Quad Biking Hanmer Springs: 2-Hour Mud & Creek Adventure

You drive the quad bike yourself after training, not just ride along.

A 2-hour quad biking adventure in Hanmer Springs where you pilot your own power-steering quad bike through creeks, mud and forest trails. After meeting your guide at Waiau Ferry Bridge and receiving a safety briefing and practice on the dedicated track, you ride according to your skill level on a family-friendly route that crosses riverbeds and muddy farmland. The experience includes a professional guide, overalls, boots and helmet. Riders must be 16 or older and should prepare to get wet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Quad biking adventure in Hanmer Springs

• Meet guide at Waiau Ferry Bridge
• Receive overalls, boots, and helmet
• Attend safety briefing
• Practice operating quad bike
• Begin 2-hour quad biking tour
• Drive or ride on two-seater quad bike
• Cross riverbeds and muddy trails
• Enjoy scenic 4WD all-terrain ride

The experience

You meet your guide at the base of Waiau Ferry Bridge in Hanmer Springs and get fitted with overalls, boots and a helmet. After a safety briefing, you head to the practice track to learn how to operate your quad bike: the fleet runs automatic or manual transmission, and the power steering makes them easier to handle than older models. Once you're comfortable with the controls, you're ready to ride.

The route itself is designed for mixed ability: you can drive solo or ride as a passenger on a two-seater, and the guide adjusts the terrain to match your skill level. What doesn't change is that you'll cross riverbeds and muddy farmland trails, so getting wet is part of the plan. The 2-hour ride covers scenic landscape throughout, and the all-terrain vehicle handles conditions most regular vehicles can't touch.

Bring sunglasses and gloves if you have them. The mud and water spray are real. The guide stays with your group the whole time and speaks English. You'll need to sign a risk disclosure form before you start, which is standard for this kind of adventure.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the group.
• overalls, boots and helmet provided.
• safety briefing and practice training on the dedicated track before the ride.
• 2-hour guided route through creeks, mud and forest trails with terrain adjusted to your skill level.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12 · max 7 per booking

Live guideEnglish

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 effort

Operated by Hanmer Springs Attractions

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to drive the quad bike yourself rather than just ride along. The practice track means you'll be comfortable with the controls before you hit the muddy trails, and the guide adjusts the route to match how you're feeling as you go.

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Top questions

What's the minimum age to ride a quad bike on this tour?

Riders must be 16 years old or above to drive a quad bike. Younger passengers can ride as a second person on a two-seater if an adult is driving.

Do I need any experience to book this quad biking adventure?

No experience is necessary. The tour includes training on a dedicated practice track before you head out on the trails, and the guide adjusts the route to your skill level. The power-steering quad bikes are designed to be easy to learn.

What happens if I'm not confident driving the quad bike?

You can ride as a passenger on a two-seater quad bike instead of driving solo. The guide will work with you to find the setup that suits your comfort level.

How wet will I actually get on this tour?

Expect to get wet while crossing riverbeds and muddy farmland trails. Wear clothes you don't mind getting muddy, and bring a change if you have plans afterward. The overalls provided offer some protection, but water and mud spray are part of the experience.

What's included in the quad biking tour?

The tour includes a professional guide, overalls, boots, a helmet, and instruction on how to operate the quad bike. You'll also get a safety briefing and practice time on the track before the ride begins.

Is there a way to get to Hanmer Springs from my hotel?

You'll need to arrange your own transport to meet the guide at Waiau Ferry Bridge in Hanmer Springs. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included with this tour.