Explore New Zealand's High Country with our legendary Twizel & Ohau Backcountry Tour
Step beyond the beaten track and immerse yourself in one of the South Island’s most pristine and least-explored backcountry regions on this exclusive 3-hour Scenic 4WD Tour from Twizel. Designed for those seeking raw landscapes, vast space, and genuine high-country character, this experience mirrors the remoteness and grandeur of our Cass Valley and Braemar tours—while opening the door to an entirely different corner of the Mackenzie Basin.
Our journey weaves through Glen Lyon Station, one of New Zealand’s largest and most wilderness-rich high-country stations. With sweeping tussock plains, dramatic mountain backdrops, and a deep sense of isolation, Glen Lyon showcases the scale and silence that define the true Southern Alps backcountry.
From here, we venture toward the shimmering turquoise waters of Lake Ohau, framed by glacial peaks and wide alpine basins. Away from the crowds, you’ll experience Lake Ohau from unique viewpoints rarely accessed by visitors, offering outstanding photo opportunities and moments of quiet reflection.
The adventure continues into the rugged folds of the Dobson Valley, where braided rivers, hidden terraces, and little-known tracks reveal the South Island’s “hidden gems.” This is a landscape shaped by time and weather—raw, powerful, and deeply atmospheric—perfect for travellers who want more than just the highlights.
Throughout the tour, your local Tekapo Adventures guide shares insight into high-country farming life, geology, glacial history, and the unique ecology of this remote environment. Expect frequent scenic stops, short optional walks, and the flexibility to tailor the pace to your interests.
Twizel & Ohau Backcountry Tour Highlights
- Exclusive access into remote high-country landscapes
- Glen Lyon Station’s vast wilderness terrain
- Scenic viewpoints over Lake Ohau
- Hidden corners of the Dobson Valley rarely seen by visitors
- Knowledgeable local guides and premium 4WD vehicles
Tour Details
Duration
3 Hours
Departure
Musterers Hut Cafe Parking Lot, Twizel
Departure Time
1 PM
Minimum Group Size
2 People
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
This tour is a celebration of space, silence, and discovery—an authentic Mackenzie Basin adventure that reveals just how wild and beautiful the South Island can be when you leave the main road behind
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.
Trip Questions
What makes this tour so special?
This experience opens the door to an entirely different corner of the Mackenzie Basin — the remote Lake Ōhau and Twizel high country — where vast, untouched landscapes, private station access, and true wilderness define the journey. This is a special untouched area of the southern alps, where you wont find many people.
What time of year does this tour operate?
This tour operates from October 1- June 1 annually. This tour does not operate during the winter season ( June - September 30th)
About Glen Lyon Station
Glen Lyon Station – Dobson Valley & Lake Ōhau Backcountry
Located in the remote upper reaches of the Mackenzie Basin, Glen Lyon Station spans vast high-country terrain stretching into the dramatic landscapes of the Dobson Valley and the alpine margins of Lake Ōhau.
This is a landscape defined by immense scale, open tussock basins, braided river systems, and towering alpine backdrops. The remoteness of Glen Lyon creates a rare sense of space and quiet — where weather, light, and season shape the character of the land in powerful and ever-changing ways.
Bordered by glacial valleys and expansive high-country vistas, the station sits within one of New Zealand’s most visually striking yet least developed backcountry regions. Its position between Lake Ōhau and the Dobson Valley gives it a distinctive sense of isolation, while still being accessible from Twizel — a balance that makes it both rare and remarkable.
Glen Lyon Station represents the raw, authentic character of the Mackenzie high country: working land shaped by nature, history, and scale.
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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