4WD Training

4WD DRIVER TRAINING

4WD DRIVER

TRAINING

BEGINNER - INTERMEDIATE

JOIN QUEENSTOWN'S MOST EXPERIENCED 4WD




GUIDE ON A PRIVATE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOUR

P R I V A T E   T R A I N I N G   |   B E G I N N E R  -  I N T E R M E D I A T E

4WD DRIVER TRAINING

4WD DRIVER TRAINING

Embark on a private four-wheel drive training adventure with Del, a seasoned 33-year 4WD veteran and certified New Zealand 4WD technical advisor. Our training program blends learning new skills with the thrill of an epic off-road journey. As you navigate challenging terrains, Del ensures continuous radio communication between vehicles, guiding you through hazards and imparting knowledge on safely conquering diverse off-road tracks.
Tailored to your skill level, our training goes beyond generic approaches. Del carefully selects routes based on your capabilities and your vehicles capabilities ensuring a personalized and rewarding experience. Gain hands-on knowledge specific to your vehicle, equipping you with the skills needed for independent off-road exploration. The ultimate goal is to instill confidence, empowering you to navigate tracks solo in a safe and enjoyable manner. This training serves as an extension of our popular tag-along tours, offering an immersive and educational off-road experience like no other.


NB: These tours are Private. It is just you or your group and Del.

4WD TRAINING DAY OBJECTIVES

  • Hazard Recognition: Develop keen awareness to identify potential off-road hazards and obstacles.
  • Terrain Analysis: Learn how to assess and navigate various terrains, from rocky trails to river crossings.
  • Vehicle Operation: Master the art of driving a 4WD vehicle in challenging conditions, including proper acceleration, braking, and steering techniques.
  • Recovery Techniques: Acquire skills in self-recovery and assisting others, using tools like winches, recovery straps, and traction aids.
  • Communication: Understand effective radio communication protocols for conveying information on hazards and coordinating maneuvers with fellow drivers.
  • Route Planning: Gain the ability to plan and choose suitable off-road routes based on your skill level and the capabilities of your vehicle.
  • Vehicle Maintenance: Learn basic maintenance tasks to keep your 4WD vehicle in optimal condition during and after off-road adventures.
  • Confidence Building: Develop the confidence to tackle off-road tracks independently, ensuring a safe and enjoyable off-road experience.
  • Environmental Stewardship: Develop an appreciation for responsible off-road practices, emphasizing the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.

Embark on a private four-wheel drive training adventure with Del, a seasoned 33-year 4WD veteran and certified New Zealand 4WD technical advisor. Our training program blends learning new skills with the thrill of an epic off-road journey. As you navigate challenging terrains, Del ensures continuous radio communication between vehicles, guiding you through hazards and imparting knowledge on safely conquering diverse off-road tracks.
Tailored to your skill level, our training goes beyond generic approaches. Del carefully selects routes based on your capabilities and your vehicles capabilities ensuring a personalized and rewarding experience. Gain hands-on knowledge specific to your vehicle, equipping you with the skills needed for independent off-road exploration. The ultimate goal is to instill confidence, empowering you to navigate tracks solo in a safe and enjoyable manner. This training serves as an extension of our popular tag-along tours, offering an immersive and educational off-road experience like no other.


NB: These tours are Private. It is just you or your group and Del.

4WD TRAINING DAY OBJECTIVES

  • Hazard Recognition: Develop keen awareness to identify potential off-road hazards and obstacles.
  • Terrain Analysis: Learn how to assess and navigate various terrains, from rocky trails to river crossings.
  • Vehicle Operation: Master the art of driving a 4WD vehicle in challenging conditions, including proper acceleration, braking, and steering techniques.
  • Recovery Techniques: Acquire skills in self-recovery and assisting others, using tools like winches, recovery straps, and traction aids.
  • Communication: Understand effective radio communication protocols for conveying information on hazards and coordinating maneuvers with fellow drivers.
  • Route Planning: Gain the ability to plan and choose suitable off-road routes based on your skill level and the capabilities of your vehicle.
  • Vehicle Maintenance: Learn basic maintenance tasks to keep your 4WD vehicle in optimal condition during and after off-road adventures.
  • Confidence Building: Develop the confidence to tackle off-road tracks independently, ensuring a safe and enjoyable off-road experience.
  • Environmental Stewardship: Develop an appreciation for responsible off-road practices, emphasizing the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.

