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Skippers Canyon 4WD Heritage half day Tour from Queenstown

Offered by Nomad Safaris

From

$306.67 per person

4.9 (210 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

4 hours (approx.) Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Half-day 4WD heritage tour into Skippers Canyon via Skippers Road, with views over the Shotover River, gold mining sites, and a hands-on panning session.

Tour Overview

Travel deep into Skippers Canyon on a half day 4WD heritage tour that follows Skippers Road, a hand built route from the Otago gold rush, carved into the cliffs above the Shotover River. With an experienced local guide at the wheel, you can focus on the road, the canyon walls, and the stories of the pioneers and miners who once worked here.

The journey includes scenic and historic stops along this rugged section of canyon, with viewpoints of the Skippers Suspension Bridge and visits to significant gold mining sites. You will also see the historic township of Skippers, adding context to the people and industry that shaped this isolated area. Throughout the tour, local stories and historic imagery help bring early life in the canyon into clearer focus.

A hands on gold panning session on one of the region’s richest gold bearing rivers adds a practical link to the area’s mining past.

Please note that access over Skippers Bridge is currently closed for long term maintenance and safety works. Because of this, the schoolhouse and cemetery are not accessible. Tours operate to permitted points within the canyon, with alternate scenic and historical stops included.

What's Included

  • Try gold panning on the gold-rich Shotover River
  • Light refreshments (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fruit cake and cookies)
  • Transport by 4WD vehicle with your driver/guide
  • Take in panoramic views of historic gold-mining sites from Māori Point
  • View the iconic Skippers Suspension Bridge

Not Included:

  • Gratuities

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Skippers Canyon

    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.

    3 hours

    Admission: Included

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

37 Shotover Street

37 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

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Pick up is from Info & Track, 37 Shotover Street. We may be able to offer pick up from your accomodation in central Queenstown, however please contact us on 034426699 to confirm.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Important Information

• Minimum numbers apply (min 2 per tour for confirmed departure, min 4 on NZ public holidays). There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund • Pickup from central Queenstown accommodations is included. Surround suburbs (Kelvin Heights, Frankton, Arthur's Point, Fernhill and others) by arrangement. Please contact to reconfirm pick up arrangement and time. 

Additional Info

  • 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

Cancellation Policy

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