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Skippers Canyon Tour with Jet Boat Ride

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Skippers Canyon Tour with Jet Boat Ride

Name: Skippers Canyon Tour with Jet Boat Ride
Brand: HolidaySG
Price: 76.69 SGD
Availability: InStock

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Skippers Road, Skippers 9371, New Zealand

At a glance

Ticket type

E-ticket / Mobile

Confirmation

Instant

Accessibility

Wheelchair friendly

Suitable for

All ages

Highlights

Spectacular scenery & photo opportunities
Return transport to central Queenstown
Skippers Canyon Scenic Tour
30 minute thrilling jet boat ride
Informative commentary
3 hours for the entire experience

Ticket Options

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jet boat (summer) - family (2a+1c)

Non-refundable

Adult -17%

SGD 175.25 SGD 145.31

Child -16%

SGD 91.40 SGD 76.69

Package(2 Adults+1 Child) -17%

SGD 350.48 SGD 290.28

No package is available on this selected date. Try another date.

About Skippers Canyon Tour with Jet Boat Ride

Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush and breathtaking natural beauty with the Skippers Canyon Tour and Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown. Plunge deep into the historic Skippers Canyon on a guided scenic drive before blasting through the narrowest gorges of the Shotover River at speeds exceeding 80kmh.

Local Legends & Stories

Skippers Canyon was once one of the richest gold-bearing rivers in the world, teeming with thousands of miners during the 1860s Otago Gold Rush. Today, the treacherous, hand-carved Skippers Road stands as a testament to the sheer determination of those early pioneers.

Must Do Experiences

Brace yourself for the iconic 360-degree Hamilton spins during your high-speed jet boat ride.
Capture stunning panoramic shots of the sheer canyon walls during the guided scenic drive down the historic Skippers Road.
Listen closely to the expert guides as they share fascinating tales of the region's gold mining history.

Hidden Gems

Ask your driver to point out the exact spots where Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed along the canyon.
Keep an eye out for the historic Skippers Suspension Bridge, a marvel of 19th-century engineering.
Sit near the back of the jet boat if you want the most thrilling, splash-heavy experience during the spins.

What Makes it Special

Exclusive access to the narrowest and most dramatic sections of the Shotover River.
A seamless combination of a heritage-rich guided scenic tour and an extreme adrenaline activity.
Highly skilled drivers who safely maneuver the boat mere inches from sheer rock faces at over 80kmh.

Available Facilities

Return transport from central Queenstown Spray jackets Life jackets Professional guide and driver Safety briefing

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The tour is spectacular year-round, but visiting during the summer (December to February) offers warmer temperatures and bright, clear days ideal for photography. Winter (June to August) provides a dramatic, snow-capped backdrop, though you will need to bundle up significantly against the cold.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

Use a fast shutter speed or sports mode on your camera to capture the high-speed jet boat action without blurring.
During the scenic drive, use a wide-angle lens to fully capture the immense scale and depth of Skippers Canyon.
Keep a waterproof case or dry bag handy to protect your gear from the inevitable river spray.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

New Zealanders value respect for the natural environment, so ensure you follow the 'Tiaki Promise' by taking all rubbish with you and leaving no trace. Listen attentively to your guides when they speak about the local Māori heritage and gold rush history, as storytelling is a vital part of Kiwi culture.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

Queenstown Winter Festival (June) brings a festive, high-energy atmosphere to the region, making it a great time to combine snow sports with your canyon adventure.
Autumn (April to May) transforms the surrounding landscapes with vibrant gold and red foliage, perfect for scenic tours.
Spring (September to November) often brings higher river levels from snowmelt, making the jet boat rapids even more thrilling.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

Always keep your hands and arms inside the jet boat, as the driver will navigate mere inches from the canyon walls.
Hold on tightly to the provided handrails during the 360-degree spins and sudden maneuvers.
Pay close attention to the safety briefing and wear your provided life jacket securely at all times while on the water.