PRIVATE 4WD DRIVER TRAINING


PRICE PER VEHICLE : $1280 (1) $680 (2)


DATES : RUNS DAILY ON DEMAND


TIME : UP TO 8 HOURS

  • INFORMATION

    SELF DRIVE REQUIREMENTS


    • Vehicle insurance suitable for this tour.
    • All terrain tyres preferred with minimum 60% tread.
    • Road tyres can be used on dry days but will need to be deflated to a lower pressure if necessary.
    • Hi/low ratio not required during summer
    • A full list of vehicle requirements is on our booking form. Contact us for details.
    • This tour is suitable for people with beginner off-road driving experience, however the tour operates on backcountry tracks and DOC land. As per most backcountry routes this tour has narrow tracks, and tracks at height. Drivers need to be confident driving on back country roads.
    • Due to hazard identification over hand held radios, clients must be fluent in english.
    • Skippers Canyon is a public road. Private and rental vehicle insurance policies must be checked to make sure they include Skippers Canyon. We can direct you to rental companies in Queenstown that allow their vehicles in Skippers.
    • During summer the road does not require 4WD vehicles, but further up the canyon there are small creeks to cross and areas that require vehicles with suitable ground clearance. Please contact us to check vehicle suitability. 

    SELF DRIVE BOOKING


    3 steps for booking


    1. Email us at info@4wdexpeditions.nz
    2. We will send you a link to the booking forms. Please read, sign and return.
    3. Payment options, Visa, Mastercard, eftpos, Direct bank transfer. Tour day, visa, mastercard, eftpos or cash

    INCLUDED


    • Hand held radio use
    • Includes 15% NZ Goods & Services Tax
    • Professional guide
    • Satellite phone / safety equipment
    • Commercial DOC access fees
    • Includes 15% NZ Goods & Services Tax

     

    NOT INCLUDED


    Vehicle hire / fuel / insurance / vehicle recovery



    DATES AVAILABLE


    • Public trips are run on posted dates.

    • We are able to confirm for one vehicle.
    • Full day tours depart 8:00 am
    • Different start times can be arranged if necessary.  Pick-ups at local accommodation by prior arrangement.

     

  • ITINERARY

    ITINERARY


    We meet at the Skippers Canyon turn off up Coronet Peak Road for a compulsory safety briefing, radio distribution and the plan for the day.


    Following this, we begin our adventure by crossing Skippers Saddle to get our first views of Mt Aurum, the Skippers Road and a view of the high country terrain which we will drive through.



    Highlights of the day include:


    • Hells and Heavens Gates
    • Lighthouse Rock
    • Historic gold mining relics
    • Shotover River
    • Major Lord of the Rings locations
    • Engineering marvel Pinchers Bluff
    • Traversing Skippers Bridge (1901)
    • Skippers School (1889)
    • Skippers Cemetery
    • and much more..

     

    Your local kiwi guide, Del has guided tourists into Skippers Canyon since 1990. His knowledge and experience on the road conditions, history and region make this a truly remarkable adventure into the high country.


    We aim to be out of the canyon by late afternoon.



  • TESTIMONIALS

    Fantastic bespoke 4WD tour. We had a 3 day tour with Del. Travelled with my

    Father and his good mate both in their late 70s. Del really went out of his way to taylor the tour to our needs. We all had a great time. This part of NZ is really beautiful and interesting. Lots of little surprises along the way. Brought back a lot of memories for my dad and our friend who both grew up in this area. Del has been doing this for a long time, we always felt looked after and safe. Thanks Del. Auckland



    Wonderful 2 day tour with 4WD Expeditions in Queenstown area, tag-along in our own trucks - magic! Highly recommend this time of year - autumn with trees all shades of brilliant yellow,orange and red, set off the already impressive mountain and river landscape. We saw some amazing out-of-the-way spots with superb photo opportunities - truly NZ at its best.

    Our guide Del was safety conscious, thoroughly professional, very knowledgeable both historically and geographically, with lots of anecdotes to make our tour come alive, nothing was a problem. Very quick and easy communication in the pre-tour phase too. His sense of humour kept us chuckling, very friendly, a good all-round Kiwi bloke with a passion for what he is doing. 

