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Offered languages
- English
Follow in the footsteps of 1860s gold miners on an epic full-day 4WD journey from Queenstown to Arrowtown. Visit the Lakes District Museum then travel to the remote settlement of Macetown.
Follow the historic miners' wagon trail alongside the Arrow River, crossing the river approx 25 times in each direction as your guide takes you deep into Queenstown's rugged backcountry.
Explore the remains of this once-bustling goldfield settlement before setting out on a guided 90-minute return walk to the Homeward Bound Battery, an impressive four-storey relic of Macetown's mining past. The rugged walk includes creek crossings and sections of unformed track, adding to the sense of adventure.
Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by mountain scenery and try your hand at gold panning in the Arrow River. This is a true backcountry expedition combining 4WD adventure, history, hiking and spectacular scenery.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Wait outside our Nomad Safaris shop at 37 Shotover Street for the 4WD vehicle to pick you up.
Itinerary
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1Arrowtown Village
Enjoy the scenic drive from Queenstown to the quaint historic Arrowtown Village.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery
Explore the Museum with a brief visit and experience the history of the Gold Mining era.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3Macetown
Arrive at Macetown for a picnic lunch and relic exploration while soaking up the backcountry views.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
4Macetown
Walk for 90 minutes return through wild alpine terrain to the towering, four-story Homeward Bound Battery - a powerful remnant of gold mining ingenuity
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Arrowtown
Try your luck at gold panning in the Arrow River with hands-on instruction.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Arrow River
Follow the miners’ old wagon trail and explore 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. Experience the narrow, rugged road in safety with a Nomad Safaris tour.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in most weather conditions; tours may be altered or cancelled if conditions are unsafe.
- A minimum of 2 passengers is required to confirm departure. On NZ statutory holidays, a minimum of 4 passengers applies. If minimum numbers are not met, an alternative departure or a full refund will be offered.
- Bring water, camera or phone, sun protection, comfortable shoes (plus a spare pair) and suitable clothing. Dress for changeable mountain weather.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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