Duration
4 Hours
Price
From $1,795 / group
Season
October - July
Discover Mackenzie Country's Splendor with Private Tours Tailored Just for You
Discover the Mackenzie Country like never before with a private, tailor-made experience designed for comfort, insight, and connection to the land.
Step into the heart of New Zealand’s breathtaking backcountry and take in its vast open spaces, dramatic landscapes, and rich stories—at your own pace. From glacial valleys to golden tussock plains, every journey offers a deeper appreciation of the region’s unique geology, history, and natural beauty.
Travel in style with one of our professional high-country driver-guides behind the wheel of a rugged yet comfortable Toyota Land Cruiser. With expert local knowledge and a passion for the land, your local high country guide will bring the Mackenzie to life—far beyond what you’d find on your own.
This is more than a tour—it’s a private escape into one of New Zealand’s most remarkable landscapes.
Mackenzie Country Private Tour Highlights
- Access private and remote High Country Stations of New Zealand’s outstanding Mackenzie Country
- Journey through stunning backcountry scenic landscapes of Lake Tekapo’s surrounding wilderness areas
- Explore where you wouldn’t otherwise be able to access on your own
- Capture breathtaking natural landscapes unique to the Mackenzie Country.
- Explore the crossroads of nature — river and stream crossings, roaming wild tussock grasslands and glacial fed lakes.
- Visit & photograph authentic backcountry Musterers Huts.
- View breathtaking waterfalls, glaciers, moraines, and big mountains.
- Enjoy the chance to view endangered wading birds such as Banded Dotterels, Black Stilts, Wry Bill, and other species.
- Learn about the unique outstanding landscapes and unique landforms create by recent glaciation processes
- See Merino sheep, Big Horn rams, Angus cattle, and Red deer.
- Refreshments and homemade snacks provided
Exploring the Mackenzie Country by private tour is a special experience during your New Zealand holiday. Our private and exclusive tours offer a range of access to some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking and Iconic High Country Sheep Stations situated right in the heart of the South Island.
Photography Tours
Capture the outstanding. Journey through the outstanding natural landscapes unique to the Mackenzie Country and the South Island which offer rare opportunities to capture some remarkable subject matters. Chase the ever changing light from dawn to dusk, capture evening shadows across the mountain tops, lenticular cloud formations, old Musterers sheds, barns, wildlife, birds, farming practices and reflections across alpine tarns to name but a few. The opportunities of incredible photographic subjects are endless, and our driver guides know the best places and private areas where no body else is photographing. Our legendary 4WD Land Rover Defenders offer you to access some otherwise off the limit areas.
Family Tours
Gather the crew and little ones, old ones, everyone! Come explore The Mackenzie Backcountry with ease! We’ll get the coolers packed for a great day of adventuring through some incredible scenery and have fun while doing so! We love getting the kids out and about and excited about the great mountainous energy of nature found within The Mackenzie Basin.
Special Moments
Crack the bubbles in the fresh mountain air, marvelling at the towering glaciers from above. Want to really knock the pants off of someone? We know just the spot. Special lookouts, vistas and private areas that are perfect for popping the question or releasing the news! Come join us with your honey or loved one for a wow factor day in the Mackenzie Country. They’ll surely be impressed!
Birding | Wildlife | Farm Life
Whether an avid bird watcher or Merino Sheep lover like us, we take people to view some of the most endangered wading birds in New Zealand found amongst the remote braided river valleys and local hang out areas within their natural environments. Want to learn about Merino Sheep? See how they climb the mountains and live within their often-harsh environment? We’ve got access to over 10,000 of the soft nosed locals. Come learn about this remarkable part of New Zealand with us.
Tour Details
Duration
4 Hours
Departure
AOTEA GIFTS | Tekapo Township
Departure Time
Dress Code
Casual, Comfortable, Stable Footwear, Warm Jacket, Hat, Sunglasses, Camera
Included
✔️ Driver
✔️ Educational Tour
✔️ Light Refreshment
✔️ Light Snack
Not Included
❌ Meals
❌ Souvenirs
Season
October - July
Tour Notes
There will be opportunities for photos and breathtaking vistas to enjoy. Light walking to close proximity viewpoints for photos, so stable footwear is recommended.
General Questions
How rough is the 4 wheel driving? Will I be comfortable or is it rough?
Our scenic 4wd tours are more of a scenic experience in comfortable custom fitted 4WD vehicles to ensure a smooth tour, while maximizing the incredible landscapes. You won’t be bouncing around that much. We explore on farm tracks and through side streams and rolling tussock country side, and some rougher terrain.
Is there a lot of walking? How physical are the tours?
Our tours are made for exploring mainly by vehicle, and we take plenty of stops for photographs. They don’t require hiking, or walking far. On The Cass Valley Tour, there is an option for a 20-minute hike uphill to a waterfall, for those who are in relatively decent shape and have adequate footwear. Your guide would be the judge.
Are kids allowed?
Yes indeed! We love sharing nature with kids. Our tours are family-friendly and offer a wonderful experience for little ones to explore pristine nature and marvel at the surroundings and animals. We ask that you bring your car seat for infants or kids needing to be in a car seat.
How long are your tours?
Most of our tours are 3 HRS long. Our private tours are 4 HRS and explore further.
Our 1.5-hour tours are generally only available for groups of 4 or more.
What's so special about where you take people?
We give people access to private land where they cannot travel on their own. Our private access allows guests to experience a slice of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery on their own, away from anyone else.
How many people can you fit in a vehicle?