    A++ experience - you will not regret touring with 4WD Expeditions!. Ashburton



    My family and I had a great trip with 4WD Expeditions back in February. It was the highlight of our time in New Zealand - a truly wonderful way to see the countryside that tourists seldom see, while learning off-road driving skills. We started off the trip pretty easy, but we moved on to some challenging stuff that I wouldn’t have liked to have tried on our own. It was great to see how the lead vehicle took the river crossings and rougher terrain before approaching it ourselves, and Del also coached us over the radio.  There were lots of opportunities for pictures and the scenery was spectacular – every photo I took looked like a postcard! Del was extremely knowledgeable about the area, and had entertaining stories to tell about many of the places we saw. I highly recommend a trip with 4WD Expeditions. Laurel - England



    Excellent 3 days. Excellent guide. (Thank you Del). Views magnificent. Tracks very good. Would do it all again. Alan - Auckland



    Very good expedition. Well guided and some great places were seen. Del was very good and

    informative. Bob - Ashburton



    We thoroughly enjoyed our day with 4WD Expeditions. We started in Garston with a safety check and issue of radios and then followed Del in our own vehicle up over the southern end of the Hector Range and into the Upper Nevis Valley. Del has a lot of knowledge about the area and its history of settlement and gold mining. After a picnic lunch we left the Nevis for a memorable side trip to the Kopuwai Conservation Area on the Old Woman Range. Here the 4WD was more technical and challenging and after some steep climbing we were rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Central Otago landscapes.

    We returned to the Nevis Road and finished the trip at the bottom of Duffers Saddle just before Bannockburn.

    Del runs a professional tour with good briefings, a well equipped lead vehicle with safety gear and plenty of stops for photographs and sightseeing.

    We have no hesitation in recommending Del and 4WD Expeditions for a memorable, entertaining and challenging day trip. John - Christchurch





  • DATES 2022 | 2023

    SEPTEMBER 2022

    22nd, 29th


    OCTOBER 2022

    12th, 19th, 26th


    NOVEMBER 2022

    2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th


    DECEMBER 2022

    7th, 14th, 21st, 28th


    JANUARY 2023

    4th, 11th, 18th, 25th


    FEBRUARY 2023

    1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd


    MARCH 2023

    1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th


    APRIL 2023

    5th, 12th, 19th, 26th




  • INFORMATION

    SELF DRIVE REQUIREMENTS


    • Vehicle insurance suitable for this tour.
    • Travel insurance is recommended for all our tours.
    • All terrain tyres preferred with minimum 60% tread.
    • A full list of vehicle requirements is on our booking form. Contact us for details.
    • This tour is suitable for people with no off-road driving experience.
    • This tour operates on backcountry farm tracks and DOC land. 
    • As per most backcountry routes this tour has narrow tracks, and tracks at height. Drivers need to be confident driving on back country roads.
    • Due to hazard identification over hand held radios, clients must be fluent in english.


    SELF DRIVE BOOKING


    3 steps for booking

    1. Email us at info@4wdexpeditions.nz
    2. We will send you a link to the booking forms. Please read, sign and return.
    3. Payment options, Visa, Mastercard, eftpos, Direct bank transfer.


    INCLUDED

    • Hand held radio supplied (Private tour) 
    • Includes 15% NZ Goods & Services Tax    
    • Professional guide
    • Satellite phone / safety equipment 
    • Commercial DOC access fees
    • Morning tea (Private tour)
    • Lunch available as optional extra, $25pp (Private tour)

     


    NOT INCLUDED

    • Vehicle hire
    • fuel
    • insurance
    • vehicle recovery
    • and anything else not listed above.


    DATES AVAILABLE

        

    • Private tours run on demand, we confirm for one vehicle.    
    • Private tour start times can be flexible.      
    • Private tour pick-ups at local accommodation by prior arrangement.

     

  • TESTIMONIALS

    Fantastic bespoke 4WD tour. We had a 3 day tour with Del. Travelled with my Father and his good mate both in their late 70s. Del really went out of his way to taylor the tour to our needs. We all had a great time. This part of NZ is really beautiful and interesting. Lots of little surprises along the way. Brought back a lot of memories for my dad and our friend who both grew up in this area. Del has been doing this for a long time, we always felt looked after and safe. Thanks Del. Auckland



    Wonderful 2 day tour with 4WD Expeditions in Queenstown area, tag-along in our own trucks - magic! Highly recommend this time of year - autumn with trees all shades of brilliant yellow,orange and red, set off the already impressive mountain and river landscape. We saw some amazing out-of-the-way spots with superb photo opportunities - truly NZ at its best.


    Our guide Del was safety conscious, thoroughly professional, very knowledgeable both historically and geographically, with lots of anecdotes to make our tour come alive, nothing was a problem. Very quick and easy communication in the pre-tour phase too. His sense of humour kept us chuckling, very friendly, a good all-round Kiwi bloke with a passion for what he is doing. 


