Lake Tekapo Scenic Wilderness Cass Valley Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore stunning private lands that are otherwise off-limits to the public, and travel into the Cass Valley alpine river valley just minutes away from Lake Tekapo town. This is a unique opportunity to explore untouched backcountry landscapes of The Mackenzie Basin. The tour takes place on the western side of Lake Tekapo, offering a world of Natural wonder and beauty showcasing an area famous for its expansive tussock plains, pristine lakes, glaciers and mountainous landscapes. The landscapes are iconic and provide some of the best views in New Zealand's South Island, away from the busy lakefront.
The overall naturalness of the rocky steep scree slides, the U-shaped valleys carved by glaciation, waterfalls, glaciers, lateral moraines and tussock- clad terraces, overwhelm the senses and ignite the wonder of such a supremely stunning and unique landscape. This is a premium, all-inclusive backcountry experience with exclusive access to private high-country stations.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Car Seats must be provided by guest for infants
Not recommended for pregnant woman over 8 months.
What To Expect
Lake Tekapo
Exlpore beyond the busy shores of Lake Tekapo as your travel down the western shores to private access to one of NZ's most beautiful Merino Sheep Stations. Travel far up a braided river valley and explore towering mountains, glaciers, crystal rivers and stunning Mackenzie Backcountry
Lake Tekapo
Explore beyond Lake Tekapo's high country into the timeless beauty of the real Mackenzie Backcountry. Private access some of the best scenery in Lake Tekapo.
Options
Lake Tekapo Scenic Wilderness Cass Valley Tour
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Light Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Coffee and/or Tea
WiFi on board
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Don't miss this Lake Tekapo experience!
Laura H,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our 4x4 adventure was perfect from start to finish. We were picked up on time by our guide Bill and it ended up just being me and my husband on the tour so it felt like such a private experience. The vehicle was clean and comfy, and exactly what I would have expected for this type of excursion. Bill was friendly and full of information. We got to see so many beautiful and wonderful places in our 4+ hours and just being the only people out there just felt extra special. Would recommend for anyone!
Spectacular scenery & great experience
Anne M,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the opportunity to experience the scenic tour of the Cass valley. Chris , our guide was a wealth of information. The tour was a fabulous mix of miunrain scenery & environment. We even had a cup of alpine water straight from the waterfall. Chris's knowledge was endless , & ge really tge tour wonderful. I would fully recommended this tour. You wont be disappointed
Ok, but I'd have done things a bit different....
278jonb,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Nice day in the out back. Land Cruiser was an older model, terrible suspension, we were packed in - 6 people - another couple claimed they couldn't sit in the back for various reasons (ya right). this outfit should only take 4 people max or get a better vehicle. really got shook up as we were in the way back right over the transaxle. when we stopped, views were good. if I had the opportunity I would have chartered the vehicle by ourselves (my wife and I). The driver could have been more informative and we couldn't hear him in the way back of the vehicle. he should have had a 'spiel' and a microphone - we learned very little.
The route was not great and did not meet pics
ABDULLAH J,Dec 6, 2024
- Review from Viator
2.00The driver was nice offering tea and chocolate but the USP of the whole experience was lacking. The route was boring and the four wheeler was very uncomfortable. I’ve done four wheel experience multiples times and this was terrible.
A must-do activity for those who are into scenic views!
Sabrina C,Jun 12, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00This was pretty mind-blowing, and the trip was made perfect by our incredible guide Chris; chill, knowledgeable, funny guy — thanks for the awesome tour to an area that feels highly exclusive!
Awesome definitely a must do
Kevin J,May 24, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome trip! Our guide Ben was amazing. The places we saw will stay with us for the rest of our lives
Highly recommended!
KiwiWanderers02,May 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked ourselves a Cass Valley four wheel drive experience which we thoroughly enjoyed. It was wonderful seeing a mob of thar which was a first for us, a lone bull awhile later, a glacier at the end of the valley and last but not least a couple of NZ’s native falcon, one of which fed right in front of of us having just caught a meal. Our guide and driver Paul was very informative and a great story teller, even made a great coffee to go with our afternoon complimentary chocolate. If you want to see big country and all of the above, highly recommended!
A great tour
Alan P,Mar 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fantastic experience. Well done to Ben for being so informative. Great to see a large working farm and the surrounding scenery. Highly recommended.
Beautiful scenery
habzi,Mar 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A perfect way to see Lake Tekapo and surroundings from a different perspective. We were taken on a drive throught the merino sheep farms, river valley, we got to see beautiful views of entire Lake Tekapo. We also learned about the birds, the inhabitants of the valley. It was a very enjoyable afternoon.
Great day out
Thomas M,Feb 22, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Great offroad drive up one of the valleys. Some information about the region and its people/culture. And lovely talks about anything and everything for the rest of the way. Very kid friendly!
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Operated by Tekapo Adventures