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

The tour price typically includes the guided scenic drive, return transport from Queenstown, and the 30-minute jet boat ride. Additional costs may apply for optional souvenir photos or video packages purchased after the trip.

Visit Duration

You should allow a total of 3 hours for the entire experience. This includes the return transport from central Queenstown, the scenic guided tour, and the 30-minute jet boat ride.

Accessibility

Due to the rugged nature of Skippers Road and the physical demands of the jet boat ride, this tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back or neck problems, or wheelchair users. Please contact the operator in advance to discuss specific mobility requirements.

Overview

Inclusions
* Guided scenic tour into Skippers Canyon with 30 minute jet boat ride * Total of 3 hours for the entire experience * On board commentary from the knowledgeable drivers * 30 minute thrilling jet boat ride through the narrowest canyons on the Shotover River * Highly skilled jet boat drivers manoeuvre the boat just inches from the sheer canyon walls * Speeds in excess of 80kmh and a series of full 360 degree spins * Guided tour into Skippers Canyon * Spectacular scenery and photo opportunities * Spray jackets and life jackets for the jet boat trip

Duration
* Allow 3 hours for whole experience

What To Bring
* Hat * Sunglasses * Warm top * Sunscreen * Mosquito repellant * Water * Camera

Additional Information
* This is a true back country experience, getting there is half the fun! * We recommend using the toilet before you depart town, toilets are available at The Station building * 'No shows' or cancellations within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable * Closed Christmas Day

Booking Information
* Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking * Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience. * Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction. * For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher

Skippers Canyon Tour with Jet Boat Ride gallery

Important Information

Opening Hours

* Summer (October - April): 8.30am, 12pm and 3.30pm daily (closed Christmas Day)
* Winter (May - September): 9am and 1pm
* Meet outside the Station Building on the corner of Shotover and Camp Streets, Queenstown, 9300
* Please arrive 10 mins before departure time

Select your preferred date and ticket type, then add to cart.

Complete secure payment at checkout.

Receive instant e-ticket confirmation via email.

Show your mobile or printed voucher at the venue.

NIL

Location

Skippers Road, Skippers 9371, New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions

You may experience some water spray during the 360-degree spins and high-speed maneuvers, but spray jackets are provided to ensure you stay comfortable.

We recommend bringing a warm top, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and we provide spray jackets and life jackets for the boat ride.

The experience includes a guided 4WD scenic tour into Skippers Canyon with on-board commentary, and a 30-minute jet boat ride on the Shotover River with provided spray and life jackets.

The jet boat ride lasts for 30 minutes, while the remaining two and a half hours are spent on the guided 4WD transit and scenic exploration of Skippers Canyon.

The jet boat travels at speeds exceeding 80km/h and performs a series of full 360-degree spins while navigating inches from the sheer canyon walls.

No, guests are transported via a guided 4WD tour from Queenstown, as the historic Skippers Canyon Road is a narrow, unsealed cliffside track unsuitable for standard rental vehicles.

Due to the high speeds and extreme 360-degree spins, the jet boat portion is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with back, neck, or heart conditions.

No, the experience involves navigating a rugged 4WD canyon road and stepping in and out of a low-profile jet boat, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.

The jet boat operates year-round in most weather conditions since spray jackets are provided, but tours may be canceled if the Shotover River water levels become unsafe due to heavy rain.

Mosquito repellant is recommended because the tour stops in remote, bush-surrounded areas of Skippers Canyon and the Shotover River banks where sandflies and mosquitoes are prevalent.

If the operator cancels the tour due to unsafe Shotover River water levels or severe weather, you will be offered a rescheduled date or a full refund.

You can bring a camera, but it must be secured with a wrist strap or stored in a waterproof bag during the ride to protect it from river spray and the 360-degree spins.

