Delta Discovery
Delta Discovery
5
4WD, ATV & Off-Road ToursEco ToursFilm & TV ToursSightseeing ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
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About
Exclusive access to a unique environment, impressive 4wd vehicles, plus on board interactive multi lingual computer systems, deliver the chance to really get lost. Interact to guide, inform, and learn about all aspects of nature/geology/maori history over a 10km+ trail in comfort and safety. Ideal for all ages, we provide all you need to get a breathtaking view of this piece of paradise.
Glenorchy, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
360 reviews
Excellent
358
Very good
2
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0
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0
Terrible
0
Simon Burcher
Auckland, New Zealand6 contributions
Dec 2020
Wow - absolute treat to be out in the magnificent Dart River/Glenorchy countryside !
Got slightly lost finding the place, but our host Andy was so obliging and friendly that nothing was a problem, despite being 30mins later than planned.
The fact that you can drive yourself, stop as little or as often you like was amzing., and the technology used and developed for this unique experience was outstanding.
Cannot recommend it highly enough, as a two hour experience in such a unique and beautiful part of the world - it really is something special, and breath taking.
Got slightly lost finding the place, but our host Andy was so obliging and friendly that nothing was a problem, despite being 30mins later than planned.
The fact that you can drive yourself, stop as little or as often you like was amzing., and the technology used and developed for this unique experience was outstanding.
Cannot recommend it highly enough, as a two hour experience in such a unique and beautiful part of the world - it really is something special, and breath taking.
Written 17 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great to hear back from you Simon. What a great day for your visit, ideal conditions, lets hope for a few more days like that over the coming weeks! Appreciate the kind review. You did a great job of navigating the trail, taking your time and soaking up the experience, which is exactly what it's all about. Trust your trip back home went smoothly, and hope you have a great Christmas and New Year. Best wishes. Andy.
Written 21 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Malloryh86
12 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
We loved our adventure around the Dart River on one of Delta Discoveries E-4WD vehicles!
Andy was very knowledgeable about the area and made sure we were very comfortable with all the bells and whistles of the state of the art vehicle before we took off.
It was great to have the freedom to explore the river at our own pace, stopping to take photos and explore nearby. The views were insane!
The drive out to Delta Discovery from Queenstown is breathtaking, take your time to enjoy the scenery and grab lunch or a coffee in nearby Glenorchy to make a whole day of it, We highly recommend this unique and fun adventure on your next visit to Queenstown!
Andy was very knowledgeable about the area and made sure we were very comfortable with all the bells and whistles of the state of the art vehicle before we took off.
It was great to have the freedom to explore the river at our own pace, stopping to take photos and explore nearby. The views were insane!
The drive out to Delta Discovery from Queenstown is breathtaking, take your time to enjoy the scenery and grab lunch or a coffee in nearby Glenorchy to make a whole day of it, We highly recommend this unique and fun adventure on your next visit to Queenstown!
Written 11 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Awesome to get your kind review and stunning photos M + R. Thanks so much for your visit. You could no doubt tell I was a bit rusty at trying to remember how to deliver the briefing while keeping our distancing etc after weeks of being so quiet, so thanks for your patience! And great advice from you to make a day of it if you are based in Queenstown. To make the drive here, do some lunch, and enjoy the tour does take the whole day, especially as it's getting dark early at this time of year. Hope you enjoyed your break away to the deep south. Real pleasure to meet you both. Until the next time, take care. Andy.
Written 16 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tim D
Auckland, New Zealand13 contributions
Nov 2020
Such a great experience from whoa to go. Three of us (two locals and a friend from Christchurch) enjoyed a fantastic adventure exploring the stunningly beautiful Dart River delta in one of Andy's self-drive buggies.
This experience is one of those low profile gems that gets to the heart of what being in this environment is all about. As locals we can be a bit blasé about tourism offerings, but this one should be high on the list of must do's for anyone who visits our region. I can't believe we didn't do this ages ago and will definitely be doing it again with visitors.
We enjoyed stunning vistas, a sense of true isolation, the scale and grandeur of the landforms, the rush of water and remarkable birdlife. We viewed the rare NZ dotterel/tuturiwhatu (including chicks), the black-fronted tern / tarapirohe, black backed gull / karoro and paradise shelduck / putangitangi among others.
