Macetown 4WD Tour: Explore Historic Gold Mining Ghost Town from Queenstown
4.9
65 Ratings
Queenstown
Embark on a thrilling 4WD tour from Queenstown to Macetown, a historic gold mining ghost town. Experience an off-road adventure, river crossings, panoramic views, and the opportunity to gold pan in the Arrow River.
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Arrow 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.
What's Included
  • Driver/guide
  • Light refreshments (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fruit cake, cookies)
  • Central Queenstown accommodation pickup included
  • Surrounding suburbs pickup by arrangement
  • 4WD vehicle transport
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Thrill yourself with an authentic 4WD journey that takes you back in time to the ancient gold mining settlement of Macetown. This deserted town from the Gold Rush days is currently under the protection of the Department of Conservation and can only be reached by 4-wheel drive. As you journey from the river’s edge to the upper regions of the Arrow Gorge, you’ll cross over 25 rivers, witness ever-evolving landscapes, and have the opportunity to pan for gold in the Arrow River.

  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Minimum numbers apply (min 2 per tour for confirmed departure, min 4 on NZ public holidays). There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Location
37 Shotover Street
Shotover Street
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(65 Ratings)
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Tarapa9340kv
Apr 16, 2024
Best 4wd experience ever! - Our guide Justin was the the best. I was scared. He talked me through it and put me at ease. He was friendly knowledgeable and experienced. The trip in to Macetown was nothing short of amazing. The landscape in autumn was so beautiful, and the sheer history was incredible. I am so glad I went. Thank you to Justin for giving us an incredible experience ❤️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ople23
Apr 15, 2024
Good activities in Queenstown - Very good activities in Queenstown. Good surroundings view. The guide is really good and kind. He is very friendly and talkative. Will be back again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alanr473
Mar 12, 2024
A glimpse into the past - This trip was the realisation of a dream of returning to the location of family history. The drive out and back was awesome with great views and an excellent commentary provided by our driver, Justin. To revisit the location where family had lived over 150 years ago was unforgettable. The commentary just added to the experience. This is definitely something we would do again - well worth the money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Goplaces778446
Mar 2, 2024
Actual 4WD Ecperience! - Peter was our driver for the day and was absolutely wonderful. He was very knowledgeable of the area and the history and a very fun driver! Mace town was one of the least popular trips but due to the mining history the one we chose. This was an actual 4WD adventure with obstacles which was more than I was expecting! The views were amazing and other than a few hikers and campers we had the trail to ourselves. To end it all Peter recommended what turned out to be our favorite meal of the trip at a local winery for dinner. Highly recommend Nomad and Peter as a driver!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B914ktmelanieh
Dec 18, 2023
It doesn’t get any better than this! - We had an absolute blast of a time! We cannot speak highly enough about our experience! If you’re looking for the ultimate 4WD adventure- this is it! We enjoyed every single bump, and our tour guide was the best! Thank you for sharing your beautiful country with us.. we cannot wipe the smiles from our faces - this is one experience we won’t forget! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paradise07099386421
Jun 11, 2023
World class Macetown trip - Outstanding drive Arrowtown Macetown return with Jennie, a super competent driver who shared her local knowledge with historical information & social history, explaining what we saw & informing on what was no longer there to be seen. Highly recommended trip & hostess. Great to meet you Jennie, thanks for making our trip special & memorable. We will plan to do the Skippers run with Nomad Safaris on our next trip to Arrowtown
Review provided by Tripadvisor
William
Jun 7, 2023
History of miming in Macetown - Rugged 4WD experience with the right amount of difficulty to be interesting. Brent knew the history well and his explanation of life in the day was very enjoyable. His presentation of the detailed history made this an excellent adventure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J2577brharryc
May 1, 2023
Macetown Magic - This trip has been on my list for many years and I was not disappointed. The trip is not for the faint hearted as you do get bounced around, but it the rugged nature of the area you visit that is a key part of the attraction. Our driver was skilful, knowledgeable and certainly added to the experience. As a photographer Autumn colours were an attraction and although being in the area a week or so after the peak there were certainly plenty of opportunities for capturing good images. Overall a great trip. The only negative were a few sandflies, but they have been there long before us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K1544ditraceys
Apr 26, 2023
Beautiful scenery - We had a great trip to Mace Town this afternoon. It was a beautiful day and the autumn colours were gorgeous. Peter and Albie, who usually works in reservations and was along for the ride today, picked us up from our accommodation in Arrowtown. They were both great company and made an awesome afternoon tea. We thoroughly enjoyed all the sites and points of interest along the way. It was a fun experience and something we would recommend if you are up for a bit of an adventure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K5519sestevee
Mar 21, 2023
A fine trip, in beautiful country with a great guide! - Wow!! What an adventure! Peter picked us up in Arrowtown, right on time, and, after we described why we were interested in Macetown, suggested a guidebook at the Museum for additional information and history following the tour. Once we were all seated with seat belts fastened, we entered the Arrow River gorge, and the adventure began. There had been some heavy rains the day before, so the river was running a bit high - Peter felt it was at about 6 meg. So, we had some impressive crossings with water over the hood and a little under the doors. The sun was breaking through the dissipating cloud cover and the hills were a remarkable color between the slight fall colors and patches of blue sky. We stopped at several of the numbered viewpoints marking historic persons and places. We arrived at Smith's Bakehouse and Peter provided hot beverages and biscuits, welcome fare on a brisk day! We could see the newly fallen snow on the crests at Cardrona. What a lovely sight. We visited Anderson's Battery, still in good repair, and chased a few hares off the track coming back. Peter provided a fun ride back, eliciting bursts of giggles from the ladies as the track rippled along. Kudos to Peter for a magnificent trip, full of fun, history and scenery! A wonderful adventure for all of us, one that we want to repeat!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 4 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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