Off Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour in Franz Josef

If you’re considering adding a bit of adrenaline to your Franz Josef trip, this Off Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour might just be your perfect pick. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a fun, well-organized experience that offers a unique way to explore New Zealand’s stunning landscapes.

What really draws us in are the friendly guides and the variety of terrain—from lush rainforests to riverbeds—that promise a memorable outdoor adventure. Plus, the fact that no prior riding experience is needed makes it accessible for most travelers, which is a big plus. However, an important consideration is the weather, as outdoor off-roading can be less enjoyable in rain or mud, though many reviews indicate the experience remains enjoyable regardless of weather.

This tour is ideal for those who love outdoor activities, scenic landscapes, and a dose of fun with a bit of a challenge. If you’re traveling with kids above certain height requirements or are simply looking for a lively adventure, this could be just the ticket. Keep reading for an in-depth look at what to expect, how it’s run, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

Key Points

• Accessible for beginners with full instruction and guided support
• Stunning scenery including rainforests, rivers, and mountain views
• Great value for the price of around $105.50 per person, including photos
• Weather readiness provided with waterproof gear, but weather can impact the experience
• Group size kept small, with a maximum of 14 travelers for personalized attention
• Multiple vehicle options including single and double quad bikes, and three-seater buggies

Exploring the Adventure: What You Can Expect

The Booking and Meeting Point

The tour begins at 30 Main Road, Franz Josef, a straightforward location close to other local attractions. Once booked, you’ll receive confirmation within 48 hours, and most travelers find that the experience fits well with their day’s plans. The activity is described as approximately 2 hours long, but that can vary slightly depending on group size and conditions.

The Ride and Terrain

Once you arrive, the guides will provide all necessary gear—wet weather jackets, gumboots, helmets, and protective clothing—so you’re ready for whatever weather comes your way. This is especially helpful, as many reviews mention riding in rain or muddy conditions, which many say adds to the fun.

The trail takes you through a diverse set of environments. You might find yourself splashing through shallow rivers, riding along forest tracks, or exploring an ancient glacier riverbed. The landscapes are varied, and the guides often share stories and Maori legends, adding a cultural touch to the adventure.

The Guides and Instruction

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the knowledgeable, friendly guides. They teach you how to ride, refine your skills, and keep the group safe. From what reviews tell us, they’re good at making first-timers feel comfortable—an important factor if you’re new to quad biking.

For those worried about their riding skills, the tutorial and mini-test drive before hitting the trails are reassuring. Multiple reviews mention guides like Brooklyn, Will, Justin, and Leo going above and beyond to entertain, educate, and ensure safety.

Vehicle Options and Group Dynamics

You’ll have options: single quad bikes, double quad bikes (driver plus passenger), or three-seater buggies that can fit two adults and a child. If you choose a double bike, the passenger cannot drive and must remain in place for the entire tour. This setup allows for a more relaxed experience if you prefer not to ride alone.

Drivers must be at least 16 years old and, if you’re bringing minors as passengers, they need to be at least 18 years old. Passengers in the bikes need to be at least 145cm tall; in the buggy, at least 110cm.

The Scenic Highlights

What sets this tour apart is the spectacular scenery. Many reviews highlight the views of the Southern Alps and the Franz Josef Glacier as particularly memorable. Even in wet weather, the landscape’s mood is described as ethereal, with mist and rain creating a mystical atmosphere.

Travelers often mention how the landscape shifted from dense rainforest to something that resembled Mars—an unusual but fascinating landscape created by water, ice, and time—making every moment feel like a new discovery.

The Experience in Action

Participants typically splash through shallow rivers and muddy patches, which adds an element of playful chaos. The wet weather gear does a good job of keeping most riders dry, though some reviews note that helmets could be cleaner (a small detail but worth mentioning).

The fun is in the variety—some sections are rocky, others lush and muddy—making the ride more than just a straightforward trail. As one reviewer put it: “Many thanks to Brooklyn who was an excellent host and leader,” clearly indicating the importance of a good guide.

Photos and Memories

A standout feature many reviews appreciate is the inclusion of free photos emailed afterward. Guides often take advantage of scenic stops to snap shots of your group, which many say are high quality and great souvenirs.

Why This Tour Offers Value

At just over $105 per person, including gear and photos, this experience is often described as excellent value. You’re not just paying for the ride but for the access to stunning scenery, expert guiding, and the safety equipment that makes the whole thing worry-free.

Given the glowing reviews, many travelers feel they get more than their money’s worth, especially considering the variety of terrain and the personalized attention due to small group sizes.

Who Will Love It?

This tour suits adventure lovers eager to explore outside the typical tourist trail. It’s perfect if you’re open to getting a little muddy and don’t mind the weather—many reviews mention that rain or shine, the experience remains fun.

It’s also a good choice for families (with children meeting height requirements) and anyone who enjoys learning about local Maori legends and history from friendly guides. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic experience without much physical challenge, this might not be your best fit. But for those craving a splash of adventure and some great stories, it hits the mark.

Possible Drawbacks

While many rave about the guides and scenery, a handful of reviews hint at minor issues. The helmet smell was mentioned once, suggesting some room for improvement in cleaning. Weather, naturally, can impact the ride’s overall enjoyment—rainy days mean muddier, sometimes slippery conditions, but many say it just makes the adventure more exciting.

Lastly, the tour’s success relies on good weather, as cancellation due to poor weather results in either a different date or a refund. It’s worth planning for flexible weather conditions and being prepared for wet gear.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a thrilling outdoor activity that blends scenic beauty with a bit of adrenaline, this quad bike tour in Franz Josef is a solid choice. It offers a mix of lush rainforests, river crossings, and mountain views, all guided by a team praised for their friendliness and professionalism.

The experience is particularly suited for those who enjoy a bit of mud and water, don’t mind the weather, and want to bring home some great photos from their adventure. It’s a fun, value-packed way to see some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes while having a good time.

FAQs

Is prior experience needed to join this tour?
No, you don’t need previous quad biking experience. Guides will teach you how to ride and ensure you’re comfortable before heading out.

What should I wear for the tour?
You’ll be provided with wet weather gear, including jackets and gumboots, so just wear comfortable clothes underneath that you don’t mind getting a little muddy. A helmet is also supplied.

How long does the tour last?
The activity runs for about 2 hours, which includes instruction, riding time, and scenic stops.

Can I take a passenger on the quad bike?
Yes, double quad bikes are available, fitting one driver and one passenger. Passengers in bikes must be at least 145cm tall, and in buggies at least 110cm.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the guides provide waterproof gear, and many reviews say rain adds to the experience. However, severe weather might result in cancellation or rescheduling.

What’s the group size?
The maximum is 14 travelers, which helps keep the experience personal and well-supervised.

If you’re looking for an active, scenic, and fun way to see Franz Josef’s landscapes, this quad biking tour offers a lot of value and memorable moments—just be ready to get a little muddy!