The Defender High Country Experience is the ultimate tour of the South Island, combining a hosted luxury experience with the unmatched capability of the Land Rover Defender in its natural habitat.

Earlier this year, we hosted four drive tours over four inimitable days, taking guests through the rugged, picturesque high country of Central Otago whilst enjoying some of the best hospitality and cuisine the region has to offer.

For the first night of the tours, guests stayed at the five-star Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa. This stylish accommodation is situated amongst its historic vineyard and organic winery, located just 20 minutes from Queenstown Airport. During their stay, guests experienced onsite spa treatments and wine tasting followed by a private three-course dinner in the stylish Cellar room.

The following two nights were spent at one of the world’s most luxurious and stunning lodges, The Lindis. Nestled almost imperceptibly in the Ahuriri Valley, The Lindis is a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive from Queenstown and has been designed for the utmost comfort and luxury. Renowned for its impeccable service, guests unwound at the lodge, experiencing locally sourced cuisine and onsite activities which included spa treatments and clay shooting.

Across the three drive days, guests conquered new terrains in the Defender 110. They experienced the vehicle’s uncompromised capabilities, traversing through private land, mastering off-road tracks and challenging river crossings.

Each tour comprised up to eight couples, along with one dedicated Land Rover Host and off-road driving instructors to provide an unforgettable experience.