Top South Island Motor Sports - page 3

Avoid the stress of self-driving through distractingly beautiful landscapes on a full-day tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Peer through the panoramic windows of a luxury coach as you travel through UNESCO World Heritage–listed Fiordland National Park with a guide, stopping at sites of interest en route. At Milford Sound, board a catamaran for a memorable sightseeing cruise past Mitre Peak and magnificent cliff-side waterfalls. Look out for wildlife, too.

Skippers Canyon is a dramatic slice of Otago high country, with steep cliffs and incredible views. Instead of joining a group of strangers, experience the canyon the way you want on this private tour in a luxury 4WD. Drive down the precarious Skippers Canyon Road and take your time exploring scenic highlights like Hell’s and Heaven’s Gates, Lighthouse Rock, and the Shotover River. Learn about the canyon’s rich gold rush history from your certified driver/guide.

New Zealand’s fantasy landscapes have long enchanted photographers and filmmakers, and now’s your chance to capture your very own postcard-worthy shots. Accompanied by a professional photographer, this private full-day tour from Queenstown offers spectacular views of natural wonders like Skippers Canyon, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables Range, as well as "The Lord of the Rings" filming locations, historic gold mines, and heritage sites.

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Tailored 3 Private Tours for Cruise Ship Passengers Arriving in Lyttleton, Christchurch. We offer these tour options, specially designed for only cruise ship passengers: Option 1: Half-Day Christchurch & Half-Day Akaroa Explorer Option 2: Arthur’s Pass with Castle Hill – Full-Day Return Tour Option 3: Kaikoura Whale Watching – Full-Day Return Tour When making a booking, guests are required to specify which tour option they are selecting. Please note: Due to time constraints related to cruise ship arrival and departure schedules, guests may book only one tour option per day. These are single-day excursions and cannot be combined.

Visit Edoras of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ fame on this full-day excursion by 4WD vehicle to the peak of New Zealand’s Mt Sunday. Get a look at exclusive photos of Edoras under construction and learn from a knowledgeable LOTR guide about its transformation from tranquil countryside to mythical capital city of the Rohan people. Pose with replica props from the popular trilogy, such as Aragorn’s sword, Gimli’s axe and the flag of Rohan. Includes round-trip hotel transport from Christchurch plus a picnic lunch with sparkling wine.

Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations, but self-driving through the landscape of snow-capped mountains, towering waterfalls, and emerald greenery can be challenging—and distracting. Eliminate the hassle when you travel with a small group by coach from Queenstown. Pass Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, and enter the hand-carved Homer Tunnel on your way to Milford Sound, where you relax on a scenic nature cruise.

Two off-road experiences in one session. Start with 30 minutes on a self-drive quad bike on a private 35-acre training ground - no licence or prior experience needed, and your guide adjusts the ride to your level. Then swap to the passenger seat in a 1000cc Honda buggy for 30 minutes through the 650-acre Adventure Park, climbing to elevated viewpoints with panoramic views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. - Self-drive quad biking on a private 35-acre training ground - no licence needed - 30-minute guided buggy ride through the 650-acre Adventure Park to panoramic viewpoints - Beginner-friendly - no licence or experience needed, expert guide throughout - Two different off-road machines in one session - Return transfers from central Queenstown and all gear included

If you’ve always wondered what it’s like to drive a Formula 1 race car, you’ll love this private Radical U-Drive experience. Guided by a professional race driver, you’ll zoom around the track seven times–long enough to enjoy the feel of the aerodynamic bodywork, thrilling cornering speeds, and the sounds of the engine accelerating. This is the closest you’ll feel to driving a Le Mans vehicle without actually being in one.

This once in a lifetime hike takes visitors into the dramatic mountain range through the high road, allowing them spectacular views of the surrounding vistas and of Lake Wanaka. Succumb to the comforts of the four-wheel drive and learn expert knowledge of the local flora and fauna from a professional guide.

Explore the South Island’s most striking alpine landscapes on this private scenic journey from Queenstown. Travel through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge and over the sweeping views of the Lindis Pass, pausing in Omarama and the Mackenzie Basin for memorable photo stops among vast high‑country scenery. Take in the vivid turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and enjoy flexible time in Lake Tekapo — visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, stroll the lakeshore, or relax with a peaceful café break. Optional detours to the Clay Cliffs and High Country Salmon, add a touch of adventure, all while travelling in the comfort of your premium vehicles. - Scenic journey featuring Kawarau Gorge and Lindis Pass - Flexible exploration at Lake Tekapo, including the Church of the Good Shepherd - Optional stops for lunch and stunning views of Lake Pukaki - Ideal for couples, families, and solo travellers, with plenty of photo opportunities - Premium vehicles with a relaxing curated music playlist

Visit "The Lord of the Rings" filming locations in and around Glenorchy, traveling by 4WD from Queenstown with a guide. This half-day tour includes stunning landscapes chosen by director Peter Jackson. See where famous scenes were filmed, the landscapes representing the Fortress of Isengard, Lothlórien, Ithilien Camp, and Forest of Amon Hen.

