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Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Goldrush Small Group Tour

Offered by The Goldrush Tour - Skippers Canyon

From

$169.00 per person

5.0 (29 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: Korean, Japanese, English, English, Chinese (China), Spanish

3 to 4 hour tour from Queenstown into Skippers Canyon via Queenstown Gorge, with GPS commentary, photo stops and a drink at Gantley’s Tavern.

Tour Overview

Travel from Queenstown’s town centre into Skippers Canyon on a 3 to 4 hour journey shaped by the region’s 1860s goldrush history. The route follows the same path early miners once took, passing through Queenstown Gorge, also known as Blow Ho Gully, before continuing along the alpine road into the canyon.

Throughout the drive, GPS activated commentary shares stories from the goldrush era while your Driver Guide focuses on the road ahead. The narration is performed by voice actors and is available in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. If you are travelling with children, there are also dedicated storytelling tracks for younger listeners, alongside onboard radio channels for those who prefer a quieter trip.

There are multiple stops along the way to take in the landscape and pause for photos. Group numbers are kept small, with a maximum of 11 people, which helps keep the experience personal without feeling crowded.

The tour finishes at Gantley’s Tavern, a historic goldmining pub that has been operating for more than 160 years. Here, you can enjoy a complimentary hot drink, beer, or wine before returning to your original pickup point. Skippers Bridge closure does not affect this tour.

What's Included

  • Skippers Canyon Road historical points of interest
  • Popular filming locations (The Lord of the Rings, Mission: Impossible, A Remarkable Place to Die)
  • In-depth GPS activated stories available in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish
  • Small groups with up to 11 people
  • Dedicated stations offering children's storytelling tracks or music
  • Convenient pickup points from central Queenstown
  • Barista coffee or beer/wine included in the price
  • Photo stops along one of New Zealand's most scenic roads

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Skippers Canyon

    Just as the early miners did in the 1860s, you’ll set off from Queenstown’s town centre, travel through the stunning Queenstown Gorge (Blow Ho Gully), and deep into the heart of Skippers Canyon. Along the way, our GPS-activated stories, (professionally narrated by voice actors and available in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish), will bring the region’s goldrush history to life — giving you all the insights and stories you could want, while your expert Driver/Guide focuses on navigating the dramatic alpine road ahead. Travelling with children, or just in the mood to enjoy the views in peace? No problem — we offer multiple onboard audio channels, including three radio stations and two dedicated children’s storytelling tracks, so there’s something for everyone. The full experience lasts between 3 and 4 hours, with plenty of photo stops along the way.

    3 hours

  2. 2

    Gantley's Tavern

    We finish the tour at Gantley’s Tavern, a historic goldmining pub dating back over 160 years, where you can enjoy either a hot drink, or a beer/wine — all included in the price, before dropping you off back at your original pickup point.

    30 minutes

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

Please select your preferred pickup location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

Please let us know your preferred pickup point at least 24 hours before your departure. 1. 43 Camp Street – outside Marmolada Cafe in the centre of town. 2. 50 Robins Road, Creeksyde Holiday Park Bus Stop...

Additional Info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour may not be suitable for people with serious back or neck issues
  • This tour may not be suitable for people uncomfortable with heights or winding roads.
  • This tour involves no necessary walking, all the views can be seen from the bus, however, some mobility is required for getting in and out of the vehicle.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.