After nearly 40 years in Europe, 4x4 Explorer Adventures owner Richard Soult returned to New Zealand in 2014 and began overlanding around the South Island. He has travelled extensively through the Pyrenees, the French/Italian Alps, North Africa and says New Zealand’s South Island is the best overlanding in the world.
“We keep a 4WD in Europe for our summer trips and yet are always keen to get home and explore what we have on our doorstep. The spectacular, diverse scenery and the remoteness holds a draw that is difficult to find anywhere else. It’s truly unique and worth exploring and sharing.”
The company 4x4Explorer was born in 2020, in the depths of Covid when Richard Soult decided to make a lifestyle change and turn his passion into a business. Since then, he has guided hundreds of like-minded people around the South Island of New Zealand, taking them to wild remote places and exploring New Zealand’s rich backcountry farming and gold mining history.
The company’s local knowledge and friendly approach is a success and it counts many of its guests as personal friends who keep coming back to share great times.

Scheduled guided tours
There are a variety of scheduled tours from five days to two weeks. Most popular are the Wilderness Camping Trips which cover the length of the South Island, exploring remote valleys, high mountains and camping in the remote Wilderness.
If camping isn’t preferred, there are more comfortable accommodation options.

Team building corporate events
Based in Christchurch and close to the Main Divide, 4x4 Explorer also offers corporate team-building packages. These can be just for the day or take staff out to a wilderness campsite for a BBQ and a campfire under the stars. Participants can bring their own vehicles or 4x4 Explorer can arrange that.
Richard Soult says these trips are a great way of rewarding a team.

Bespoke trips
A custom trip is also easily created if daily life doesn’t allow a customer to join one of the scheduled trips.
“You give us your idea and we will make your perfect overlanding adventure happen. We can organise vehicles, camping equipment, and catering. Everything that you need to create your ultimate kiwi overlanding experience.”
Richard Soult says no ideas are too big for 4x4 Explorer.
“We are passionate and proud of the service that we provide and this is reflected in our 90 percent return rate. Our guests are assured that they have an experienced guide who puts safety first and will deliver the ultimate experience that they are looking for.” For more information on exploring New Zealand’s rich backcountry visit www.4x4exploreradventures.co.nz