Mackenzie Country Private Tours

Discover Mackenzie Country’s Splendor with Private Tours Tailored Just for You

Mackenzie Country Private Tours, relax and embrace the scenery, history and geology. Explore New Zealand’s incredible Mackenzie Backcountry all to yourself.

Hire one of our professional high country driver guides and comfortable Land Rover Defenders, for a private experience of The Mackenzie’s outstanding natural 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

Mackenzie Country Private Tours
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

On request

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.

Discover What Our Travellers Say

     Excellent  
     Based on 30 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Adri an 
 2024-03-02
 
 
  
  
 
       
   Olivia Saunders 
 2024-02-24
 
 
  I’ve been travelling for the last month doing a fair few activities and I really think this has been the best one so far!! It’s such an organic and personal tour which I loved because I’ve found so much here can be overly touristy. This is worth every penny for sure.
  
 
       
   Dale Thompson 
 2024-02-24
 
 
  We had our wonderful time on our trip up to Cass Valley with Tekapo Adventures. The very knowledgeable guide gave us lots of information about the area, and it was wonderful to be able to get off the beaten path to see the terrain carved out by the glacial activity. It was a privilege to be able to spend time on private land and see the reality of a working station.
  
 
       
   Richard Wooster 
 2024-02-14
 
 
  We had an amazing tour with Tekapo Adventures. Chris, our guide, shared his passion and expertise. A truly special trip.
  
 
       
   reece peh 
 2024-01-19
 
 
  Booked the 1pm Tour on the 19th of Jan but was contacted a day before giving me the option of changing it to 9am as the weather was going to be unfavourable later in the afternoon by Christina and thank goodness for that. Started to rain just as we ended our tour and winds were crazy strong. Thank you Christina! (:

First of, tour was amazing. We had the lovely Christina be our tour guide and she was soooo knowledgable and friendly. Made the entire trip so comfortable and enjoyable despite being an introverted person.

Second, views in Lake Tekapo is Amazing, but going on this tour on a 4WD is a whole 'nother level. The views were magestic. Got to see experience views of Lake Tekapo and more that the average New Zealander/Tourist would never get to see without a guided tour.

Was going to post photos but i didnt want to spoil it. Pictures WILL NOT do this tours ANY justice.

Bonus, we got to see sheepdogs in action herding sheeps, endangered birds in NZ and drink straight from a waterfall.

10/10 would recommend.
  
 
       
   Leslie Rupper 
 2024-01-18
 
 
  We had a fantastic experience as part of a small group of six touring the Cass Valley Back Country with Cristina yesterday. She was so knowledgeable and had personal connections with the owners of the private land that we were able to tour, giving us unique access to this stunning scenery. She stopped often to let us walk around, offered to take our picture and even treated us to chocolates and fresh spring water! Highly recommend!!
  
 
       
   KR Koo 
 2023-12-13
 
 
  
  
 
       
   Max Ward 
 2023-11-18
 
 
  Incredible tours! I went to Tekapo last week to visit for a couple of days and booked the Cass Valley tour. Ben who was our guide did a fantastic job showing us around the landscape! For anyone visiting Tekapo, make sure to book as well! It is more than worth it!
  
 
       
   Joel Koo 
 2023-10-16
 
 
  My wife and I booked the Cass Valley Backcountry tour and were not disappointed by it. We were fortunate enough to be the only 2 customers for the trip and Ben was such an awesome guide.

During the tour, Ben provided highly informative commentary about the locations that we were visiting. He didnt just simply share generic information about the location but also provided insights into the history of the area. We were also provided with binoculars to spot some of the local bird species.

Highlight of the tour was definitely the river crossing as well as the pit stop at one of the huts where we got to drink water straight from the source. Being a city boy, i was definitely apprehensive of drinking unfiltered water, but that was some of the freshest and cleanest water i've ever drunk. We even got to experience a "sheep made" traffic jam (the ewes were being moved from 1 paddock/pen to another).

The vehicle was well maintained, clean and comfortable. Ben definitely loves his Land Rovers.

I would definitely recommend Tekapo Adventures to anyone visiting Lake Tekapo. You get to explore the Tekapo area from the comfort of the vehicle. If we get the chance to visit Lake Tekapo again, Tekapo Adventures will be the no.1 activity on our to do list.
  
 
       
   Dinesh Raj 
 2023-10-14
 
 
  Cristina & Ben beautifully executed an awesome afternoon adventure. The whole family really enjoyed the experience. Ben was very knowledgeable, and made the drive engaging for everyone involved including my toddler. One of the best ways to experience a little bit of pristine outdoors and a glimpse of adventure in NZ.

Would definitely recommend and return for an encore!

General Questions

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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How many people can you fit in a vehicle?

Our 4WD Vehicles can fit 6 people comfortably.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Can we customize our private tour?

Yes, we welcome special requests for customization to ensure your tour meets your specific preferences and interests.

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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.

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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.

Paul

Guide

Paul

A Tekapo local ( Content To come !) On his down time you can find Paul planting native trees for the community, or spending time with his grandkids.

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.