    A++ experience - you will not regret touring with 4WD Expeditions!. Ashburton



    Excellent 3 days. Excellent guide. (Thank you Del). Views magnificent. Tracks very good. Would do it all again. Alan - Auckland



    Very good expedition. Well guided and some great places were seen. Del was very good and informative. Bob - Ashburton



    We thoroughly enjoyed our day with 4WD Expeditions. We started in Garston with a safety check and issue of radios and then followed Del in our own vehicle up over the southern end of the Hector Range and into the Upper Nevis Valley. Del has a lot of knowledge about the area and its history of settlement and gold mining. After a picnic lunch we left the Nevis for a memorable side trip to the Kopuwai Conservation Area on the Old Woman Range. Here the 4WD was more technical and challenging and after some steep climbing we were rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Central Otago landscapes.


    We returned to the Nevis Road and finished the trip at the bottom of Duffers Saddle just before Bannockburn.


    Del runs a professional tour with good briefings, a well equipped lead vehicle with safety gear and plenty of stops for photographs and sightseeing.


    We have no hesitation in recommending Del and 4WD Expeditions for a memorable, entertaining and challenging day trip. John - Christchurch

  • HAZARD STATEMENT

    HAZARD STATEMENT


    Any off road / back country driving can lead to unexpected incidents. This can include but is not limited to - accidents, injuries, vehicle damage, property damage & loss of life. All participants, drivers & passengers have to accept & acknowledge this on our booking form.

  • ABOUT DEL

    Del and 4WD Expeditions.



    Professional Summary:


    I am an experienced outdoor enthusiast with a deep passion for four-wheel driving and a profound connection to the captivating high country of the South Island. Over the past three decades, I have dedicated my career to guiding and sharing the beauty of this region with countless individuals. As the founder of 4WD Expeditions, I offer adventurers the opportunity to explore the South Island's pristine landscapes on unforgettable four-wheel drive journeys.



    Professional Certifications:


    • Fully licensed and accredited by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), Department of Conservation (DOC), and WorkSafe NZ.
    • Certified 4WD technical advisor, contracting with WorkSafe NZ Adventure Activities Regulations audit providers.
    • Holder of AdventureMark® certification, symbolizing a commitment to ensuring the utmost safety standards for our valued customers.


    Safety Compliance: 


    4WD Expeditions maintains a robust safety management system, meticulously aligning with the MBIE Safety Audit Standard for Adventure Activities. Our formal certification under AdventureMark® underscores our unwavering dedication to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our clients. Our commitment to continuous improvement is evident through regular reviews by AdventureMark® to ensure ongoing compliance with the established safety standard.



    Professional Experience: 


    With a commercial 4WD guiding career spanning three decades, I have garnered extensive experience in guiding individuals through the South Island's high country. My journey has cultivated a deep understanding of health and safety in 4WD commercial operations. Furthermore, my passion for photography and videography, coupled with a discerning eye, enables me to help capture and share the essence of our adventures with clients.


    I invite you to join me on a remarkable expedition where my expertise, artistic flair, and unwavering dedication to safety converge to create a truly extraordinary experience. Together, we can explore the stunning landscapes and rich terrain of the South Island's high country, leaving you with lasting memories of an unparalleled adventure.

PRIVATE 4WD TRAINING

PRIVATE TOUR

PRICE : $1280 one vehicle, $680 per 2 vehicles, POA 2+ vehicles

  • INFORMATION

    4WD TRAINING REQUIREMENTS


    • Vehicle insurance suitable for this tour.
    • We recommend travel insurance for all tours.
    • All terrain or mud terrain tyres preferred with minimum 60% tread
    • Hi/low ratio not required during summer.
    • A full list of vehicle requirements is on our booking form. Contact us for details.
    • This tour is suitable for people with limited off-road driving experience.
    • As per most backcountry routes this tour has narrow tracks, and tracks at height. Drivers need to be confident driving on back country roads.
    • Due to hazard identification over hand held radios, clients must be fluent in english.





    SELF DRIVE BOOKING


    3 steps for bookin

    • Email us at info@4wdexpeditions.nz
    • We will send you a link to the booking forms. Please read, sign and return.
    • Payment options, Visa, Mastercard, eftpos, Direct bank transfer.


    INCLUDED


    • Hand held radio supplied (Private tour) 
    • Includes 15% NZ Goods & Services Tax    
    • Professional guide
    • Satellite phone / safety equipment
    • Commercial DOC access fees
    • Morning tea (Private tour)
    • Lunch available as optional extra, $25pp (Private tour)

     


    NOT INCLUDED


    • Vehicle hire
    • Fuel
    • Insurance
    • Vehicle recovery


    DATES AVAILABLE


    • Private tours run on demand, we confirm for one vehicle.  
    • Private tour start times can be flexible.  
    • Private tour pick-ups at local accommodation by prior arrangement.