It was great being able to move at your own pace, stop and wander when you felt like it and to access an environment that you would not normally have the privilege of entering. The buggies are equipped with guidance screens which also provide information about what you are viewing. Thoughtfully, Andy had put binoculars in the glove box which were very useful, and a blanket if your knees get cold (temperatures can change quickly in the mountains).
This is an experience that will be enjoyed by young and old, solo or in groups. It's also an amazing way to get into an area that would not be possible for anyone with mobility issues.
Great concept wonderfully delivered - thanks again Andy for making this so easy and enjoyable.
This experience is one of those low profile gems that gets to the heart of what being in this environment is all about. As locals we can be a bit blasé about tourism offerings, but this one should be high on the list of must do's for anyone who visits our region. I can't believe we didn't do this ages ago and will definitely be doing it again with visitors.
We enjoyed stunning vistas, a sense of true isolation, the scale and grandeur of the landforms, the rush of water and remarkable birdlife. We viewed the rare NZ dotterel/tuturiwhatu (including chicks), the black-fronted tern / tarapirohe, black backed gull / karoro and paradise shelduck / putangitangi among others.
It was great being able to move at your own pace, stop and wander when you felt like it and to access an environment that you would not normally have the privilege of entering. The buggies are equipped with guidance screens which also provide information about what you are viewing. Thoughtfully, Andy had put binoculars in the glove box which were very useful, and a blanket if your knees get cold (temperatures can change quickly in the mountains).
This is an experience that will be enjoyed by young and old, solo or in groups. It's also an amazing way to get into an area that would not be possible for anyone with mobility issues.
Great concept wonderfully delivered - thanks again Andy for making this so easy and enjoyable.
Written 30 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Tim, and thanks for such an awesome and informative review. You are so right, I do get a lot of pleasantly surprised Kiwis, especially over the last few months of course. Expectations are usually far removed from the actual experience, as it's a unique activity, and quite hard to fully explain through the website alone. So I do rely a fair bit on feedback such as yours to give potential guests a better idea of the tour itself Of course it does help to get good conditions such as you experienced! Great to meet you all, and thanks for taking your time and immersing yourself in this amazing landscape. That's exactly what it's all about. Look forward to meeting again. Kind regards,
Andy.
Written 13 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Duncan W
5 contributions
May 2020 • Couples
Andy was friendly and knowledgeable about the area and his equipment. After a brief but comprehensive induction, we had an incredible 5 hours exploring the lakefront on his top of the line Kaibike Electric Mountain Bikes, before stopping at the Kinloch Lodge for a snack on the way back. We’d never done E-Biking before, but figured it out in 10 mins or so and having the motor makes hills much more friendly!
Glenorchy is a short drive from Queenstown, but the views of Fiordland are breathtaking and very different to what you can see from town. It’s well worth the drive. I’d highly recommend this to any of my friends and hope to come back soon!
Thanks again Andy for a wonderful day out.
Glenorchy is a short drive from Queenstown, but the views of Fiordland are breathtaking and very different to what you can see from town. It’s well worth the drive. I’d highly recommend this to any of my friends and hope to come back soon!
Thanks again Andy for a wonderful day out.
Written 23 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello D + O. Great to hear from you after your visit, really appreciate the feedback. It seems to have worked, I had more guests take the bikes out the following weekend, so thanks! You took to the bikes like ducks to water and made the most of the day out there, great effort. And I love the photo. Cheers for posting. Best wishes to you both. Hope to see you again. Cheers for now. Andy.
Written 16 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
D P
Wellington, New Zealand8,068 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
Wow- this was sooo much fun can’t recommend it enough.
Self drive up to 3 of you in an electric buggy up the Dart Valley river bed.
Cross rivers and spot rare New Zealand birds all whilst having heaps of fun.
Super safe and easy to drive. All fitted with state of the art tech that tells you where you are and what you’re looking at- such as Isengard! Or what birds you might see with good pictures on a big built in screen.
You can’t get lost as the cars will stop if you go off the path and Andy to fun owner can see you on GPS if you get in any trouble.
The buggies have roofs but no side doors so take warm clothes as the wind can be a bit chilly on a bad day in Glenorchy.
Now take a picnic and your camera and go have some awesome fun.
Even the drive there is spectacular!!!
Self drive up to 3 of you in an electric buggy up the Dart Valley river bed.
Cross rivers and spot rare New Zealand birds all whilst having heaps of fun.
