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

The road less traveled (for a reason!)

Start your day with a scenic drive along the infamous Skippers Road, carved by miners over 130 years ago. This winding, narrow route is so treacherous that rental cars aren’t insured to drive it, but don’t worry—you’re in the hands of an expert local guide. As you make your way through Skippers Canyon, you’ll pass towering rock formations, deep ravines, and remnants of a once-booming gold rush town. Listen as your guide shares wild stories of fortune seekers, daring pioneers, and the extreme lengths they went to in search of gold. You'll even visit a Lord of the Rings filming location, where you can relive the moment Arwen faced the Ringwraiths, declaring, “If you want him, come and claim him!” before summoning the raging waters of the Ford of Bruinen. 

Full speed ahead through gold rush country

After soaking in the history, it’s time to hit the water. Strap on your life jacket and brace yourself for an adrenaline-pumping 25-minute jet boat ride through the narrowest canyons of the Shotover River. Your driver will expertly navigate past jagged rock walls at over 80 km/h, skimming across the river’s surface with hairpin turns and 360-degree spins. Feel the spray of icy water as you race through the very heart of gold rush country, tracing the same waters that carried prospectors and their dreams. Once your heart stops pounding (in the best way possible), you'll make a final stop at the historic Pipeline Bungy area to take in jaw-dropping canyon views before heading back to Queenstown.

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

Dive into a realm of adventure where history whispers through the canyons, and adrenaline surges alongside the Shotover River’s twisting waters. This tour for thrill-seekers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts weaves together the rugged charm of Skippers Canyon with the heart-pounding rush of jet boats slicing through narrow gorges at breakneck speeds. As you traverse Skippers Road, a marvel carved into cliffs over 130 years ago by pioneers seeking fortune in gold, your guide paints vivid pictures of days when two Māori shepherds discovered nearly NZ$1 million worth of gold after their dog was swept downstream in 1862. With panoramic views and gripping tales at every turn, this adventure not only immerses you in the canyon’s untamed beauty but also offers a glimpse into its rich past, forging unforgettable memories that feel like stepping back into time while understanding the sheer audacity required to uncover such hidden treasures.

Explore Skippers Road's Historical Path

Experience Skippers Road during the tour’s highlight segment where you’ll traverse one of New Zealand’s most treacherous and iconic routes. Carved into sheer cliffs more than a century ago, this road winds through towering rock faces, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. As your expert guide narrates tales of gold rush-era pioneers who risked everything to carve out this path, the journey becomes an immersive historical adventure. Each curve reveals hidden waterfalls and lush greenery, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop that showcases both nature’s raw beauty and humanity’s indomitable spirit. This section of the tour encapsulates the essence of Skippers Canyon's allure, inviting you to marvel at a blend of natural wonder and human endeavor.

Experience Shotover River’s Thrilling Rapids

Dive into the heart of adventure as part of the comprehensive itinerary featuring a thrilling 25-minute jet boat ride on the Shotover River. Skimming over the river’s surface, your vessel cuts through narrow canyons with exhilarating 360-degree spins, reaching speeds of over 80 km/h. The sheer force and speed create an adrenaline rush that is both terrifying and exhilarating, leaving you breathless as you hug the rock walls. As you navigate these treacherous waters, the roar of the engines blends seamlessly with the echoes of history, making this segment a true testament to the canyon’s enduring allure.

Discover Pipeline Bungy's Epic Views

Access Pipeline Bungy as part of the tour package enabling you to soak in panoramic views that stretch across Skippers Canyon’s rugged beauty. Standing at this iconic site, where bungee jumping has become synonymous with extreme sports, visitors are treated to spectacular vistas framed by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The air is crisp, filled with an electric energy as adrenaline seekers prepare for their leap into the unknown. This stop showcases the tour's adventurous spirit while offering a moment of reflection amidst nature’s grandeur.

Tour Highlights

• Venture through Skippers Road’s historic path
• Zoom through Shotover River’s narrow canyons at 80 km/h speeds
• Marvel at panoramic views from Pipeline Bungy site
• Uncover captivating gold rush tales along the way
• Hold on tight for exhilarating 360-degree spins
• Explore rugged cliffs and natural waterfalls up close
• Immerse in the canyon’s untamed beauty and rich history

Harnessing for explorers of adventure, embarking of history, and seekers of adrenaline, this guided tour weaves together the untamed beauty of Skippers Canyon with thrilling jet boat rides, creating unforgettable memories that feel like stepping into a living legend. Each moment on this journey offers a glimpse into New Zealand’s rugged past while delivering an exhilarating present, ensuring that every participant leaves with stories to cherish and moments etched in their hearts.