4WD Bush Safari & Monster Jeep Thrill Ride: Rotorua

Seven-metre luge, deep mud and unforgiving volcanic terrain in a single afternoon

A 90-minute activity in Rotorua where you drive a 4WD vehicle through challenging native forest terrain, then ride in a custom-built monster jeep while a professional driver tackles steep volcanic tracks. The guide leads you through the self-drive section with instruction. The driver handles the second half. Professional guide, wet-weather gear and full safety briefing included.

The experience

You start by driving yourself into uncharted territory on the 4WD Bush Safari. A professional guide leads the way, instructing you through tight, twisting bends, deep muddy holes, steep climbs and a seven-metre-high luge: terrain built for 4WD adventures and full of unknowns. The trail is rugged and remote, and the challenges come thick and fast. This is hands-on: you're at the wheel, making the calls, pushing the vehicle and yourself through native forest.

Next comes the Monster 4X4 Thrill Ride. You climb into a custom-built jeep with all-wheel steering and a V6 Holden engine, strap in tight, and let the professional driver take over. They navigate the same private native bush using the vehicle's front and rear steering abilities, hugging steep tracks and unforgiving volcanic terrain. This half is pure adrenaline. You're a passenger now, but the ride is relentless.

Wet-weather protection gear, a full safety briefing and all equipment are provided. The guide speaks English, Spanish, French, German and one additional language. The activity runs 90 minutes total and suits all fitness levels. The terrain is wheelchair accessible, though the self-drive and ride portions are physically demanding.

What’s included

• Professional guide with instruction through the self-drive section.
• professional driver for the Monster 4X4 Thrill Ride.
• custom-built 4WD vehicle with all-wheel steering.
• wet-weather protection gear.
• full safety briefing and all safety equipment.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Friday6 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 15:00

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 28

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Off Road NZ

Is this one for you?The self-drive half demands active control of the vehicle through mud and steep terrain, while the monster jeep ride is intense but passenger-only. Book this if you want to grip the wheel yourself for part of the action, then surrender to the ride for the rest.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5): free.

Is the Monster 4X4 Thrill Ride included, or do I pay extra?

The Monster 4X4 Thrill Ride is part of the same activity. You complete the self-drive Bush Safari first, then move directly into the monster jeep for the second half of the 90 minutes.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Wet-weather protection gear is provided as part of the activity. The terrain and conditions are part of what makes the trail challenging, and the gear keeps you protected throughout.