The 12 New Zealand Quad Bike Tours That Earn the Ride

1.Queenstown ATV Quad Bike Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 842 reviews · from $197Our pick

You’ll learn the basics with guides such as Stefan, Ollie, Scott, or Lloyd, then ride a quad bike through a private 650-acre park near Queenstown. Expect rocky trails, hill climbs, Shotover River views, and a pace adjusted to your ability. Helmets, gloves, goggles, wet-weather gear, transfers, and photos are included.

“Stephen was great in his training and took us to some fun and amazing spots. Would highly recommend doing this.”

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2.Quad Biking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 436 reviews · 3h 30m · from $200

You’ll ride automatic 400cc 4WD quad bikes on private Queenstown Hill tracks, with full training, safety gear, waterproof clothing, and guides such as Nico, Matt, Phoebe, and Benjamin. Allow 3.5 hours, including transfers, riding, and a scenic hot drink stop. The tour suits beginners, but the physical ride still demands strength and focus.

“Great experience, don’t be put off by the training course prior to the experience! I found that more nerve wracking than the actual experience which was much smoother and fun! The guides were great, enthusiastic and knowledgeable and the hot chocolate with biscuits and homemade banana bread was so nice whilst taking in the breathtaking views - arguably some of the best views we’ve seen on our trip so far! Would definitely do again!”

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3.Off Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour in Franz Josef

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 285 reviews · from $105

Ride a quad bike, double quad, or three-seat buggy through rainforest, shallow rivers, and an old glacier riverbed near Franz Josef. Guides such as Benji, Justin, Will, and Brooklyn provide instruction, local Maori stories, and safety support. Wet-weather gear, gumboots, helmets, and photos are included.

“Highly recommend! No prior driving experience is needed, guides were very professional and knowledgeable, felt well taken care of and activity felt safe. Equipment is clean, wet weather gear and boots provided to prevent us from getting wet while splashing in puddles. Overall a must do in Franz Josef!!!”

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4.Queenstown Hill Quad Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 235 reviews · from $216

Ride a fully automatic 400cc 4WD quad bike across private Queenstown Hill trails for about three hours. Your guide provides training, waterproof gear, refreshments, and photo stops above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Guides such as Jordan, Benjamin, Phoebe, and Nico are praised for patient instruction and adapting routes to different skill levels.

“Staff did an excellent job with safety instructions before you head out. They devided groups by ability which was greatly appreciated. The views were incredible and snack and drinks were enjoyed at a beautiful location.”

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5.Franz Josef Town: Scenic Glacier Quad Bike Tour with Gear

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 205 reviews · from $146

Take a 2-hour guided ride on a single 450cc automatic Can-Am quad through Jurassic rainforest tracks, rocky glacier riverbeds, creeks, and muddy puddles near Franz Josef. English-speaking guides such as Karl, Mitch, and Max help you learn the controls and keep the ride safe. Wet-weather gear, gumboots, helmets, and free photos are included.

“The quadbiking was great, our guides were excellent, a really exciting trip. Booking through Get Your Guide for two people means you only have the option of two single quads. We wanted a double quad, which was $125 cheaper. We would have saved this money if we had booked directly. Get Your Guide needs to provide all the options for booking.”

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6.Nelson: Guided Quad Biking Tour Through Forest and Farmland

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 106 reviews · 90 - 150 minutes · from $80

Drive your own quad bike through forest, farmland, river flats, and mountain tracks near Cable Bay. Guides such as Harry, Georgia, Fletcher, and Cortez provide clear instruction and local stories. Choose a 1.5-hour farm ride or a 2.5-hour Bayview circuit, with tea and a biscuit included on some outings.

“I would prefer if we could go a bit faster But overall great activitie Another thing it says there will be water provided but there was non offered”

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7.Hanmer Springs 2-Hour Quad Bike Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 45 reviews · from $70Best value

Take a guided 4WD quad bike ride through Hanmer Springs back roads, farms, sheep trails, sand, bush, mud, and river crossings. You drive your own bike if aged 16 or over, with an English-speaking guide leading a small group of up to 10. Jared is one guide praised for helping nervous riders gain confidence.

“Really good fun. I wouldn’t recommend doing this if this is your first time on a quad bike though as I think you’d find it more difficult than enjoyable.”

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8.Cardrona Valley: Mountain Quad Bike Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 30 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $178

Ride a Yamaha 350 to 450cc quad bike through Cardrona Valley near Wanaka. Your English-speaking guide adjusts the trails to your ability, leads you across rugged alpine terrain, and shares local stories. Automatic gearing, 4WD, and heated grips make the 1 to 2 hour trip manageable for beginners and enjoyable for experienced riders.

“Amazing experience, our guide Hanna was lovely and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend doing it.”

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9.Quad Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 1 hour · from $172

Ride your own sports quad through a private 650-acre park just five minutes from Queenstown. After training, your English-speaking guide leads you over hill climbs, forest trails and creek crossings to views above the Shotover River canyon. Small groups, supplied gear and guides such as Snowy, Diego and Stefan make this a friendly choice for confident beginners and experienced riders.

“New Adventure and was brilliant. We were lucky to have Diego as our guide.. Thanks for the great hour”

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10.Self Drive Guided Buggy Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 1 hour

Take the wheel of a top-of-the-range buggy at an exclusive adventure park five minutes from Queenstown. Local guides, including Diego, explain the controls, lead a practice run, and guide you through rolling terrain, sharp corners, creeks, and scenic viewpoints. One buggy hire covers up to two licensed drivers, with a full licence required.

“A truly fun activity from beginning to end, this buggy tour delivers adrenaline, stunning scenery, and unforgettable excitement, all while being exceptionally safe and well organized. Safety is clearly a top priority — with helmets, protective gear, and clear, thorough instructions provided before the ride. From the moment we arrived, our experienced local guide made us feel completely at ease. The introductory practice drive was a great way to get comfortable before heading out onto the thrilling terrain, which kept the experience exciting for the entire hour. The route is thoughtfully designed, striking the perfect balance between challenge and fun, with plenty of opportunities to push the...”

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11.Rotorua: 4×4 Self-Drive Buggy Tour Through Farm and Bushland

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 14 reviews · from $89

You drive your own two-seater 4x4 through Rotorua farm country and native bushland, following an English-speaking guide vehicle. After a safety briefing and practice run, you tackle off-road tracks and stop at scenic lookouts. Guides such as Isaac keep the small group together. Bring a driver’s license, sunglasses, and something to cover your mouth on dry days.

“Awesome experience, amazing views of Rotorua. Isaac was an amazing guide, highy recommend.”

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12.Hanmer Springs Jetboat & Quad Bike Combo

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 10 reviews · from $167

Spend three hours near Hanmer Springs combining a 30-kilometre Waiau River jetboat ride with two hours on a guided quad bike tour. Expect the Hamilton jet spin, river crossings, mud, farm tracks, and forest trails. Guides such as Daniel and Luke have helped keep the experience friendly, safe, and well paced.

“Great day, and friendly on the ground staff particularly for the quad bikes and jet boat. Thanks Daniel & Hunter.”

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