Skippers Canyon 25-Minute Jet Boat Ride with Scenic Guided Tour

About this experience

Your experience Travel through history and adrenaline Begin your adventure from Queenstown with a scenic journey along the renowned Skippers Road, famous for its sheer drops and winding pathway through dramatic rock formations. This unique road, constructed by gold miners over a century ago, is accessible only via guided vehicles, ensuring both your safety and an immersive storytelling experience. As you traverse the canyon, your knowledgeable guide will recount the trials and achievements of miners, their search for fortune, and the remarkable transformation of the region since the gold rush days. You will witness relics of a bustling mining era, from abandoned machinery to the remains of settlements clinging to the cliffs. Film locations and legends As part of your exploration, see the filming location for the iconic chase scene in The Lord of the Rings. Imagine the thunder of hooves echoing off the canyon walls as you learn about local legends and natural phenomena unique to the area. Pause at panoramic lookouts offering unobstructed views of the dramatic landscape that makes Skippers Canyon a favourite for film scouts and photographers. Jet boating on the Shotover River After delving into the region's rich heritage, prepare for the next phase: a pulse-pounding 25-minute jet boat ride on the infamous Shotover River. Outfitted with a life jacket, you will board a purpose-built jet boat piloted by an expert who steers at speeds surpassing 80 km/h. Your place on the boat includes sharp turns, daring 360-degree spins and close passes by rock faces. The shallow turquoise water and narrow passageways create a unique sensation of speed as you shoot past breathtaking rock formations and gold mining relics. Along the river, your guide will point out significant sites and share insights into the prospector's journey along these same waters, now a playground for adventure seekers. Pit stop at the Pipeline Bungy Before returning to Queenstown, enjoy a stop at the Pipeline Bungy area, one of New Zealand's iconic adrenaline locations. Take a moment to absorb the grandeur of the canyon, photograph the views and reflect on the storied history of Skippers Canyon. The atmosphere, shaped by rugged natural beauty and ongoing adventure, leaves a lasting impression well after your guided tour ends. Secure your place on the Skippers Canyon 25-Minute Jet Boat Ride with Scenic Guided Tour and join the guide for a journey through one of New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes. Vehicles are not sold through this listing. Any vehicle used during the experience is supplied by the operator and returned at the end.

Highlights

• 25-minute jet boat ride through Skippers Canyon
• Scenic drive along Skippers Road, built by gold miners over a century ago
• Access restricted to guided vehicles for safety and immersion
• Guide recounts the history of the Queenstown gold rush era
• Dramatic rock formations and sheer canyon drops along the route
• Departs from Queenstown with transport along the historic canyon road

What is included

• Scenic guided journey along Skippers Road
• Transport via guided vehicle through the canyon
• 25-minute jet boat ride on the river
• Expert guide with historical commentary

Before you go

Minimum passenger height is 1 meter and children under 3 are not permitted Pregnant women and guests with back conditions cannot join the jet boating activity Secure storage is provided for your belongings on the bus Warm clothing, sun protection and water are strongly recommended Cameras allowed at own risk; those with selfie sticks must sit at the back of the boat

Cancellation terms

These tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.