Our 4WD Vehicles can fit 6 people comfortably.
How big of a group can you take?
We can easily take groups of 18 with 3 4WD Vehicles. With advance notice, we can accommodate up to 30 + people.
Our general day-to-day tours take 6 people per vehicle per tour, some days we could be 2 vehicles on tour.
Where do we meet, and where do your tours depart from?
Our tours depart from Lake Tekapo Township, next to the statue of a Kiwi Bird, Moa Bird, and a Sheep. Right outside AOTEA Gifts, a big red and green sign and across from Kiwi Treasures information center. Your 4WD vehicle & driver will pull up there at the time of your tour.
Trip Questions
What types of private tours do you offer?
We offer a variety of private tours tailored to different interests, including photography tours, family tours, special moments tours, and birding/wildlife/farm life tours.
What are the highlights of your private tours?
Our private tours provide access to exclusive high country stations, stunning backcountry landscapes, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and diverse wildlife. Guests also have the opportunity to learn about the unique landscapes, landforms, and recent glaciation processes.
Can we customize our private tour?
Yes, we welcome special requests for customization to ensure your tour meets your specific preferences and interests.
What is included in the private tour package?
Our private tours include a professional high country driver guide, comfortable Land Rover Defenders, educational commentary, light refreshments, and homemade snacks.
Can children participate in the private tours?
Yes, children are welcome to join our private tours.
About The Mackenzie Country
Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's South Island lies the awe-inspiring Mackenzie Country, a region renowned for its untouched wilderness and dramatic landscapes. Here, expansive plains meet rugged mountains, and crystal-clear lakes reflect the snow-capped peaks above.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this untouched paradise as you embark on a journey through its winding trails and hidden valleys. Encounter breathtaking sights at every turn, from towering glaciers to cascading waterfalls, each offering a glimpse into the raw power of nature.
Venture deep into the backcountry on one of our private tours and unlock the secrets of this majestic land. Explore remote high country stations, traverse wild tussock grasslands, and encounter iconic New Zealand wildlife, from majestic Merino sheep to elusive red deer.
Whether you're a photography enthusiast seeking the perfect shot, a nature lover in search of rare bird species, or simply a traveler yearning for adventure, Mackenzie Country beckons with its boundless beauty and untamed spirit. Join us and experience the magic of this extraordinary destination like never before.
Meet Our Guides
Ben
Founder & Guide
Ben
As kiwi as it gets, hails from a long history of guiding throughout New Zealand and overseas. From The Milford Track, driving jet boats on the Hollyford track, or multi day hiking tours and enduro mountain bike expeditions, he is a man of many talents! Filled with a rich and passionate knowledge of geology and history, and wild places. Ben is the co founder of Tekapo Adventures and enjoys sharing his passion with people from around the globe. On his down time you can find him riding bikes with the kids, hunting and tramping and fixing vehicles!
Cristina
Founder & Guide
Cristina
A Can- Iwi as we call her, shes born in Canada and lives in New Zealand alongside Ben and their little two monkeys. You’ll enjoy her local knowledge and passion for nature and wild places, alongside her rich experience in guiding throughout the southern alps by hiking and Mountain biking for over 16+years. She looks after alot of the admin and marketing and sales and you can also find her behind the driver's seat too! On her down time you can find her exploring nature with the kids, or doing yoga.
Chris
Guide
Chris
A one-of-a-kind Mackenzie Country Charmer, Chris comes from a farming background, with a wealth of details and knowledge about the area's uniqueness. You'll surely have a good laugh and feel like your best mate is showcasing you this incredible backcountry. He's a charmer and a true highlight on many guests' experiences with us. On his downtime, he's a jack of all trades and drives big tractors in Canada during winter.
Wayne
Guide
Wayne
Wayne hails from a long history of Deer farming in the Mackenzie Country. A true natural of tales and laughs, you can be sure to enjoy Wayne witty nature and passion for farming and history of the area. Away from being a man of many tales, you can find Wayne riding his mountain bike and travelling afar and welcoming many overseas guests into their wonderful property in The Mackenzie.
Why Choose Tekapo Adventures
Choosing Tekapo Adventures means opting for a uniquely immersive experience in the Mackenzie Backcountry. Our intimate knowledge of the land, family roots, and commitment to sustainability make every journey with us not just a trip, but a foray into the heart of New Zealand's natural majesty. Join us to discover why our exclusive access, expert guidance, and diverse, educational adventures set us apart as the preferred choice for discerning explorers.
FAMILY HERITAGE
Join our family. Experience the warmth and personalized service that can only come from a family-run venture. We actively explore and share wonderful experiences with people from around the globe and our small family in The Mackenzie Backcountry. A part of our hearts lies in the landscapes found here.
DIVERSE EXPERIENCES
Whether it’s a peaceful 4WD tour or a challenging Alpine hike, our diverse offerings cater to all adventure spirits. 4Wd day tours to remote mutli day hiking experiences, we enjoy the diversity of exploring the Mackenize Backcountry in many ways.
EDUCATIONAL JOURNEYS
Expand your horizons. Our trips are infused with insightful narratives about the local ecology, geology, and history.
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
Unveil the hidden corners of the Mackenzie Country with our unparalleled access to private lands. We hold exclusive access to some of New Zealand's most incredible high country stations.
EXPERT GUIDES
Learn from the best. Our guides are not only wilderness experts but also storytellers of the land.
SUSTAINABLE ADVENTURES
Journey with a clear conscience. Our eco-friendly approach ensures the preservation of these landscapes for years to come.
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