SOUTHERN LAKES / THE EXPERIENCE
Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, at a glance.
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Group size
- Up to 9 people
- Guide
- English
- Ages
- 16 and over
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This quad bike trip leaves from 2125 Cardrona Valley Road, by the distillery and the bra fence, roughly halfway between Queenstown and Wanaka. The listing gives about 2 hours with a local guide, the quad and a helmet, two tours a day and up to 9 riders. It asks for warm clothes, sturdy closed shoes and strong physical fitness, and it isn't for anyone with heart problems.
On our Wanaka tours comparison it's the hills option you can reach from either town. It has about 245 reviews close to 5. The listing is blunt on time: it won't wait for late arrivals and won't refund them. It shows hotel pickup as included but gives no details, and it doesn't state a minimum rider age or licence rule, so ask before you book if you're bringing teenagers. Souvenir photos cost extra. The operator says its tracks reach snow in winter.
Good for
- Confident riders who want back country tracks
- Travellers driving the Crown Range between the two towns
Think twice if
- You run late; there's no refund for missing the start
- You need the age and licence rules settled before booking
Written by Southern Lakes Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked November 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
The Cardrona presents New Zealand's best guided quad bike tour. This two hour mountain experience takes you to the top of the mountains of the Cardrona Valley, Wanaka, navigating high country farm and alpine trails on very capable and easy to operate 450cc 4WD Yamaha quad bikes. River crossings, historical gold mining sites from the 1860s gold rush and breathtaking exclusive 360 degree panoramic views await, so be sure to bring a camera! All abilities welcome.
See more details at www.thecardrona.co.nz/quads
From the listing by The Cardrona on Viator.
The tour, stop by stop
- Opposite the entrance to Cardrona Ski Area, the entrance is also shared with the Cardrona Distillery & Museum and the famous Cardrona Valley "Bra Fence". Look fo the sign that say "HORSE TREKS & QUAD TOURS". Come along the top driveway and you will be greeted by your guide and all our friendly animals. About 120 min.
- Mount Cardrona towers to the west and the Pisa Range to the East, which is where you will go exploring by quad bike. The Cardrona river weaves along the valley floor between the two mountain ranges. About 120 min.
What's included
- Local guide
- Use of vehicle and helmet
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Meeting point
Look out for the Cardrona Distillery & the famous "bra fence"
Checking in
Thank you for booking with The Cardrona!
Please wear sturdy closed-toe footwear and dress warmly.
Please call/email us with your quad biking experience (none required!)
Where it ends
Look out for the Cardrona Distillery & the famous "bra fence"
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Please dress warmly, wear sturdy and closed-toe footwear.
- WE CANNOT WAIT IF YOU ARE LATE!! Please arrive on time for your scheduled tour, refunds will not be issued for late arrivals/ no shows.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our wanaka tours page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
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