SELF-DRIVE BUGGIES
Queenstown’s best off-road views.
We lead the way. You drive.
How self-drive works
Quick training first, then you drive. Follow your guide through real off-road terrain in our exclusive adventure park, just 5 minutes from town – climbs, corners and creek crossings, plus lookout stops where your guide will pull up for photos and a proper moment to take in the views before you get straight back into the action.
Quick facts
- Buggy time: 1 hour (allow extra 30 mins for check-in and transfers)
- Check-in: 61A Shotover Street, Queenstown – return transfers included
- Capacity: Up to 4 people per buggy (base price covers 2 people)
- Drivers: Up to 2 drivers per buggy (you can swap)
- Ages: Passengers 4+ (drivers must be 18+ and meet requirements below)
Self-drive buggy tour
You drive, we guide. After a quick training session at our off-road park, just 5 minutes from town, you follow your guide through steep climbs, corners, creek crossings and forest tracks designed to thrill. Expect real off-road terrain and a fast, confident pace matched to your group.
You will also work your way up to exclusive remote summit viewpoints high above the Shotover River canyon – epic top-down gorge views and big mountain panoramas – with short lookout stops to take it in, grab a photo, then get straight back behind the wheel.
Price includes 2 people — you can take turns driving. Add up to 2 additional passengers for NZ$60 each.
Duration: 1 hour buggy time (allow extra 30 minutes for check-in and transfers)
Departs: Multiple departures daily. Check availability when booking.
Terrain: Real off-road tracks with climbs, corners and creek crossings
Family Friendly: Suitable for ages 4+ as passengers
Everything included: Return transport from our Queenstown shop, experienced local guide, top of the line machines, helmets, eye protection, gloves, wet weather gear if needed.
Group Bookings
If you have a group booking of 3 or more buggies, please contact us if your preferred timeslot is not available and we can look at making private tour arrangements.
Ultimate Off Road Experience
A premium half-day adventure that combines iconic local scenery with a proper off-road buzz – 4WD touring plus sports buggies in one action-packed experience.
Start in our LandCruisers with experienced local guides as you explore iconic areas like Skippers Canyon and Arrowtown. We tailor the 4WD route to your group with flexible stops for viewpoints, photos, and local stories along the way.
Then it’s time to level up in our sports buggies – choose to self-drive or ride as a passenger as we head into our exclusive off-road playground overlooking Queenstown. Expect forest trails built to thrill, lookout stops, and big views you will not reach on standard tourist routes.
The order of activities may change depending on conditions, especially in winter.
Please contact us to enquire
Group size: Based on the buggy portion of the experience.
- Standard (self-drive): up to 6 guests – your buggy seats 4, plus 2 ride with the guide.
- No driving: up to 5 guests – all guests ride with the guide.
Duration: 3+ hours
Departs: 1.15pm daily
Terrain: Designed to thrill – from forest trails to lookout sections
Family Friendly: Suitable for ages 4+
Driving requirements
To drive the buggy you will need:
- A full driving licence (must be shown on the day)
- Be 18+ years old
- Good conversational English to understand your guide’s safety instructions
- Sign a NZ$3000 buggy bond against a Visa/Mastercard (no funds will be blocked or held)
No previous buggy experience is required – we train you first.
Prefer not to drive?
If you would rather sit back and enjoy the ride, choose our guide-driven option.
More off-road adventures
From hands-on quad biking to private guided 4WD tours, there’s more to discover beyond buggies.
FAQ
Confirmed tours will depart from our shop in central Queenstown – 61A Shotover Street.
Please check in at least 10 minutes before your tour time.
The duration shown for each option is your time on the activity. Please allow an extra 30 minutes for check-in and transfers.
No. We start in the training area so you can get comfortable before heading out on the tracks.
To drive you need a full licence (NZ or international), be 18+, have good conversational English, and sign a $3000 buggy bond (Visa/Mastercard – no funds blocked).
Yes – you can have up to 2 drivers per buggy at no extra cost.
Yes. The base price includes 2 people per buggy, and you can add passengers for $60 per person (up to 4 people per buggy).
Minimum age as a passenger is 4+. Drivers must be 18+ and meet the driving requirements.
Yes. Self-drive buggies are suitable for families and mixed groups, with passengers welcome from age 4+. The pace is always guided and adjusted to the group, and we start with a training session so drivers feel confident before heading out.
Drivers must be 18+ and meet the driving requirements. If you’re unsure whether self-drive is the right fit for your group, our guide-driven ride-along option is a great alternative.
Both buggies offer a great self-drive experience – the difference is in performance.
- The Yamaha Wolverine X4 (standard) is smooth, confidence-building and easy to drive, making it ideal for first-timers and mixed groups.
- The Yamaha RMAX (upgrade) delivers more power and a sportier feel, with stronger acceleration and sharper response on climbs and in technical terrain. It’s the choice for a more adrenaline-focused drive.
We provide everything needed:
- Return transport from the Queenstown shop to the buggy site
- Local experienced guide
- Top of the line machines
- Helmets, eye protection and gloves
- Wet weather gear (rain jacket, rain pants, gumboots) if needed
- Dress for the conditions in clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dusty
- Bring any drinks and snacks you need for the duration of the tour
- A camera or a GoPro if you’d like to capture your own photos and video
Our buggies run year round and are brilliant in all weather – fun in the sun and the wetter the better. Full wet weather gear is available at no extra cost.
If conditions are unsafe, we may delay, amend, or cancel the tour. We’ll always keep you updated.
Safety is our priority. Every tour starts with a briefing, safety gear, and training, and you ride with an expert guide throughout.
All guides are First Aid certified to the highest level required for off-road activities and carry first aid kits, phones and radios at all times during tours.
For more detail, see our Safety page.
Pregnancy, back problems, recent injuries, medical conditions and/or allergies may affect your ability to join the tour.
If you’re unsure, please contact us before booking so we can advise. You’ll also be asked to discuss any of these at check-in.
Parking on Shotover Street is limited to 30 minutes and there is no parking directly in front of the shop.
We recommend the Man Street multi-story carpark (about a 2-minute walk).
Absolutely. We are set up for groups and have extensive experience accommodating all sizes. If you are booking 3 or more buggies, simply get in touch and we will help lock in the best timeslot and discuss private tour options.
- Standard bookings: 48 hours – applies when you have up to 2 buggies and up to 10 guests
- Larger groups: 7 days – applies when you have 3+ buggies or 11+ guests
No refunds will be issued for cancellations or reductions in guest numbers within these periods. Rescheduling is also not possible within this timeframe.
Yes. If conditions change (including weather, terrain, or operational requirements), we may adjust the route, timing, or experience – or cancel if it is not safe to run. Safety always comes first, and our guides will make the call on the day.