which means beginners don’t feel overwhelmed, and experienced riders aren’t bored. This level of personalization is rare and makes for a more comfortable, confident experience for everyone involved.

Guides like Snowy and Stefan receive praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and professionalism. They’re not just there to hand over equipment—they actively support and encourage participants, providing thorough training that’s “fantastic, not patronizing,” according to some reviews. This preparation means you’ll feel safe, even if you’re new to quad biking.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

The tour begins at the Off Road Adventures Office on Shotover Street, a convenient base in central Queenstown. After a quick van ride of about five minutes, you’ll arrive at the riding start point. This short transfer ensures you don’t spend precious time in transit and can focus on the fun ahead.

Upon arrival, you’ll receive comprehensive training in a dedicated training area. This initial step is vital—guides take the time to ensure everyone understands how to operate the quad safely and comfortably, which is especially appreciated by beginners. Many reviews mention that the training was “thorough but not patronizing,” indicating a good balance of clarity and encouragement.

Once ready, you’ll proceed into the exclusive 650-acre Adventure Park, where the real riding begins. The trail network includes rugged hill climbs, steep descents, and winding trails that showcase the natural terrain around Queenstown. As you ascend these trails, the views become more stunning, offering vistas of the Shotover River and surrounding mountains.

Throughout the ride, guides are attentive, adjusting the pace and route according to your comfort and skill. For beginners, this means manageable, fun routes. For more experienced riders, optional hill climbs and trail challenges are often available to push your limits a little.

The highlight? Reaching the top of certain trails rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views—a perfect moment to pause, snap photos, and soak in the scenery that makes Queenstown such a sought-after destination.

The tour concludes with a quick van ride back to the starting point, and you’ll be gifted complimentary photos, capturing your adventurous spirit and those spectacular vistas.

The Real Experience: What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly guides like Snowy and Stefan, whose “knowledgeable and friendly” approach makes the experience both safe and enjoyable. Fiona from the UK called the training “fantastic,” emphasizing that it built her confidence and that she felt in very safe hands.

The views from the top are often described as “amazing” or “breathtaking,” with Melanie from Australia noting that the instructions were “clear and easy to follow,” and the guides “awesome and very friendly.” These comments highlight the importance of good guidance and safety, which this tour excels at.

One traveler from Qatar shared that having Diego as a guide made the experience “brilliant,” underscoring that personalized guiding really enhances the adventure. Another from New Zealand called it “bloody wicked,” praising the team for their friendliness and professionalism.

The overall feedback indicates that, for many, this tour offers more than just riding—it’s a chance to connect with stunning scenery while being supported and guided by passionate professionals.

The Value of This Adventure

At roughly one hour of riding, this tour offers a considerable dose of adventure for a reasonable price, especially when you factor in all gear provided and personalized guiding. The inclusion of free photos is a nice touch, allowing you to relive the experience without extra cost.

Compared to other Queenstown activities like jet boating or paragliding, quad biking provides a more grounded, physically engaging experience in nature. It’s a good choice for travelers who want active fun but prefer to stay on land.

While it’s not suitable for very young kids or pregnant women, the tour’s small, attentive groups and focus on safety make it an inclusive and enjoyable option for most adventure-seekers. The flexibility in route difficulty ensures all skill levels are accommodated.

The tour’s location outside the busy center of Queenstown means you’re in a less crowded, more natural setting, yet close enough for a quick transfer—making it a convenient addition to your itinerary.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This quad biking experience is ideal for adventure lovers looking for a fun, active way to see Queenstown’s rugged landscape. It’s perfect if you want a guided, safe introduction to off-road riding, especially if you’re new to quads or outdoor motorsports.

Families with children over 14 will find this activity suitable, as will solo travelers or groups of friends seeking a memorable outdoor escapade. It also appeals to those who enjoy stunning mountain scenery combined with a bit of thrill-seeking.

It might not suit travelers with mobility issues or anyone pregnant, but for most other physically able adventurers, it offers a value-packed, exhilarating experience that’s hard to beat.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes. The tour is tailored to all skill levels, with thorough training beforehand ensuring beginners feel confident.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended. All necessary gear like helmets, gloves, goggles, and weatherproof clothing are provided.

Is there an age limit?
Yes. The tour is not suitable for children under 14 years old or pregnant women.

How long does the tour last?
The riding portion lasts about 1 hour, with additional time for training and transfer.

Are photos included?
Yes. Complimentary photos are provided at the end of the ride.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s the location for the start?
The tour begins at the Off Road Adventures Office at 61A Shotover Street in Queenstown.

Is transportation provided?
A short van ride (around 5 minutes) takes you from downtown Queenstown to the trailhead.

What if it rains?
The tour runs in wet weather conditions, as all weather gear is provided and the trails are rugged enough to handle rain.

The Queenstown Quad Bike Tour offers a fantastic blend of scenery, adventure, and personal guidance. It’s a great way to experience Queenstown’s rugged terrain without the need for prior experience, thanks to attentive guides and tailored routes. The stunning views from hilltops make the ride memorable, and the inclusion of complimentary photos ensures you’ll have keepsakes of your journey.

This tour is best suited for adventure-minded travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and want a safe, guided way to explore Queenstown’s wilderness. It’s also a solid choice for those looking to add a thrilling, scenic activity to their New Zealand itinerary without spending hours on a single ride.

If you value personalized service, spectacular vistas, and good value for money, this quad biking experience will likely leave you with a grin—and perhaps a little dirt on your boots!

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby