ATV Riding Franz Josef: Rainforest & Glacier Trails
Two hours steering your own quad through rainforest, rivers and glacier terrain
Off-road quad bike riding in Franz Josef takes you through Westland Tai Poutini National Park on a two-hour guided adventure where you operate the vehicle yourself, crossing rivers and exploring the ancient glacial riverbed while your guide teaches you to ride and shares local Māori legends. You choose between a single quad bike, a double quad with a passenger, or a three-seater buggy. Drivers must be at least 16 (18 if carrying a child passenger), and passengers have a minimum height requirement of 145cm for bikes or 110cm for buggies.
Options for this experience
3 optionsWhat’s included
- Gumboots and helmet.
- wet weather gear.
- guide instruction on how to ride.
- free photos taken during the activity.
Times
- Every day 08:30 11:30 14:30 17:30
Before you book
Operated by Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Prices and times updated 5 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
Two hours on a quad bike means you're the one controlling the machine through rainforest, across rivers and along the pathways carved by ice and water over thousands of years. Your guide fits you with wet weather gear and gumboots, then teaches you how to handle the vehicle before you head out. The route takes you through dense forest, through water crossings, and into the ancient glacier riverbed with views toward the Southern Alps and Franz Josef Glacier itself. Between the riding, your guide shares Māori legends and local history tied to the landscape you're moving through.
You pick your setup at checkout: ride solo on a single quad bike, bring a passenger on a double quad (though only the driver can operate it for the full two hours), or take a three-seater buggy that fits two adults and one child. The guide refines your skills as you go and sets new challenges to keep the ride engaging. Gumboots, helmet and wet weather gear are provided. Free photos are taken during the ride so you have a record of it.
Is this one for you?Choose the single quad if you want to ride solo and control the vehicle yourself the whole way; pick the double quad to bring a passenger who sits along for the ride; go with the three-seater buggy if you're riding with a child and want room for two adults and one young passenger.
Compare the 4 alternatives
Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Can I switch drivers on the double quad bike during the ride?
No. On a double quad bike, one person drives for the entire two hours and the passenger cannot take over at any point during the adventure.
What's the minimum age to drive the quad bike?
Drivers must be at least 16 years old. If you're bringing a child as a passenger, the driver must be at least 18.
What happens if I've never ridden a quad bike before?
Your guide teaches you how to ride before you set out, and the route is designed so skills are refined as you go. The activity suits all fitness levels.
What does the rainforest riverbed crossing involve?
You'll splash through rivers and explore the ancient glacier riverbed (the pathways carved by ice and water over thousands of years) as part of the two-hour ride through the park.
Are there height or size restrictions for passengers?
Passengers on quad bikes must be at least 145cm tall. Passengers in the three-seater buggy must be at least 110cm tall.
ATV Riding Franz Josef: Rainforest & Glacier Trails
2h · EN
from NZ$ 180 per person
≈ US$ 103 in your currency
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