Tour Details

Half-day Skippers Canyon Historical Tour with Jet Boat Ride

From: £96.71

Duration: 4 hours

Category: Sightseeing

Get the best of both New Zealand’s history and great outdoors on this unique tour from Queenstown that explores the history and natural beauty of Skippers Canyon. Experience a rush of adrenaline and the thrill of high-speed jet boating down the Shotover River; discover the gold rush history of Skippers Canyon over a cup of billy tea with a 5th-generation local; visit the family museum; and try your luck panning for gold.

Enter into Skippers Canyon along the “road to riches” as your driver relays the gold rush history of the region. The road has hardly changed since it was first hand-carved from the canyon’s sheer cliffs and rock walls by miners more than 140 years ago. As you weave your way through the Southern Alps to the Shotover River at Deep Creek, enjoy the magnificent scenery from specialized 4WD vehicles that offer great elevated views.

At Deep Creek, gear up with life vests and spray jackets and get set for the ride of your life as you ride a jet boat down the river. Hold on tight as you travel at top speed down the narrow river channel, skimming over shallow, 6-inch-deep (14.4-centimeter-deep) river beds, twisting and turning and performing trick maneuvers as you go.

Relax and enjoy the afterglow of your jet boat adrenaline rush with a cup of billy tea (tea made in rustic kettle over an open fire) with Winky, a 5th-generation local, as she relays the stories of her family’s history dating back to the 1860s. Find out what a real gold nugget feels like in your hand, visit the family museum and try your luck panning for gold.

This is a great day out, where you get to experience the history of Queenstown’s gold rush and an exhilarating jet boat ride down the river.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

40%

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

60%

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

80%

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

100%

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

40%

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

60%

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

80%

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

100%

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

25%

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

50%

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

75%

For those who like to travel in comfort

100%

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon