Skippers Canyon Pure Gold

This premium trip is the best way to see it all, a small group 4WD tour of Skippers Canyon, gold claim tour and refreshments with 5th generation locals, as well as the thrills of 30 minutes Jet boating on the Shotover river through Skipper Canyon.

Pick up from your hotel, our specialised 4WD vehicles offer great elevated views, microphone for easy listening to your guide’s commentary, plus all our seats are forward facing for maximum comfort and views.

Journey slowly by 4WD down the historic and stunning Skippers road, with ample opportunity for photos with all the stops along the way as you weave your way through the Southern Alps to the Shotover river at Deep Creek.

Arriving at Deep creek, gear up with life jackets and spray jackets then sit back, hold on, and try to relax as our experienced boat drivers navigate the sheer canyon walls along the Shotover River as well as the mining dredges and sheet piles left by the miners through Skippers Canyon over a century ago.

With skill and speed you will negotiate the narrow river channel, skimming over shallow 6 inch deep river beds, when suddenly you are going sideways, backwards, sideways and back facing the way you were going, WOW, that’s a Hamilton spin! 360 degree spin, as the boat turns in its own length!

The onwards for a refreshing cup of tea or coffee with our 5th generation local residents Winky & Jerry Hohneck, and an opportunity to be shown around the Sainsbury gold claim and a chance to try gold panning for yourself.

This is a truly uniquely Queenstown ½ day experience, combining Queenstown’s rich gold history and the sheer thrills of Jet boating on the Shotover river.