Traviia
Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride with Scenic Road Tour
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Highlights

  • Calling all adventurers. This 3-hour experience combines a guided bus tour through Skippers Canyon and a thrilling jet boat ride on the Shotover River.
  • Travel the legendary Skippers Road, carved into sheer cliffs over 130 years ago, and hear captivating gold rush tales from your expert guide along the way.
  • Hold on tight as your jet boat zooms through the Shotover River’s narrow canyons at over 80 km/h, skimming past rock walls with exhilarating 360-degree spins.
  • Take a break at the historic Pipeline Bungy site, where you’ll soak in epic views of the canyon and its rugged beauty before heading back to Queenstown.
  • Fun fact: In 1862, two Māori shepherds found gold in Skippers Canyon after their dog was swept downstream, leading to a discovery worth nearly NZ$1 million today.

Your Experience

Race through Skippers Canyon’s dramatic landscapes on a 25-minute jet boat ride, with access to iconic Lord of the Rings locations.

Getting started

Arrive at the designated meeting point to check in and meet your guide. After a quick safety briefing, you’ll board your vehicle for the scenic drive along Skippers Road before reaching the jet boat launch site.

What to expect

Skippers Canyon is famed for its rugged terrain and gold rush history, offering some of New Zealand’s most striking natural scenery. The Shotover River carves through steep cliffs, creating a thrilling setting for high-speed adventure.

Features

  • Jet boat ride: Experience a 25-minute adrenaline rush as you zip through narrow Shotover River canyons, with expert drivers navigating sharp turns and shallow waters.

  • Skippers Road: Travel this historic, cliff-hugging route, known for its challenging bends and panoramic views over the canyon.

  • Lord of the Rings locations: Visit filming sites from the legendary trilogy, adding a cinematic twist to your adventure.

  • Scenic highlights: Enjoy breathtaking vistas throughout the journey, with photo stops to capture the canyon’s dramatic beauty.

Please note: Hotel transfers, food, drinks, gratuities, and souvenir photos are not included.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Guided tour of Skippers Canyon
  • Live commentary
  • Expert local driver/guide
  • 25-minute jet boat ride
  • Life jackets/spray jackets
  • Gloves (in winter)
  • Photo or video packages (available at an additional cost)

This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.

Ticket Delivery

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

  • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Meet your guide outside The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown.

  • Address: Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand.

Get directions to the meeting point

Cancellation Policy

These tickets can't be rescheduled or cancelled.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.

Booking FAQs

Bring comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for outdoor activities. Carry a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at check-in.

Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals. Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the experience. Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the height of 1m (3.28ft) and under 3 years.

This experience is not wheelchair accessible. Pregnant people and guests with back issues cannot participate in the experience.

Your belongings will be secured on the bus while you experience the jet boating activity. While you can carry along your camera/GoPro in this experience, do so at your own risk. Guests who carry selfie sticks will be requested to sit at the back of the boat. This is an outdoor adventure experience; please check weather conditions and dress accordingly.

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