Cardrona Valley: Mountain Quad Bike Tour from Wanaka

Summary

Quad biking Cardrona’s high country trails past rivers & old gold mines

You’ll ride sturdy quad bikes through Cardrona Valley’s rugged mountain trails with a local guide who knows every story behind those hills. Expect muddy boots, river crossings, traces of old gold mining days, and wide-open views you’ll want to remember long after you’re back in Wanaka.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — kind of sharp and earthy, like cold grass after rain. We pulled up opposite that wild “bra fence” in Cardrona Valley (yep, it’s real), and our guide, Jamie, waved us in. He had this easy way about him, like he’d been riding these hills forever. There were sheep somewhere nearby but honestly, I was too busy eyeing the row of Yamaha quad bikes lined up by the shed. My hands felt jittery — I’d never done anything like this before.

Jamie gave us a quick run-through (I definitely stalled mine once), then we headed off up a gravel trail that twisted between Mount Cardrona and the Pisa Range. The quad bike felt heavier than I expected but also weirdly steady — you could feel every bump through your gloves. We crossed a shallow bit of the Cardrona River; water splashed up and for a second my boots got soaked but I didn’t even care because everything smelled so clean and cold. Jamie pointed out some old stone walls left from the 1860s gold rush — he told us how people used to pan for gold right here. Kind of wild to think about.

We kept climbing until suddenly it opened out — not sure what I expected but it wasn’t that view. You could see all the way down the valley, clouds moving fast over the ridges, sheep dots in the distance. Jamie just grinned at us like “see?” and honestly, yeah. There was this moment where nobody said anything for a bit — just wind whistling past your helmet and that weird feeling of being tiny in all that space. My hands were freezing but I didn’t want to leave yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cardrona Valley mountain quad tour

• Arrive opposite Cardrona Ski Area
• Meet guide and friendly animals
• Explore Pisa Range by quad bike
• Ride along Cardrona river valley

Top questions

Where does the Cardrona Valley quad bike tour start?

The tour starts opposite the entrance to Cardrona Ski Area near Wanaka, at the same entrance as Cardrona Distillery & Museum and the bra fence.

How long is the mountain quad experience?

The guided quad bike tour lasts around two hours.

Are beginners welcome on this quad bike tour?

Yes, all abilities are welcome on the Cardrona Valley quad bike tour.

What kind of quad bikes are used?

The tour uses 350cc 4WD Yamaha quad bikes that are easy to operate.

What should I wear for the Cardrona Valley quad tour?

You should dress warmly and wear sturdy closed-toe footwear for safety and comfort.

Is there a guide during the mountain quad experience?

Yes, a local guide leads the entire experience through Cardrona Valley’s trails.

Does this include use of helmets or other gear?

Your use of vehicle and helmet is included in the booking price.

Are there any health or fitness requirements?

This activity isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health; good physical fitness is required.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a Yamaha 4WD quad bike with helmet provided by your local guide—plus stories about gold mining history as you ride through alpine trails and river crossings in Cardrona Valley near Wanaka.