The 8 Best Skippers Canyon Tours

1.Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 699 reviews · 3 hours · from $118Our pick

This three-hour trip pairs a guided drive along Skippers Road with a 30-minute jet boat ride through narrow Shotover River canyons. Expect steep drops, gold-mining stories, 360-degree spins and a break near Pipeline Bungy. Transport, life jackets and spray jackets are included; bring warm layers and use the toilet before departure.

“Booked this last May, did it again this September. This experience is one of the best things to do in NZ!! Safe drive all the way”

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2.Skippers Canyon 4WD Heritage half day Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 204 reviews · from $190Top rated

Take a four-hour, small-group 4WD trip from Queenstown into Skippers Canyon, with a guide at the wheel on its rugged road. Expect views over the Shotover River Valley, a stop at the historic suspension bridge and abandoned township, light refreshments, and gold panning at Deep Creek. Morning and afternoon departures are offered.

“Stunning scenery. Different scenery than other tours. Learn history of a specific group of settlers.”

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3.Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · from $136

Leave Queenstown by air-conditioned 4WD minivan for a four-hour drive through Skippers Canyon, where your local guide handles steep, narrow roads and points out gold-mining sites, river views and photo stops. The tour includes short walks and a 30-minute break at historic Skippers School for homemade cheese, crackers and refreshments. Groups are capped at nine.

“The tour was fantastic. Our guide Wolfe gave us time to take a few short hikes and scramble up some rocks to get amazing pictures. I highly recommend this personal tour vs the bigger buses.”

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4.Skippers Canyon 4WD Heritage Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 18 reviews · 4 hours · from $178

Ride with an English-speaking guide from Queenstown toward Coronet Peak and down the hand-cut Skippers Road. Look out over the Shotover River, see the Skippers Suspension Bridge from permitted viewpoints, enjoy tea in the canyon and try gold panning at Deep Creek. The bridge, schoolhouse and cemetery are currently off limits.

“Made a last-minute booking and due to the turnout, I got moved to the ‘Queenstown 4WD Lord of the Rings Discovery Tour’ and I’m so glad I did. Our guide Dan was amazing and truly made the whole adventure even better! Such an unreal experience with absolutely beautiful views”

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5.Half Day Skippers Canyon Queenstown Private Photography Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · from $173

Photographer-guide Martin takes your private group of up to four along Skippers Road in a comfortable AWD, sharing camera advice and stories of the canyon’s gold-mining past. Expect about five hours, hotel pickup, tea and cookies, and photo stops above the Shotover River. Bring your own camera or rent a Nikon.

“Martin gave a knowledgeable guided tour of the canyon focusing on photogenic sites, but with personal tips and shared experiences on photographic techniques. We ran overtime with no concern on his part. It was one f the highlights of our trip and we would recommend anyone interested in the experience whether or not they are serious photographers.”

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6.Skippers Canyon Goldrush Highlights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 4 hours · from $101Best value

Leave central Queenstown in a group of up to 11 for a 3.5 to 4-hour trip along Skippers Canyon Road. GPS-triggered stories cover the gold rush in five languages, with photo stops by the Shotover River and historic sites. Cal has led tours with his golden retriever Aster, though the dog’s presence is not guaranteed. Finish with coffee, tea, beer or wine at Gantley’s Tavern.

“Wow - a lifetime experience. We are still spreading the word about Cal Brown's unique and very personalised Tour. He has studied the history of Skippers Canyon Goldrush Era in great depth and together with his 11 seater vehicle equipped with multi-language audio system it was an experience we will never forget. His loyal partner Aster (Golden Retriever) made this Tour even more memorable. If you have a love of natural rugged beauty this tour tops the list.”

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7.Private Full Day Photo Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy | Wanaka |Otago

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $322

Set out from Queenstown with local photographer Aiste in a private, air-conditioned 4WD. Shape the day around places such as Arrowtown, Skippers Canyon, Glenorchy and Wanaka, with photographic guidance, a light lunch and 5 to 10 professional photos included.

“From the start to end, our professional photographer / tour guide, Aiste, was perfection! From Queenstown, through Glenorchy, Wanaka, to Skippers - Aiste guided us to incredible views, amazing photo opportunities, and unbelievable phRead more”

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8.Shotover River Rafting & Skippers Canyon Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 5 hours · from $178

Travel from Queenstown through historic Skippers Canyon, then gear up for a gentle rafting trip on the Shotover River. You’ll hear gold rush stories, pass mining relics and steep canyon walls, and reach the Lord of the Rings filming spot known as the Ford of Bruinen. The five-hour outing includes a guide, rafting gear, and snacks.

“I enjoyed the tour. As a newbie I felt like it’s the right way to immerse yourself in this kind of activities. The guides were amazing, the driver was out of this world and the activity was super fun.”

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