About Skippers Canyon Tour with Jet Boat Ride

You should allow a total of 3 hours for the entire experience. This includes the return transport from central Queenstown, the scenic guided tour, and the 30-minute jet boat ride.

This three-hour backcountry excursion involves transit along Skippers Canyon road followed by a 30-minute jet boat ride on the Shotover River. While spray jackets and life jackets are supplied for the water segment, participants must bring their own warm layers, sun protection, insect repellent, and drinking water. Visitors should be prepared for an unpaved road journey and high-speed boat maneuvers that include 360-degree spins close to the canyon walls.

Experience Queenstown's spectacular historic and scenic Skippers Canyon on this exciting 3 hour experience including 30 minute jet boat ride. The guided tour begins with return hotel transfers from Queenstown to Skippers Canyon via the infamous Skippers Canyon Road with informative commentary as you venture into this region that is rich in gold mining history. Half of the fun is the adventure to the upper Shotover River where you will join the jet boat ride. Take in spectacular scenery along the way. Once you reach the boat, you will zip past narrow canyons and sheer rock walls with spectacular scenery at speeds of 80 kmph. Enjoy 360 degree spins, twist and turns throughout the 30 minute jet boat ride. Guided jet boat ride tours are held twice daily with additional tours available in summer. Tours depart from The Station Building in central Queenstown and visitors should allow 3 hours for the entire experience. Don't miss out on this high speed jet boat adventure along Skippers Canyon. Book your tickets online here!

Always keep your hands and arms inside the jet boat, as the driver will navigate mere inches from the canyon walls.
Hold on tightly to the provided handrails during the 360-degree spins and sudden maneuvers.
Pay close attention to the safety briefing and wear your provided life jacket securely at all times while on the water.

Use a fast shutter speed or sports mode on your camera to capture the high-speed jet boat action without blurring.
During the scenic drive, use a wide-angle lens to fully capture the immense scale and depth of Skippers Canyon.
Keep a waterproof case or dry bag handy to protect your gear from the inevitable river spray.

Return transport from central Queenstown, Spray jackets, Life jackets, Professional guide and driver, Safety briefing

General Questions

Simply select your preferred date, choose the ticket type and quantity, then click "Add to Cart". Complete the secure checkout to receive your e-tickets instantly via email.

Yes, all payments on HolidaySG are processed through SSL-encrypted, PCI-compliant payment gateways. We support major credit/debit cards and other secure payment methods.

Most bookings are instantly confirmed. You will receive your e-tickets via email within minutes of completing your purchase.

Cancellation and modification policies vary by activity. Please check the specific cancellation policy listed under each ticket option before booking.

In most cases, you can show your e-ticket directly from your mobile phone at the venue. Some activities may require a printed voucher — this will be clearly stated in your confirmation email.

If an activity is cancelled by the operator due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you will typically receive a full refund or be offered an alternative date.

Yes, you can select multiple tickets for your group. For large groups (10+ people), please contact our support team for special group rates.

No, the price you see is the price you pay. All taxes and service fees are included in the displayed price.

We recommend arriving at least 15-30 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for check-in and any security procedures.

Yes, you can purchase tickets as a gift or for other travellers. Simply enter the correct details during checkout.

All prices on HolidaySG are displayed in Singapore Dollars (SGD) unless otherwise indicated.

Yes, HolidaySG is an authorized booking partner working directly with attractions, tour operators, and experience providers across Asia.

Our customer support team is available daily (9 AM – 11 PM SGT) to help. You can reach us via email or chat, and we will work to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.

Some activities offer special pricing for students, seniors, and children. These will be shown as separate ticket types when available.

Tickets are generally valid only for the selected date. If you need to change your visit date, please contact our support team before the original date.

Refund policies depend on the specific activity and ticket type. Free cancellation options are clearly marked where available.

You can reach our support team daily (9 AM – 11 PM SGT) via email at support@holidaysg.com or through the live chat on our website.

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