6 Reasons to
Choose RD Tours- Exclusive access to Mt Earnslaw, no other operators, no crowds
- Guaranteed Small Groups max 6 people
- Late model vehicles BMW X5 and Landrover
- Experienced Kiwi Guides
- Flexible, adaptable tours for "Your needs and requirements"
- Guaranteed Small Groups 2-6 people
High Country Discovery Tours
Half Day High Country Discovery Tour
So you want to come to Paradise?
So you want to come to Paradise?
- Exclusive access to Mount Earnslaw Station
- Kiwi guides
- Max capacity 6 pax, no large groups
- Land Rover transport, the original 4WD
- Plenty of photo stops
- Binoculars and refreshments
- Viewing of organic farm livestock operation
- Commentary historical / cultural and geographic anecdotes
Mount Alfred, view of paradise and Dart Valley.
Come away from the crowds and immerse yourself on a 4WD experience like no other.
Rural Discovery Tours has exclusive access to Mount Earnslaw Station, the best kept secret in the Glenorchy area.
The High Country Discovery Tour takes you on a half – day rural discovery of Mount Earnslaw Station, in the heart of New Zealand’s high country.
Reaching an altitude of 1300 feet you will be captivated by the majestic views, the bush walk through massive schist out crops leading to an amphitheatre that peers into the valley below.
Beneath you livestock appear sprinkled over organic pastures beside a lake sparkling like diamonds.
Overlooking Diamond Lake.
Mount Alfred 4WD track provides sweeping views over Diamond Lake and emerges through the beech forest to open high altitude pasture where wild deer still graze and alpine plant species survive extreme seasonal variations.
Abundant birdlife frequent Lake Reid and Diamond Lake. A favorite spot for black swans, paradise, mallard and grey ducks and the occasional blue heron.
Diamond Lake Mount Earnslaw Station.
Mount Earnslaw High Country Station is a 130-year-old working farm set in the spectacular alpine environment of Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu.
Its remote location is simply breathtaking. To the north lies the glacier-capped Mount Earnslaw, 2,820m above sea level, to the west stands Mount Alfred at 1,375m and the station is flanked by the Rees and Dart Rivers.
Arcadia Homestead
As part of a small guided 4WD tour, you will explore this unique high country station.
Mount Earnslaw Station
- 5,500 Perendale sheep
- 550 Angus breeding cows
- 6,667 hectares ( 16,465 acres)
- 2 Full time workers
- 3 Working Dogs
Visit Glenorchy village first surveyed in 1864, has fluctuated in numbers over the years with activities including gold mining, sawmilling, scheelite mining, farming and more recently film making.
Half-day High Country Discovery Tours
- Depart 8.30am & 1.30pm. Minimum of 2 people required
- Duration 4 hours
- Pick up anywhere in Queenstown
Other Options
- Private Discovery Tours including lunch, heli hiking Mount Alfred.
- Dart River Jet Safaris with Private Discovery Tour to follow.
- Mountain Biking Mount Alfred.
- Specialist farm visits in the South Island.
- 4WD and Fly Fishing.
What to Bring
- Camera & film
- Suitable walking shoes/boots
- Shower-proof jacket, warm clothing and/or
- Sunglasses, sun hat, sun cream!
Price
| Adult: | NZ$185 | |
| Child: | NZ$92 | |
High Country Discovery Tour Extended
The relaxed no stress option for those wanting a leisurely day with great food, optional walks or just relax and take a swim in the lake.
* Start the day at sensible hour hotel pick up 9.30am
* High Country Discovery Tour followed by Picnic lunch on Mt Alfred
* Continue tour into Paradfise Valley. LOTR movie sights, Wolverine X Men and the Hobbit.
* Chinamans Bluff, bush walk to Dart River braided river
* Return to Queenstown by 4pm.
Cost: $245 NZ per person
High Country Picnic Lunch
Please contact us direct for further information about our Glenorchy tours and tour reservations or discover our stunning New Zealand photographic tours.