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Skippers Canyon Private Half Day 4WD Tour, Queenstown NZ

Offered by 4WD Expeditions

From

$369.00 per person

5.0 (10 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Private half-day 4x4 tour into Skippers Canyon via Coronet Peak and Skippers Canyon Road, with a local guide, historic sites, gold-panning and Shotover River views.

Tour Overview

Travel by private 4x4 into Skippers Canyon with Del, a local guide who has been leading tours in the area for over 30 years. This half day trip departs at 8am or 1pm and follows Coronet Peak and the 1889 Skippers Canyon Road, which runs above the gold-rich Shotover River. With only your party and driver guide on board, the pace can be tailored to suit your style, from a more relaxed outing to a more adventurous off road drive.

The route explores a deep river gorge shaped by the Shotover River and linked closely to the 1860s gold rush. Along the way, Del shares commentary on the region’s history, landscape, and notable sites. Highlights can include Hells and Heavens Gates, Lighthouse Rock, Pinchers Bluff, and the 1901 Skippers Bridge. The tour also reaches the 1879 Skippers School and Skippers Cemetery, with opportunities to see historic gold mining relics and try gold-panning.

You’ll travel in a modern Land Rover Discovery with leather seats, generous leg room, and large windows, well suited to the winding mountain road and wide views across Queenstown’s southern high country. Major Lord of the Rings locations are also part of the journey.

What's Included

  • Modern Land Rover Discovery, great leg room, comfortable leather seats, big viewing...
  • Queenstown local area Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • This tour operates year round, rain, hail, snow, sun
  • Light refreshments (tea, coffee, chai latte, hot chocolate, and a...
  • Guide with 30 years Skippers Canyon experience
  • 4WD Expeditions holds AdventureMark® certification
  • Transport by 4x4 vehicle, no vans, no cars, no buses
  • PRIVATE TOUR, there will be no other guests, just your party, your trip

Not Included:

  • Gratuities

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Skippers Canyon

    Join Queenstown's most experienced 4x4 guide with a private charter tour exploring the stunning Skippers Canyon. We explore Skippers Canyon, made famous by the 1860's gold rush, via Coronet Peak and the infamous 1889 Skippers Canyon Road which roughly follows the gold-rich Shotover River. This tour offers a genuine 4x4 experience with stunning vistas of the southern high country, incredible views, awe-inspiring photographic opportunities in an isolated and fascinating area. Departing at 8am and 1pm, this tour provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the Shotover River Canyon and Skippers region up to the 1879 Skippers School house. Highlights of this half day include: Dels guiding and his commentary Opportunity to try gold-panning Hells and Heavens Gates Lighthouse Rock Historic gold mining relics Shotover River Major Lord of the Rings locations Engineering marvel Pinchers Bluff Traversing Skippers Bridge (1901) Skippers School (1879) Skippers Cemetery and much more..

    4 hours

    Admission: Included

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

Please select your preferred pickup location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

We can pick up and drop off from the following : - All Central Queenstown accommodation - Central Queenstown pickup, outside the Sofitel Hotel 8 Duke St...

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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