Queenstown Hill: Quad Bike Tour with Pickup & Local Guide

Summary

Quad bike adventure up Queenstown Hill with trails, views and local stories

You’ll ride quad bikes up Queenstown Hill with a small group and local guide, stopping for tea and homemade cake overlooking town. Expect muddy trails, fresh mountain air, plenty of laughs (and maybe a few nerves). Hotel pickup makes it easy to join in — just bring your sense of adventure.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll get muddy,” our guide grinned, handing me a helmet that still smelled faintly like last week’s rain. I’d never been on an ATV before — not properly — so my hands were a bit shaky as we started the safety briefing. The quad bikes looked tougher than me, honestly. But after a few circles in their practice area (and one embarrassing stall), I got the hang of it. Li, our guide, kept checking in with everyone — “All good back there?” — and actually remembered our names. That felt rare.

The climb up Queenstown Hill was louder than I expected — engines humming, gravel pinging off the fenders, wind sneaking through every gap in my jacket. Sometimes you could smell wet earth and pine needles; sometimes just fuel and cold air. There were moments when the trail opened up and suddenly you’d see Queenstown spread out below, lake shining between clouds. We stopped for tea near the top, fingers numb but hearts racing a little from the ride. Someone passed around fruit cake (homemade? It tasted like it) and Li poured hot chocolate that steamed in the chilly air. I tried to say “thank you” in Kiwi slang and got it totally wrong — everyone laughed, including me.

I didn’t expect to feel so awake up there. Maybe it was the altitude or maybe just being outside your comfort zone for a couple hours with strangers who start to feel less strange by the end of it. The ride down was faster — easier somehow — even though my arms would probably ache tomorrow. At some point I caught myself grinning like an idiot under my helmet. So yeah, if you’re thinking about this quad bike tour on Queenstown Hill… well, I still think about that view from the summit when things get too quiet at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Quad bike tour on Queenstown Hill

• Receive full quad bike training
• Wear safety equipment and clothing
• Ride 400cc automatic quad bike
• Follow trails on Queenstown Hill
• Enjoy panoramic views over Queenstown

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Queenstown Hill quad bike tour?

Yes, selected Central Queenstown hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What age do you need to be for this quad bike tour?

You must be at least 16 years old to participate in this tour.

Do I need prior ATV experience for this tour?

No experience is needed; full training is provided before heading out.

What should I wear for the quad bike tour?

Dress appropriately for all weather; waterproof clothing and safety gear are provided.

Are refreshments included during the tour?

Yes, light refreshments such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fruit cake and cookies are included.

Can people with health issues join this ATV tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or poor cardiovascular health.

Is public transport available near the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

What happens if there aren’t enough participants?

If minimum numbers aren’t met, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Queenstown or an easy meet-up spot if you prefer to drive yourself out to Tucker Beach Road. All-weather waterproof clothing and safety equipment are sorted for you before your professional local guide gives full quad bike training. The ride covers exclusive trails on Queenstown Hill tailored to your group’s ability level, plus light refreshments like tea or hot chocolate with homemade fruit cake and cookies along the way before dropping you back at your hotel or starting point.