Super safe and easy to drive. All fitted with state of the art tech that tells you where you are and what you’re looking at- such as Isengard! Or what birds you might see with good pictures on a big built in screen.
You can’t get lost as the cars will stop if you go off the path and Andy to fun owner can see you on GPS if you get in any trouble.
The buggies have roofs but no side doors so take warm clothes as the wind can be a bit chilly on a bad day in Glenorchy.
Now take a picnic and your camera and go have some awesome fun.
Even the drive there is spectacular!!!
Written 11 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello D and the team. Really appreciate your positive feedback, and cheers for the great photos. It was a bit chilly indeed, although I have to say you were well prepared with your awesome Antarctic jackets, I have to get myself one of those! Great to chat with you all, thanks for your visit, I'm so pleased you all enjoyed the experience. Best wishes, Andy.
Written 12 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah B
Auckland1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Friends
Fantastic day and activity. Couldn’t recommend enough. Would throughly recommend for families and people wanting to do something a bit different from your usual Queenstown activities. Andy was absolutely exceptional in terms of arranging and sharing local stories and landmarks. 10/10.
Written 23 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much Sarah. It was great to welcome you and the crew here, I really enjoyed chatting with you all. A fun day all round. Glad you enjoyed the experience, and as you say, it is geared up ideally for family groups to get out together and have a wee adventure for a few hours doing something a little different. I wish you all the very best with your own new endeavours, and lets hope it turns the corner for us all soon. Kind regards. Andy.
Written 24 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tim
Wellington, New Zealand1 contribution
Jun 2020
My wife and I recently took a trip down to the Queenstown area and spent a day out in Glenorchy. We recommend those going to Queenstown to take the scenic drive to Glenorchy and go to Delta Discovery - it's worth it. Andy was absolutely fantastic and it was a truly unique experience in a stunning area. He even took the time to show us some of the native wildlife, and recommended a fantastic spot for a short walk, which we did afterwards and thoroughly enjoyed.
Thanks Andy!
Thanks Andy!
Written 4 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks T+E. So glad you made the effort to come and explore our special slice of paradise here. It's only a short drive from Queenstown, but feels like another world, so hope more Kiwis will make the trip up here to the Head of the Lake when they get the chance. Great to meet you both, and glad you enjoyed the experience. Best wishes.
Andy.
Written 12 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve M
27 contributions
May 2020 • Family
Our family of 4 booked a pair of 4WD for a self-drive afternoon tour and had an amazing time! The 4WD are great fun to drive and the scenery is unparalleled. It is absolutely stunning. The large onboard GPS screens make it impossible to get lost, and they also show lessons about the area (wildlife, history, Lord of the Rings, and more). We were able to drive right down to the edge of the river where we stopped to walk along the shore. With no one else around, it was just us and nature - incredible. The 4WD are very easy. My wife normally doesn’t like to drive, but loved driving these. The host Andy was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. We didn’t use an agency and instead booked directly via WhatsApp; phone and email work well too. This experience is well worth it!
Written 15 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello S, L N and J. Thanks so much for your visit. My first guests for 2 months! I was so pleased that everything worked out as planned. Keeping social distancing and delivering the safety briefing and tour was actually no problem at all. You were awesome guests, did an amazing job of completing the course to perfection, and thankfully the weather was on our side. What a stunning day. And thanks for the great communication. All it takes is a couple of emails to reserve the vehicles and a time that suits you, pay on the day and get 40% off the usual cost. Well I guess this is the new normal. I wish you safe travels as you start your NZ tour at long last. Well done for staying in NZ and getting through the lockdown, now you can reward yourselves with the trip of a lifetime you came here to enjoy all those weeks ago. Very best wishes. Andy.
Written 16 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Graeme P
Christchurch, New Zealand5 contributions
Sept 2021
Had a great day up in Glenorcy last week with Delta Discovery. Roaming around the Dart River delta in a all electric ATV following a fully geo fenced path. Top quality kit that prevents you from inadvertently straying into any nesting grounds.
Each ATV fits three normal sized adults. You are riding on a river delta, so it is mostly flat with a few water crossings and small step rises to keep it interesting.
Fully sized LCD screen in the ATV with a map, you position and points of interest information. Highly recommended in you are in the area.
Each ATV fits three normal sized adults. You are riding on a river delta, so it is mostly flat with a few water crossings and small step rises to keep it interesting.
