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signature experiences

Skippers Canyon

Experience Overview

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Skippers Canyon, just a short drive from Queenstown and nestled in the mountains behind the renowned Coronet Peak, features a dramatic gorge carved by the Shotover River. This vast tussock-covered landscape is steeped in gold-mining history.

The road through Skippers Canyon, clinging to the cliffside high above the river, was built during the gold rush between 1883 and 1890—a remarkable engineering feat of its time. Today, it offers an adventurous 4WD experience.

During the gold rush, settlements quickly sprang up in the canyon, with over a thousand people once calling it home. Now, only remnants of this era remain, telling stories of a time when fortunes were made and lost.

An experience with BLACK into Skippers Canyon combines history, breathtaking scenery, and  adventure. Try your hand at gold panning in “The Richest River in the World” before riding in a high-speed jet boat ride through the canyon’s narrowest passages. This ultimate 4WD sightseeing tour offers a truly unique Queenstown adventure.

Tour highlights & inclusions

DURATION
Half Day & Full Day (Oct - April)

SUITABLE FOR
Everyone

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BLACK’s Skippers Canyon experience operates during the summer months, October to April, when the road is clear of snow. This guided tour includes a professional host from BLACK, private luxury transportation in a premium SUV, an exhilarating jet boat ride through the Shotover River, and breathtaking views of the canyon’s dramatic landscapes. Choose between half-day or full-day experiences, each tailored to provide the highest level of comfort and personalisation.

Half Day Sample Itinerary

MEET YOUR HOST / PICK UP

Your private driver will collect you from your accommodation in a luxurious SUV, ensuring a comfortable and stylish start to your adventure.

SCENIC 4WD DRIVE

Enjoy a thrilling 4wd expereince along the single-lane road that winds deep into the heart of Skippers Canyon. Experience dramatic landscapes as your guide shares the history and stories of the area.

SKIPPERS CANYON JET BOAT

Dart through the canyons on the a Skippers Jet Boat ride through the Shotover River. Navigate narrow passages get up close with the canyon walls.

CANYON EXPLORATION

After the jet boat ride, take a short walk with your guide to explore some of the canyon’s historical sites, including abandoned gold dredges and other remnants of the area’s gold-mining past.

BILLY TEA & GOLD PANNING

Enjoy a traditional New Zealand billy tea hot drink accompanied by a tasty treat.

Try your hand at gold panning, in the 'richest river in the world'.

RETURN TO ACCOMMODATION

Relax and enjoy the scenic drive back to your accommodation in luxurious comfort.

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