Twizel Backcountry Discovery

Explore New Zealand’s High Country with our legendary Twizel Backcountry Discovery 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 Backcountry Discovery 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

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.

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.