Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Goldrush Small Group Tour

37 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 37 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This adventure is highly rated and has met our top quality standards.
Queenstown, New Zealand

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On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.

3 to 4 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 4 more
Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean

Overview

Welcome to Queenstown's most detailed historical experience, charting the region's journey from the 1860s gold rush right up to the modern day. Following the Shotover River deep into Skippers Canyon, this small-group experience feels like a live documentary, blending cinematic, researched storytelling with real locations where history happened.

Enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of photo stops to compare modern vistas, with historical photos of the region. Conclude with a complimentary drink at a historic pub, leaving you deeply connected to the region's past.

Small Groups Limited to 11 guests for a personal feel.

Immersive history built for travellers wanting more than just a standard sightseeing tour.

Modern 4wd comfort along the rugged alpine roads.

Multilingual Audio in EN, ZH, JA, KO, ES (FR, DE, IT late 2026).

Great photo opportunities throughout the canyon.

Free barista coffee, beer, or wine at a historic pub.

Book your seat today to discover the canyon's hidden stories!

What's Included

  • Historic pub stop with complimentary barista coffee, beer, wine, or cold drink included
  • Modern, air conditioned, 4WD vehicle designed for comfort on Skippers Road
  • Small Independently owned and operated business in Queenstown

    Meeting and Pickup

    Pickup point
    Pickup details

    Please let us know your preferred pickup point at least 24 hours before your departure. 1. 43 Camp Street – outside Marmolada Cafe in the centre of town. 2. 50 Robins Road, Creeksyde Holiday Park Bus Stop 3. Gorge Road, Industrial Place Carpark Bus Stop

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your adventure begins.
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    Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

    Skippers Canyon

    Just as the early miners did in the 1860s, you’ll set off from Queenstown’s town centre, travel through the stunning Queenstown Gorge (Blow Ho Gully), and deep into the heart of Skippers Canyon. Along the way, our GPS-activated stories, (professionally narrated by voice actors and available in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish), will bring the region’s goldrush history to life — giving you all the insights and stories you could want, while your expert Driver/Guide focuses on navigating the dramatic alpine road ahead.Travelling with children, or just in the mood to enjoy the views in peace? No problem — we offer multiple onboard audio channels, including three radio stations and two dedicated children’s storytelling tracks, so there’s something for everyone.The full experience lasts between 3 and 4 hours, with plenty of photo stops along the way.
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    3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

    Cargo Gantley's Pub & Café

    We finish the tour at Gantley’s Tavern, a historic goldmining pub dating back over 160 years, where you can enjoy either a hot drink, or a beer/wine — all included in the price, before dropping you off back at your original pickup point.
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    30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Show 1 more stop

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • This tour may not be suitable for people uncomfortable with heights or winding roads.
    • This tour involves no necessary walking, all the views can be seen from the bus, however, some mobility is required for getting in and out of the vehicle.
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Goldrush Small Group Tour?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the adventure for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the adventure start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the adventure start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the adventure start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the adventure local time (NZST).This adventure requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the adventure for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-5590728P1

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    5.00
    37 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 37 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    37
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

    Loading Options
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.

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    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Historic pub stop with complimentary barista coffee, beer, wine, or cold drink included
    • Modern, air conditioned, 4WD vehicle designed for comfort on Skippers Road
    • Small Independently owned and operated business in Queenstown
    • Music stations and Childrens stories to help keep everyone entertained
    • Photo stops along one of New Zealand most scenic roads
    • Queenstown's most detailed and carefully researched historical tour experience

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • This tour may not be suitable for people with serious back or neck issues
    • This tour may not be suitable for people uncomfortable with heights or winding roads.
    • This tour involves no necessary walking, all the views can be seen from the bus, however, some mobility is required for getting in and out of the vehicle.
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers

    Report Product Issue

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    Free Cancellation

    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the adventure for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the adventure start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the adventure start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the adventure start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the adventure local time (NZST).
    • This adventure requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
    • This adventure requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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