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Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure

Key facts
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Duration: 4 hours
Price per person
$124.41
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  • Skippers Canyon named as one of the world′s most scenic roads by British Automobile Association!
  • Your local tour operator is recommended by travelers on TripAdvisor Fabulous fun for families!
  • A photographer′s dream tour
  • Be a gold prospector and chance your luck with gold-panning!

Travel one of the most scenic and exciting roads in the world on a half-day 4WD adventure tour from Queenstown.

Your route takes you along the rugged and dramatic Skippers Road where spectacular views await you at every turn. This once-treacherous track was hacked by hand into the sheer cliffs of the Shotover Valley to provide access for prospectors during the Otago gold-rush years, more than a century ago.

As your driver/guide navigates this awesome canyon, you’ll visit historic sites such as the Skippers Suspension Bridge and the township of Skippers.

Visit a restored school house to gain a real insight into local heritage through photos and histories of life in this tough environment. Imagine yourself as a prospector when you get the chance to pan for gold on one of the richest gold-bearing rivers in the world.

This tour offers stupendous photo opportunities and is a trip all the family can enjoy.

Itinerary

At the start of your thrilling Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure you will be picked up from your hotel in Queenstown. There are two time slots for this tour – morning and afternoon. Pick the one that suits you best while making your booking.

The Skippers Canyon 4WD tour departs from Queenstown, heading out towards Coronet Peak. As you travel up the mountainside towards the canyon you will stop at The Plane Table to see stunning panoramic views of Wakatipu Basin.

After entering Skippers Canyon you will travel to Lighthouse Rock, where you can enjoy a dramatic lookout over the chasm. Follow in the footsteps of the prospectors of old, as the winding road brings you to the historic Skippers Bridge, which provides a stunning photo opportunity.

After carefully negotiating the bridge, the route continues into the historic township of Skippers. The town was abandoned long ago, but many original buildings still remain and are fun to explore. Indulge in morning or afternoon tea at the restored Skippers Schoolhouse (included in your tour). The Schoolhouse has a fascinating exhibition of photos and artifacts from the early days of the settlement. On a more somber note, you can visit the cemetery, which bears witness to the dangerous life led by the gold prospectors and miners.

On the return journey, stop at Deep Creek where you can immerse yourself in the heritage of the area by turning your hand to a spot of gold panning. Your guide will show you how to do it.

On the way back, you may recognize some of the spectacular Lord of The Rings’ movie locations.

At the end of your thrilling experience, you will be dropped back at your accommodation in Queenstown.

Please note
Please call the activity operator at least 24 hours prior to start of the tour for reconfirming departure details.
Please select the time slot for your tour when making your booking
Operation of the tour depends on river conditions
Inclusions
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • English-speaking driver/guide
  • Off-road 4WD Tour
  • Gold panning experience
  • Refreshments (morning or afternoon tea depending on the time of your tour)
What happens after I book?
  • A booking voucher will be sent to you by email
  • Print all pages of the voucher
  • Present the voucher at the tour start point or attraction entrance
Activity schedule
When does it run?
Daily (may be subject to river conditions)
Duration
4 hours
Start time
0830h (08:30am) or 1330h (1:30 pm)
Meeting point
Your hotel in Queenstown
(Please mention your hotel details at the time of booking. If you do not have this information now, please contact the local activity operator 24 hours prior to the start of the tour with these details.)
Ending point
Your hotel in Queenstown
Sale price
$123.23
Check Availability
Additional information
The confirmation voucher includes the local activity operator’s contact details and local telephone numbers at the destination. They will happily answer any logistical questions you may have.
Dos & Don'ts
Dress for the weather. Wear comfortable shoes and don’t forget the camera!

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No cancellation fees

On most bookings

We will never charge you any administrative fees for cancellations. For most tours and activities, there is no penalty for bookings cancelled a week in advance.

See the cancellation policy for this product