Skippers Canyon 4WD

Our fully equipped 4WD vehicles venture down into Skippers Canyon along the famous Skippers Road. Hacked by hand and clinging to the sheer cliffside, this road is one of the most adventurous roads in the world. High above the Shotover River, enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery from high above the gorge. The Shotover River was known as the richest river in the world in the days of the gold miners. Gold is still being found today, therefore, you may get lucky and find a pot of gold.

Highlights

Travel the Skippers Canyon Road
Cross the Skippers Suspension Bridge
Visit the restored Skippers township
Gold pan in the Shotover River

Trip Info

Departs: 8:15am & 1:30pm
Allow: 4 hours
Bring: Water, a camera, and a sense of adventure!
Includes: Gold panning & refreshments. Pickup from Town Centre or Queenstown accommodation.

Itinerary

Nomad Safaris offers a complete 4WD tour into the historic Skippers Canyon. The Nomad Safaris Skippers Canyon adventure is a half-day heritage tour that travels along the rugged and treacherous Skippers road.
As your guide navigates along this awe-inspiring canyon you will visit many historic sites such as the historic Skippers suspension bridge and the historic township of Skippers. Visit the restored school house where you will gain a real insight into the local heritage through photos and histories of life in this tough environment.
British Automobile Association voted Skippers Canyon road as one of the 25 most scenic roads in the world. Travel the road that was hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley. This is an exciting adventure the whole family will enjoy.
Trip Details
The Skippers Canyon 4WD tour departs from Queenstown heading out towards Coronet Peak. As you head up the peak towards the entrance to this spectacular canyon you will stop at Plane Table, which gives a stunning panoramic view of the Wakatipu Basin.
After entering Skippers Canyon you will travel to Lighthouse Rock, which gives a dramatic lookout over the entire canyon. Follow in the footsteps of many adventurers and discoverers as this historical winding road brings you to the historic Skippers Bridge, which provides a stunning photo opportunity.
Carefully travelling over the bridge, the road continues into the historical township of Skippers. Long since abandoned, much of the original building still remains, waiting for you to explore.
Indulge in morning or afternoon tea at the Skippers School. Immerse yourself in the history of this stunning place as the restored school divulges a wealth of information through photos and artefacts from the early days of this settlement.The cemetery depicts a more gloomy and dangerous life for these gold prospectors.
Returning along the road you will stop at Deep Creek where you can immerse yourself in the heritage of the local area by turning your hand to a spot of gold panning. Our trained guides will teach you techniques to successfully pan for gold on one of the richest gold-bearing rivers in the world. Some may also recognise spots along the Skippers Road as being featured in The Lord of The Rings.

Pricing

Max 6 per vehicle
Adult: $223.25
Child:$111.25
Half-day Private Trip: $1118.75 per vehicle
Child rate: 4-14 years old when accompanied by an adult. 0-3 years free of charge.
Cancellation: within 24 hours full charge, no shows full charge.
Prices valid from 01/10/19 to 30/09/20

FAQs

Max 6 per vehicle Adult: $223.25
Child: $111.25
Half-day Private Trip: $1118.75 per vehicle
Child rate: 4-14 years old when accompanied by an adult. 0-3 years free of charge.
Cancellation: within 24 hours full charge, no shows full charge.
Prices valid from 01/10/20 to 30/04/21

Reviews

“Worth every cent” Amazing drivers and nature is just beautiful! Seeing pictures of the road we were going to, I was a bit nervous, but the drivers are so skilful and they really know what they're doing. If you want to go to Skippers Canyon, this is the company to go with!
~ Anna K, Oslo, Norway
“Amazing heart-pounding trip”
They take you to places that I will never drive. The road to skippers canyon was terrifying yet exciting - so glad we did that trip. The young lady who drove us was a superb driver and very knowledgeable. If you are scared of heights don't look down. ~ Abu K, Baltimore, Maryland
“Thanks NOMADS and Graham. Great fun, stunning views”
I really enjoyed my trip with NOMADS, we had a great bunch of friendly people on board and the driver Graham was an awesome guy, very informative and great fun. The drive up the mountains was an experience and the views were incredible. We got lots of opportunities to stop and take photos whilst admiring the views all around.
We couldn't actually get into the skippers' canyons due to the slip that had happened on the mountain so instead at the end of the tour we went down to the rivers and drove through them in the 4x4 which had us all screaming with laughter. This more than made up for not getting into skippers canyon. Thanks again guys!
~ Kelly T, United Kingdom