Fully sized LCD screen in the ATV with a map, you position and points of interest information. Highly recommended in you are in the area.
Written 28 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Graham, L and A, great to hear from you. Thanks for taking time to post your kind review and the great photos. It was great chatting with you, and hope you all enjoyed your spring time escape to our special little corner of the world. Really appreciate your visit. Very best wishes,
Andy.
Written 30 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kim L
Auckland Central, New Zealand9 contributions
Jun 2021
We left Queenstown and it was pouring with rain, but when we arrived in Glenorchy there was a break in the weather. Our adventure was booked for 2pm but I rang Andy and he said we could go out at 12.30.
I had always been fascinated by braided rivers and wanted to explore them.
I never guessed it would be in a 4 wheel drive 3 seater electric buggy!
What made it more exciting was a big flood had just been through so the water crossings were exciting, Andy had to come ut with us on his e bike to check crossings and change the route so we could do a full circuit.
2 hours of fun, great photos a highlight of the holiday.
I had always been fascinated by braided rivers and wanted to explore them.
I never guessed it would be in a 4 wheel drive 3 seater electric buggy!
What made it more exciting was a big flood had just been through so the water crossings were exciting, Andy had to come ut with us on his e bike to check crossings and change the route so we could do a full circuit.
2 hours of fun, great photos a highlight of the holiday.
Written 27 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello K+ F. Yes, I remember your visit well. It was lucky to get that weather window after the downpour. I think the photo you posted taking the UTV through the creek says everything! Excellent. Thanks for your patience in allowing me to guide you round, but I have to say it was great fun for me too, I really enjoyed your company. Hope you are both well, and hope to see you again one of these days. Kind regards. Andy.
Written 25 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hey, me and my friends plan to go there on 4th of June. We have 6 people, is still available around 4th to 6th June? And is there any Motorcycle available?Thanks!
Written 27 May 2018
Hey, me and my friends plan to go there on 4th of June. We have 6 people, is still available around 4th to 6th June? And is there any Motorcycle available?Thanks!
Written 27 May 2018
Hello, and thanks for the enquiry. Yes we have availability on the 4th and 5th, but not the 6th. We provide 4WD UTV vehicles, so please have a look at out website deltadiscovery.nz for more details and the availability calendar. Thank you.
Written 27 May 2018
Hi,
Do you allow kids on this tour? we are 2 adults with one 2.5 year old and one 5 year old. Would we be allowed in one vehicle?
Written 20 February 2018
Only Think he allows one kid between you in the vehicle. But ask him/
Written 21 February 2018
I'm trying to decide on where to book a hotel. Are there any options to get to Delta Discovery from Queenstown or Glenorchy township without renting a car? If so, how much would I expect to spend? Any input would be appreciated!
Written 10 October 2017
Hi. Yes indeed, there is a great minibus service from Queenstown to Glenorchy. Please have a look at the Glenorchy Journeys website. The fare is about 25 dollars per person each way, and I can pick you up and drop you back in Glenorchy free of charge. Thanks.
Written 16 October 2017
I'm trying to decide on where to book a hotel. Are there any options to get to Delta Discovery from Queenstown or Glenorchy township without renting a car? If so, how much would I expect to spend? Any input would be appreciated!
Written 10 October 2017
About Glenorchy & Delta Discovery's 2 hour 4WD eco-friendly vehicle...... Is it possible to reach somewhere nearby this place in your own gasoline vehicle & just go for a hiking walk for 2 hours - without using the 4WD vehicle or any other polluting vehicle?
Written 6 October 2017
Hello. Yes, and the most popular options near here are the Lake Sylvan walk and the start of the Routeburn track, both popular walks, which are just 10 minutes up the road from the Dart Bridge. All the info is on the doc website. Thanks.
Written 16 October 2017
Are your 4wds automatic? How many do you have? Are you open Good Friday?
Written 2 April 2017
Thanks for the enquiry. Yes. 4wd is automatic, we have 2 vehicles, 3 seaters, and weather permitting we are open every day. Kind regards Andy.
Written 2 April 2017
how much is the tour package and duration?
Written 15 March 2017
Thanks for the enquiry. Allow 2 to 3 hours for the tour. The cost is $240 per vehicle, which holds up to 3 persons. Kind regards. Andy.
Written 15 March 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.