Duration:   4 hours 

Timings:    8:15am & 1:30pm 

Operates: Year-round, conditions permitting 

Walking:    Minimal walking required 

Options:     Standard: Max 6 guests per vehicle 

                    Upgrade: Guaranteed window seat with max of 4 guests 

                    Private: Exclusive vehicle for your group with max 6 guests 

Discover one of Queenstown's most spectacular backcountry landscapes on a guided 4WD adventure into Skippers Canyon, travelling the legendary road hand-cut into the cliffs during the Otago gold rush.

Travel towards Coronet Peak with panoramic views across the Whakatipu Basin before entering the canyon. Your experienced guide navigates the narrow, cliff-hugging Skippers Road, stopping at historic gold-mining sites and spectacular viewpoints including Lighthouse Rock and Maori Point.

Hear stories of the miners, settlers and engineering feats that shaped this remote landscape and take in views towards the historic Skippers Suspension Bridge.

On the return journey, try your hand at traditional gold panning, a fitting experience in an area where the Shotover River was once renowned for its rich gold deposits.

Tour Highlights

• Travel the legendary hand-carved Skippers Canyon Road

• Authentic off-road 4WD adventure

• Lighthouse Rock and Maori Point

• Spectacular Shotover River and Whakatipu Basin views

• Gold-rush history and stories

• Traditional gold panning

• Experienced local guide

• Morning or afternoon tea included

What's Included

Travel in a fully equipped 4WD vehicle, experienced local guide, Skippers Canyon sightseeing and historic locations, gold panning equipment, morning or afternoon tea.

What to Bring

Water, camera or phone, sun protection, comfortable shoes and suitable clothing.

Pick up & Drop off

The main departure point is Nomad Safaris, 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown, with complimentary pick-up and drop-off also available from selected central Queenstown accommodation.

Looking for a More Personalised Experience?

Book this experience as a Private Tour and enjoy exclusive use of the 4WD vehicle and guide, private accommodation pick-up and a more personalised experience for up to 6 guests. 

Important Information

Skippers Canyon is a rugged backcountry environment with narrow roads, steep drop-offs and rough terrain and may not suit guests who are very uncomfortable with heights or rough roads. Access across Skippers Bridge is currently closed for long-term maintenance and safety works, so the historic schoolhouse and cemetery are currently inaccessible; tours continue to permitted areas with additional scenic and historical stops. Minimum walking is required and guests can stay in or near the vehicle at stops if preferred. Itineraries may change due to weather, river levels, road or track conditions which may affect river crossings or access to some locations. Please review our Weather Cancellation Policy and Disclosure of Risks.

Discover Queenstown with Nomad Safaris. Explore our full range of adventure tours at www.nomadsafaris.co.nz

Skippers Bridge Closure

Access over Skippers Bridge is currently closed due to long-term maintenance and safety works, and there is currently no expected reopening date.

Due to the bridge closure, access to the historic schoolhouse and cemetery is also unavailable. Our tours continue to operate to permitted points within Skippers Canyon, with alternative scenic and historical stops included.