High Country Discovery Tour from Queenstown

Highlights

Gain exclusive access to Mt Earnslaw Station on this half-day tour in the heart of New Zealand’s high country. The 130-year-old working farm situated at the head of Lake Wakatipu is set amid the alpine surroundings of Paradise Valley. Discover the remote region 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, saw milling, farming and what may be the world’s smallest library. Finish with the return drive to Queenstown and drop-off at your hotel.

Summary

Gain exclusive access to Mt Earnslaw Station on this half-day tour in the heart of New Zealand’s high country. The 130-year-old working farm situated at the head of Lake Wakatipu is set amid the alpine surroundings of Paradise Valley. Discover the remote region 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, saw milling, farming and what may be the world’s smallest library. Finish with the return drive to Queenstown and drop-off at your hotel.

Tour info

Duration

4 hours

Why take this tour?

Venture on an exciting 4-hour tour by 4WD across private farmland in the heart of Middle-earth. Explore the Paradise Valley area in Glenorchy that and customize your itinerary with a small group. You decide whether you want to get lost in 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' movie locations, observe farm animals, go for a walk in stunning scenery, or practice your photography skills.

What’s included?

National park fees
Professional driver/guide
Light refreshments
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transport by air-conditioned 4WD
Personal expenses

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 4h 30m
Mobile tickets accepted

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operator Website

Operated by:

Private Discovery Day Tours

About operator:

Discover the Paradise Valley dwarfed by Mount Earnslaw, in the heart of Middle Earth 4WD to 1680 feet above sea level on Mount Alfred and soak in the views over Diamond Lake and the Dart River Valley. Mount Earnslaw Station is a 15000 acre sheep and beef cattle farm set in this unique scenic environment. Small groups experience this unique property with exclusive excess, LOTR movie location sights included.