Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Goldrush Small Group Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
*Skippers Bridge closure does not affect our activity*
Journey back to the 1860s on The Goldrush Tour as you traverse the stunning Skippers Canyon from Queenstown. Experience GPS-activated storytelling that brings the gold rush history to life (narrated by talented voice actors and available in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish), as you navigate through breathtaking landscapes. The tour lasts between 3 and 4 hours, featuring multiple photo stops and a visit to Gantley’s Tavern for a complimentary hot drink or beer/wine. Perfect for families, the tour offers dedicated storytelling tracks for kids, ensuring an engaging experience for all ages.
- Stories available in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish
- Immerse yourself in Queenstown's rich gold rush history
- Small group size for a personalized experience (max 11 people)
- Enjoy scenic views and photo opportunities along the journey
- Complimentary drinks at Gantley’s Tavern included in the tour price
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
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.
What‘s Included
Skippers Canyon Road historical points of interest
Popular filming locations (The Lord of the Rings, Mission: Impossible, A Remarkable Place to Die)
In-depth GPS activated stories available in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish
Small groups with up to 11 people
Dedicated stations offering children's storytelling tracks or music
Convenient pickup points from central Queenstown
Barista coffee or beer/wine included in the price
Photo stops along one of New Zealand's most scenic roads
Options
Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Goldrush Small Group Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
20 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
hangn310,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience with The Goldrush Tours. The tour was very informative and truly impressive from start to finish. Cal was fantastic — very helpful, easy-going, and made everyone feel comfortable throughout the journey. We especially enjoyed the trip to Queenstown. Everything was well organised, and Cal shared so much interesting information that made the experience even more meaningful. It was a wonderful tour and created great memories for us. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a professional and enjoyable tour experience!
Awesome Skippers Canyon tour
kiwis0nh0liday,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour! Cal (owner/driver with his trusted dog) has developed a Skippers Canyon tour with a difference. As well as the awesome and thrilling scenery, Cal has a number of stop points in the canyon where you can get out and learn about important historic events and buildings. Old photos are shown for each point so you can get a feel of the past. An excellent narrative with headphones from the beginnings of the region and Queenstown. To top it all, the final stop at the Gantley's Tavern at Arthurs Point on the way back for an included beer tasting or wine. Great merch as well. Brilliant all round, thanks Cal!
Appreciation of Cal's Skippers Canyon Goldrush tour - Queenstown NZ
colfraser,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As a well travelled 79 year old Aussie I have seen all 7 Continents and the sights of many countries. Also not prone to other than honesty and facts, I am pleased to be able to recommend the Skippers Canyon Goldrush tour as hosted by Cal and his young golden retriever puppy. The use of a prerecorded commentary via headphones provided plenty of the historical and other detail whilst allowing Cal to concentrate on the driving which was critical given the incredibly scenic, spectacular and potentially perilous road that we travelled. The landscape and views were outstanding, as was learning about the opening up and development of the area by intrepid miners across the goldrush era which was fascinating. Cal’s tour was spot on for length, rounded out by a complimentary drink to celebrate at the end and confirming that Cal has put together a very positive enjoyable and certainly most memorable experience that my wife, Carol and I were pleased to have done and would absolutely recommend it to anyone else as both good value and very well done. Thanks Cal - Col and Carol Fraser
Great day!
H1172ZTclaudiar,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time on the goldrush tour, would recommend to anyone wanting to see some amazing scenery and hear some interesting stories about the goldrush days. Cal was great and very informative and Asta (the dog) was a very cute and entertaining. Would definitely do it again!
Track the early gold explorers along the Shotover R
Ian P,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience exploring & learning of the early gold explorers along the Shotover River - upstream from Queenstown. Living the history & being able to see the amazing sights of the mighty Shotover a special experience. We certainly recommend this afternoon adventure ex Queenstown.
Spectacular Views and a Fantastic Experienc
Y3197LZmattheww,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We hadn’t actually planned on doing this tour, but after seeing it at the visitor centre, we decided it would be a great way to spend our afternoon—and it turned out to be a highlight of our trip! Cal picked us up right from the town centre, which was very convenient. Driving to Skippers Canyon is definitely not something you should attempt on your own; the road is narrow and carved into the cliffs, so having Cal’s expert driving skills was a huge relief. The views along the way are absolutely spectacular, and Cal is incredibly knowledgeable and humorous, sharing great stories that brought the history of the gold rush to life. A special mention must go to his dog, Aster, who was the most wonderful company throughout the journey! We finished the tour at the historic Gantley’s Tavern with a drink and a lovely chat with some new friends we made during the trip. If you are in Queenstown, I highly recommend this experience—it was a wonderful way to spend 3-4 hours!
Great tour, fully recommend
Micha C,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cal was a great tour guide with a lot of experience and provided an excellent tour of Skippers Canyon. He was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all the questions we had about Queenstown and Skippers Canyon. The audio guide was timed perfectly at each point on the tour, and we also found out he had written this himself over 8 months. It was also very handy that he picked us up from a convenient location and, to top it off, stopped for a drink at a lovely pub on the way back. Would definitely recommend Goldrush as the tour to choose.
Brilliant tour with an excellent guide
Harvey t,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant trip with Cal, very knowledgeable with the local queenstown area as well as the history of skippers canyon. The van trip and audio was superb with Cal adding in his extra information and was able to answer any questions we had. The whole experience was brilliant, with excellent views from a road I didn't want to take my personal vehicle down to finishing off at a lovely pub for a drink. Many thanks, 10/10.
The trip was adventurous, offered a chance to know the history, and was enjoyable
tayefr2024,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an adventurous, awesome experience with THE GOLDRUSH TOUR. Today's 3.5 hour-long trip in sunny weather, including hop-on hop-off at lookout points with historic photos and guided information, made it worth it.
great history of queenstown and lost towns
Pioneer65913652663,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great half-day trip if you are not sure what to do in queenstown and dont have access to cars. The guide was pre-recorded, and Cal (the driver, owner) talks more details when we stop.
From NZ$169.00
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