Speed Boat Tours

Skippers Canyon 25-Minute Jet Boat Ride with Scenic Guided Tour

Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Experience with hotel transfers in Queenstown, New Zealand, showcasing scenic canyon views.

Jet boat navigating Skippers Canyon river in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Skippers Canyon river flowing through rocky cliffs in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Jet boat racing through Skippers Canyon, Queenstown, New Zealand.

Venture into Skippers Canyon on a thrilling guided tour, then speed through the narrow Shotover River canyons on a jet boat, skimming past sheer rock walls.

Highlights

Calling all adventurers. This 3-hour experience combines a guided bus tour through Skippers Canyon and a thrilling jet boat ride on the Shotover River.
Travel the legendary Skippers Road, carved into sheer cliffs over 130 years ago, and hear captivating gold rush tales from your expert guide along the way.
Hold on tight as your jet boat zooms through the Shotover River’s narrow canyons at over 80 km/h, skimming past rock walls with exhilarating 360-degree spins.
Take a break at the historic Pipeline Bungy site, where you’ll soak in epic views of the canyon and its rugged beauty before heading back to Queenstown.
Fun fact: In 1862, two Māori shepherds found gold in Skippers Canyon after their dog was swept downstream, leading to a discovery worth nearly NZ$1 million today.

Inclusions

Guided tour of Skippers Canyon
Live commentary
Expert local driver/guide
25-minute jet boat ride
Life jackets/spray jackets
Gloves (in winter)

Exclusions

Food & beverages
Photo or video packages (available at an additional cost)

Cancellation Policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Your experience

The road less traveled (for a reason!)

Start your day with a scenic drive along the infamous Skippers Road, carved by miners over 130 years ago. This winding, narrow route is so treacherous that rental cars aren’t insured to drive it, but don’t worry—you’re in the hands of an expert local guide. As you make your way through Skippers Canyon, you’ll pass towering rock formations, deep ravines, and remnants of a once-booming gold rush town. Listen as your guide shares wild stories of fortune seekers, daring pioneers, and the extreme lengths they went to in search of gold. You'll even visit a Lord of the Rings filming location, where you can relive the moment Arwen faced the Ringwraiths, declaring, “If you want him, come and claim him!” before summoning the raging waters of the Ford of Bruinen.

Full speed ahead through gold rush country

After soaking in the history, it’s time to hit the water. Strap on your life jacket and brace yourself for an adrenaline-pumping 25-minute jet boat ride through the narrowest canyons of the Shotover River. Your driver will expertly navigate past jagged rock walls at over 80 km/h, skimming across the river’s surface with hairpin turns and 360-degree spins. Feel the spray of icy water as you race through the very heart of gold rush country, tracing the same waters that carried prospectors and their dreams. Once your heart stops pounding (in the best way possible), you'll make a final stop at the historic Pipeline Bungy area to take in jaw-dropping canyon views before heading back to Queenstown.

Know before you go

What to bring

Bring your waterproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, warm clothing and gloves (in winter), hats, and water.

What’s not allowed

Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the height of 1m (3.28ft) and under 3 years.

Accessibility

Pregnant people and guests with back issues cannot participate in the experience.

Additional information

Your belongings will be secured on the bus while you experience the jet boating activity.
While you can carry along your camera/GoPro in this experience, do so at your own risk. Guests who carry selfie sticks will be requested to sit at the back of the boat.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide outside The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown.
Address: Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand.

Get directions to the meeting point