     

  • TESTIMONIALS

    Fantastic bespoke 4WD tour. We had a 3 day tour with Del. Travelled with my

    Father and his good mate both in their late 70s. Del really went out of his way to taylor the tour to our needs. We all had a great time. This part of NZ is really beautiful and interesting. Lots of little surprises along the way. Brought back a lot of memories for my dad and our friend who both grew up in this area. Del has been doing this for a long time, we always felt looked after and safe. Thanks Del. Auckland



    Wonderful 2 day tour with 4WD Expeditions in Queenstown area, tag-along in our own trucks - magic! Highly recommend this time of year - autumn with trees all shades of brilliant yellow,orange and red, set off the already impressive mountain and river landscape. We saw some amazing out-of-the-way spots with superb photo opportunities - truly NZ at its best.

    Our guide Del was safety conscious, thoroughly professional, very knowledgeable both historically and geographically, with lots of anecdotes to make our tour come alive, nothing was a problem. Very quick and easy communication in the pre-tour phase too. His sense of humour kept us chuckling, very friendly, a good all-round Kiwi bloke with a passion for what he is doing. 

    A++ experience - you will not regret touring with 4WD Expeditions!. Ashburton



    Excellent 3 days. Excellent guide. (Thank you Del). Views magnificent. Tracks very good. Would do it all again. Alan - Auckland



    Very good expedition. Well guided and some great places were seen. Del was very good and

    informative. Bob - Ashburton



    We thoroughly enjoyed our day with 4WD Expeditions. We started in Garston with a safety check and issue of radios and then followed Del in our own vehicle up over the southern end of the Hector Range and into the Upper Nevis Valley. Del has a lot of knowledge about the area and its history of settlement and gold mining. After a picnic lunch we left the Nevis for a memorable side trip to the Kopuwai Conservation Area on the Old Woman Range. Here the 4WD was more technical and challenging and after some steep climbing we were rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Central Otago landscapes.

    We returned to the Nevis Road and finished the trip at the bottom of Duffers Saddle just before Bannockburn.

    Del runs a professional tour with good briefings, a well equipped lead vehicle with safety gear and plenty of stops for photographs and sightseeing.

    We have no hesitation in recommending Del and 4WD Expeditions for a memorable, entertaining and challenging day trip. John - Christchurch





  • HAZARD STATEMENT

    HAZARD STATEMENT


    Any off road / back country driving can lead to unexpected incidents. This can include but is not limited to - accidents, injuries, vehicle damage, property damage & loss of life. All participants, drivers & passengers have to accept & acknowledge this on our booking form.

  • ABOUT DEL

    Del and 4WD Expeditions.



    Professional Summary:


    I am an experienced outdoor enthusiast with a deep passion for four-wheel driving and a profound connection to the captivating high country of the South Island. Over the past three decades, I have dedicated my career to guiding and sharing the beauty of this region with countless individuals. As the founder of 4WD Expeditions, I offer adventurers the opportunity to explore the South Island's pristine landscapes on unforgettable four-wheel drive journeys.



    Professional Certifications:


    • Fully licensed and accredited by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), Department of Conservation (DOC), and WorkSafe NZ.
    • Certified 4WD technical advisor, contracting with WorkSafe NZ Adventure Activities Regulations audit providers.
    • Holder of AdventureMark® certification, symbolizing a commitment to ensuring the utmost safety standards for our valued customers.


    Safety Compliance: 


    4WD Expeditions maintains a robust safety management system, meticulously aligning with the MBIE Safety Audit Standard for Adventure Activities. Our formal certification under AdventureMark® underscores our unwavering dedication to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our clients. Our commitment to continuous improvement is evident through regular reviews by AdventureMark® to ensure ongoing compliance with the established safety standard.



    Professional Experience: 


    With a commercial 4WD guiding career spanning three decades, I have garnered extensive experience in guiding individuals through the South Island's high country. My journey has cultivated a deep understanding of health and safety in 4WD commercial operations. Furthermore, my passion for photography and videography, coupled with a discerning eye, enables me to help capture and share the essence of our adventures with clients.


    I invite you to join me on a remarkable expedition where my expertise, artistic flair, and unwavering dedication to safety converge to create a truly extraordinary experience. Together, we can explore the stunning landscapes and rich terrain of the South Island's high country, leaving you with lasting memories of an unparalleled adventure.

VIDEOS

PHOTO GALLERY

Share by: