Skippers Canyon 4WD Heritage half day Tour from Queenstown
Description
This half-day 4WD heritage tour explores the dramatic Skippers Canyon, following the historic Skippers Road, hand-built during the Otago gold rush and carved into the cliffs above the Shotover River. Travel with an experienced local guide who navigates this remarkable road while sharing stories of the pioneers and miners who shaped the region. Enjoy multiple scenic and historic stops throughout the canyon, including viewpoints of the iconic Skippers Suspension Bridge and other significant gold-mining sites. Learn about early life in the canyon through local stories and historic imagery, before trying traditional gold panning techniques on one of the region’s richest gold-bearing rivers. Please note: Access over Skippers Bridge is currently closed due to long-term maintenance and safety works. As a result, access to the schoolhouse and cemetery is also unavailable. Tours now operate to permitted points within the canyon, with alternate scenic and historical stops included.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Travel along the rugged and treacherous Skippers road. As your guide navigates along this awe-inspiring canyon you will visit many historic sites such as the historic Skippers suspension bridge and the historic township of Skippers.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A maximum of 6 people per booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Reviews(215)
Our guide was very knowledgeable. He was also LOTS of fun!! He knew exactly how to be adventurous and make the ride exciting and safe simultaneously.
Had a great day visiting Skippers Canyon! Nico was an excellent driver, guide while also being very informative! We highly recommend Nico and this team.
What a fantastic day you all must have had in Skippers Canyon, Chris! Nico's expertise and the fascinating details he shares make him a truly wonderful guide, and we’re thrilled you appreciated his driving skills along those spectacular routes.
What a fantastic trip. Nico was a brilliant driver taking us around this amazing landscape. It was such a wonderful memorable experience and would highly recommend. Huge thanks to Nico his kindness and ...very tasty Banana Bread!
Nico's flair for adventure truly shines, doesn't it? His expert driving and delightful company, teamed with scrumptious banana bread, certainly made for a memorable day out amidst our breathtaking landscapes.
Beautiful views ! A must do. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and made the experience even better.
Amazing morning! Justin our guide was lovely and very knowledgeable! We learnt a lot about the history of Queenstown. Stunning views. Exceeded our expectations! A must do if you’re visiting!
Your recount of the morning's adventure brought a smile to my face! Justin's passion truly shines through in his guided tours, and it's wonderful to know he shared such fascinating insights about Queenstown's history with you. Those stunning views really do leave a lasting impression, don't they?
Bruce and I had THE most memorable trip into Skippers Canyon and it was all because of how great Justin was. Justin was knowledgeable, very considerate, respectful and had such a terrific sense of humour. Thanks so much Justin. We will never forget our trip with you.
What a genuine delight to hear about your unforgettable adventure with Justin in Skippers Canyon! His remarkable knowledge and thoughtful nature, paired with that top-notch humor you mentioned, really seem to have turned a great trip into an extraordinary one. We're so pleased you and Bruce created such lasting memories together. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt appreciation of Justin's efforts. Your journey with us will always be a cherished part of our story too!
The original 4WD, gold heritage 4WD, canyon skippers. Excellent experience with Nick, our super driver guide. We very much appreciated his availability and his comments that he made to us using his mobile. We managed to find a little gold thanks to his advice. He also introduced us to beautiful landscapes. Thank you Nick for your professionalism
It sounds like you had an incredible journey with Nick, discovering both the beauty of the landscapes and a touch of treasure along the way! His expertise and passion for sharing our gold heritage and stunning vistas surely turned the tour into an adventure to remember. It's amazing to hear that his guidance led you to find a little gold-what a unique souvenir!
This tour was fantastic, especially as we’re LOTR fans. We had the lovely Jodie driving us around and she did a superb job. Very informative, took us to some very scenic spots and pointed out the movie spots along with photos. The best bit was the off-roading where we went through rivers and up and down gullies. I would highly recommend this trip!
We're over the moon to hear that your adventure with Jodie was such a hit! Her passion for combining breathtaking scenic spots and detailed film knowledge with that exhilarating off-road experience really makes for a day to remember. The off-roading thrills of tackling rivers and gullies definitely add a special touch, especially for fans like you.
Finn was the best guide! Had a total blast seeing all the dramatic landscapes and land formations! What a treat this was to step back in history and actually pan for gold! Got two specks and enjoyed the coffee and banana bread! Thank you for a wonderful day!
Thank you for sharing your experience! It's fantastic to hear that Finley's informative guidance left such a positive impression.
Gets very bumpy, but extremely enjoyable. Has nothing to hang on to in vehicle. Driver Tom was very knowledgeable and extremely safe in his approach to driving. If you fear heights don't look out of windows over the edge.
