Off-Road Travel In Queenstown

It’s no secret that Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, rapid rivers and set upon the shore of the majestic Lake Wakatipu, it’s no wonder visitors travel far and wide to seek their adrenaline rush in Queenstown.

A lesser-known fact – but maybe not surprising – is that Queenstown is also home to the world’s first and most pioneering off-roading adventure company. Quick access to the country’s most vast and stunning landscape has enabled ‘Off Road Adventures’ to become world renowned industry leaders in showcasing the best off road experiences New Zealand has to offer.

Family-run Off Road Adventures started 25 years ago and is still owned and operated by original founder Denis Columb and his family. The company boasts a fantastic range of trailblazing experiences including tailor-made quad-bike tours that give you exclusive access to over 11,000 acres of New Zealand’s best off road terrain.

Using top of the range sport quad-bikes, local and highly experienced guides will give you the freedom to ride at your own pace and ability along fun-filled tracks and trails through stunning scenery with spectacular views.

Whether there’s sun, rain or snow, the quad-bike tours are a perfect all-weather activity. Dirt, mud and river crossings all add to the enjoyment and buzz of the tour. Wet weather gear is provided, as well as full-face helmets, goggles, boots and gloves so no need to bring a change of clothing.

Once you’re up to speed on the tailor-made training circuit, riders are divided into groups based on ability so that everyone from beginner to advanced can enjoy the thrill of the ride. The ‘Explorer Tour’ includes one hour of ride time while the ‘Adventure Tour’ offers an extended ride taking you up and down more tracks, which include hill climbs, creek crossings and gorge trails – all through historic gold-working sites dating back to the 1800’s.

Trips can be extended and there’s an option for multi-day tours – a once in a lifetime, unique kiwi experience. Large groups as well as individuals are catered for as Off Road Adventures boasts the largest fleet of quad-bikes in the Southern Hemisphere, ranging from kids 50cc to 400cc race quads – this company has a quad-bike to suit everyone The aim of each and every tour is to maximise fun and adventure and Off Road do this by guiding tours in small groups of riders of similar ability while offering expert advice on how to ride the machine correctly as the tour progresses and riders skill level improves.

Quad-bike tours are just one of the many offerings from Off Road Adventures. Starting off from humble beginnings in 1989, founder Denis Columb started the business after one life-changing day when two German tourists asked him where they could hire motorcycles. At that time in Queenstown, there was no such place however Denis offered to take them for a ride on his bikes, which turned into a nine-hour trip.

The positive repercussions of that trip soon snowballed and word spread quickly that there was now someone in Queenstown who could “take you on the ride of your life”. Today, the business now owns around 135 vehicles.

A defining factor for Off Road Adventures was the love and support Denis received from wife Marilyn and children Brendan, Lachie, Scott and Alanna. All four unique and talented children were heavily involved from the start and have developed into “integral cogs” in the Off Road wheel. With Motorcross, Supercross, quad-bike and Downhill Mountain bike titles all under their belts, all four still work for Off Road Adventures, while pursuing their own goals.

Off Road offer multiple adventure tourism products, from rentals to tours with motorcycles, quad-bikes, four-wheel drive and side-by-side buggy tours. A brand new product – the Wakatipu Wine Adventure – is also being launched to mark 25 years of pioneering innovative new products. The new 4×4 Wine Adventure is another industry first where Off Road’s local kiwi guides combine a spectacular four-wheel drive tour with stop offs at Queenstown’s premier local wineries.

By Off Road Adventures
Images by Miles Holden
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www.offroad.co.nz