Explore the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's South Island over three immersive days. From the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo to the charming streets of Arrowtown, tailor your adventure to suit your pace and interests. Enjoy half-day tours of Glenorchy’s dramatic scenery and Wanaka's lakeside beauty, plus a full-day journey to Mt. Cook National Park. - 3-day private tour exploring Glenorchy, Wanaka, and Lake Tekapo - Flexible itinerary with customizable stops and activities - Daily hotel pick-up from Queenstown, returning each evening - Discover iconic sights and enjoy lakeside walks and stargazing opportunities Your local guide will pick you up each morning from your Queenstown accommodation in a comfortable vehicle, making stops at breathtaking lookouts and hidden gems along the way. Enjoy the flexibility to customize your tour with optional activities and plenty of time for photos, walks, and local cafés.

Embark on an adrenaline-filled scenic off-road buggy adventure through a 650-acre private property in Queenstown. Ride in a high-powered 1000cc 6-seater buggy as expert guides lead you across rugged terrain, past panoramic viewpoints, and through the area’s gold mining history. Designed for all ages, from four years old above, this experience blends thrilling exploration with unbeatable scenery in New Zealand’s adventure capital.

Experience the best of Wanaka’s beautiful nature in a single day trip via four-wheel drive, lake cruise, and island walk. Gain exclusive access to private roads on the 4WD safari, and spot rare bird life on Mou Wahou Island, in the middle of Lake Wanaka, with the help of your expert guide. This is two action-packed tours in one, for maximum fun.

We jump in “the beast” and cruise up Kingston Hill to give you exclusive access to the most stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. You and your friends can enjoy a thrilling ride up the hill in a Can-Am Maverick X3 Max Turbo. The Maverick pairs Can-Am technology with Fox Podium suspension to give you one comfortable ride. The tour lasts around 2 hours with plenty of time to take photos and videos of the stunning scenery.

• This private photography tour provides a flexible itinerary & starting times. • You can choose an astrophotography tour option between February & November. • Your guide/photographer carries public liability insurance, holds a first aid certificate and has a Passenger Service license. All of this provides confidence and peace of mind to the clients that this local business offers only the high quality, safe and enjoyable experiences.

Skippers Canyon is a dramatic part of the Central Otago landscape, and a photographer’s delight. On this private tour, visit some of the most scenic lookouts and landmarks along the old gold mining route, where you can take great photos. The road into the canyon is notorious and rental car companies don’t allow their vehicles to drive there, so this is a great way to visit the stunning, remote area.

Go off-roading near Queenstown on a thrilling choose-your-own-adventure 4WD tour. Choose from four tour options to fit your interests: Whakatipu highlights for scenery and optional ‘The Lord of the Rings’ stops; Skippers Canyon to explore long-forgotten trails past former gold rush settlements; a Māori mythology and legends tour; or a scenic Glenorchy and Lake Whakatipu tour.

Keen or budding photographers will love the chance to photograph the night’s sky with a photographer. The skies in the lower South Island are among the clearest in the world and you’ll learn how to photograph them on this private tour. As well as getting great shots you’ll have your portrait taken against the sky–a unique souvenir.

Make the most of your limited time on land with a handy shore excursion from Akaroa Harbour through the Banks Peninsula and to Christchurch. Drive past city landmarks, including the Christ Church Cathedral that is being rebuilt after devastating earthquakes, and stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with a guide to tell you about the city’s history and culture. This is an easy way to discover Christchurch’s highlights without self-driving.

Gain exclusive access to the remote Paradise Valley with a local guide, starting with hotel pickup in Queenstown. You’ll drive to secluded lookout points for the ultimate photo op and have plenty of options for exploring on foot. You may recognize scenery from filming locations for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings movie series. Listen to your guide’s informative anecdotes about regional history, culture, and geography. The flexible itinerary lets you set the pace and choose from a variety of activities. Visit an operational wool shed where sheep are shorn; view Diamond Lake flanked by Mt Alfred and Mt Earnslaw; or search for black swans and paradise ducks at Lake Reid. Spend time in Glenorchy village, first surveyed in 1864 and featuring gold mining, sawmilling, farming, and what may be the world’s smallest library.Finish with the return drive to Queenstown and drop-off at your hotel. Please note this is a private booking and you book for 1-4 passengers or 5-10 passengers.

Learn to photograph a natural wonder at Skippers Canyon on this half-day private tour from Queenstown. Your guide is also a photographer and gives you expert techniques and tips to capture the stunning landscape as you explore the mountains, river, and rock formations. You’ll also learn about New Zealand history and culture from your local guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for convenience.

Thrill-seeking travelers will love the chance to drive powerful ATVs around an extreme track surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery. Conveniently located close to Queenstown, this private half-hour adventure fits easily into busy itineraries. Drive at speeds of over 45 miles (75 kilometers) per hour around the 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) track. Go solo or take a friend to share the excitement.

Leave bustling Queenstown behind for the scenic beauty of Skippers Canyon on a small-group half-day 4WD tour of the gorge. An experienced guide traverses the rugged roads through the canyon, which you might feel nervous navigating alone. Stop for outstanding views over the Wakatipu Basin and Shotover River. Stop at Skippers School for morning or tea with homemade cheese and refreshments.