Private Tour
Skippers Canyon Private Half Day 4WD Tour, Queenstown NZ
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
All tours are private. Only your party and driver / guide.
Join Del - Queenstown's most experienced Skippers Canyon guide on your own private off road tour. The tour is yours. Del will chat with you and tailor the tour to suit your style. He can make the tour as adventurous or relaxing as you like.
Del has been guiding tourists locally for over 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge about the area.
You will travel in a modern and luxurious Land Rover Discovery with comfortable leather seats, great leg room, large windows and all mod cons (no buses or vans).
Skippers Canyon is a stunning deep river gorge, set amongst the glacial-carved peaks of Queenstown's mountain high country. The canyon was carved by the infamous Shotover River, made famous by the 1860's gold rush which saw many people make there fortunes in this dramatic setting. The winding tracks take in spectacular mountain scenery and make for an unforgettable 4x4 adventure.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Modern Land Rover Discovery, great leg room, comfortable leather seats, big viewing...
Queenstown local area Hotel pickup and drop-off
This tour operates year round, rain, hail, snow, sun
Light refreshments (tea, coffee, chai latte, hot chocolate, and a...
Guide with 30 years Skippers Canyon experience
4WD Expeditions holds AdventureMark® certification
Transport by 4x4 vehicle, no vans, no cars, no buses
PRIVATE TOUR, there will be no other guests, just your party, your trip
Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Join Queenstown's most experienced 4x4 guide with a private charter tour exploring the stunning Skippers Canyon. We explore Skippers Canyon, made famous by the 1860's gold rush, via Coronet Peak and the infamous 1889 Skippers Canyon Road which roughly follows the gold-rich Shotover River. This tour offers a genuine 4x4 experience with stunning vistas of the southern high country, incredible views, awe-inspiring photographic opportunities in an isolated and fascinating area. Departing at 8am and 1pm, this tour provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the Shotover River Canyon and Skippers region up to the 1879 Skippers School house. Highlights of this half day include: Dels guiding and his commentary Opportunity to try gold-panning Hells and Heavens Gates Lighthouse Rock Historic gold mining relics Shotover River Major Lord of the Rings locations Engineering marvel Pinchers Bluff Traversing Skippers Bridge (1901) Skippers School (1879) Skippers Cemetery and much more..
Options
Private Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Snacks, refreshments provided.
Queenstown to Skippers Canyon
4X4: Modern comfortable Land Rover Discovery. Large windows, leather seats and air conditioning.
Pickup included
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome scenic and historical tour
david h,
Mar 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, Del, was very knowledgeable and friendly as he navigated along the ‘captivating' road through Skippers Canyon with many scenic stops. You won’t be disappointed if you take this tour!
Highly Recommend
Teagan C,
Mar 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip, super knowledgeable & friendly, highly recommend for anyone wanting a trip through one of the nicest areas in Queenstown!!!
Highly Recommend!
Sandraad72,
Jan 22, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing morning with Del. Skippers Canyon is stunning, the drop offs are precipitous and the waters of the Shotover river are a crystal mountain blue. The car was fabulous, clean, comfortable and perfect for this tour. Del was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We would highly recommend this tour and Del.
Skippers canyon expedition
kath232,
Dec 18, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic experience going up the skippers road canyon with Del, absolutely amazing landscape and Del's your man for very entertaining stories and wealth of knowledge on the history of the area. Lovely comfortable vehicle. By far the best trip we have done in New Zealand. Highly recommended.
Spectacular scenery
Sheryl R,
Nov 28, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great, reliable, friendly, fun guide. Del made us feel very safe. He has lots of knowledge of the area and is enthusiastic about sharing it. Scenery is spectacular. Would like to go again when snow is there. Would highly recommend 4 wheel drive expeditions :-)
A staff that offers a pure and real life experience in the canyon
Strolemoolies,
Sep 25, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Willie was the best guide ever! The narrow gravel road thru the canyon was quite intense but Willie was calm and consistent engaging the cliff edges of the road. Very knowledgeable and connected with our life on farm in Indiana. Benji was a powerful, professional boat captain that provided a wild and thrilling experience on the shallow shot over river. Willie provide a very personal experience with Winky and her museum of the gold mine of the past she was a delight. Outstanding experience and views Skipper Canyon
Skippers Canyon
Alwyn L,
Sep 11, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent Trip into canyon in 4x4. Scenery was totally different to what we had previously seen around Queenstown. Driver was fun and informative. Nice hot drink half way. Would totally recommend doing this trip.
Queenstown Skippers Canyon 4 wheel drive adventure
2NZAdventurers,
Aug 24, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just an absolutely amazing trip, A private adventure, Del / Tour owner and our guide was brilliant. This is a must do!!! Del has many trips he can offer, we did the skippers canyon half day. Wow, wow, wow
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