Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Tour

About This Experience

The trip starts with a guided drive from Queenstown into Skippers Canyon along the Skippers Road, which the listing says miners carved out of the vertical rock face over 130 years ago. The driver gives commentary on the area's gold-mining history on the way in. At the river you board the jet boat for 30 minutes on the upper Shotover, where the listing quotes speeds of over 80 km/h, full 360-degree spins and runs close to the canyon walls. Afterwards there is a break at the historic Pipeline Bungy area before the 45-minute drive back to Queenstown.

You meet on the Camp Street side of the Station Building in central Queenstown, near Marmolada Cafe, and wait outside by the wooden benches next to the bus stop. Return transport is included, so there is no driving to do yourself; the listing notes that Skippers Canyon Road is one where no rental car is insured. There are no toilet stops on the tour, so the operator recommends using the toilet before you leave Queenstown. Bring water, as meals and drinks are not included.

It suits travellers who want the canyon road and the backcountry setting as much as the boat ride, and who have three hours to give it. The minimum age is 3, and the listing says the tour suits all ages as long as mobility is not a problem. It is not suitable for people with back problems. If you only have an hour or so, the Shotover Jet at Arthurs Point covers the lower Shotover canyons in 25 minutes; for children under 3, KJet from Main Town Pier takes children from age 2.

Dress for the conditions on the day with warm clothing, and bring a hat, sunglasses, a camera, insect repellent and water. Life jackets and spray jackets are provided, with gloves in winter. Photo or video packages are sold separately on the day. Tell the operator in advance if you have any medical condition or back problem, or are pregnant. The listing does not give a check-in time, so follow the time on your voucher and allow a few minutes to find the meeting point by the Camp Street bus stop.

Highlights

• Drive in on the Skippers Road, which the listing says miners carved over 130 years ago
• The listing notes no rental car is insured on Skippers Canyon Road
• Upper Shotover runs at over 80 km/h with full 360-degree spins, per the listing
• Break at the historic Pipeline Bungy area with views down the canyon
• Gold-mining history and Lord of the Rings locations along the way
• About 45 minutes' drive back to Queenstown after the boat ride

What's Included

• ✓ Return transport from central Queenstown
• ✓ Guided tour into Skippers Canyon
• ✓ Commentary from the bus driver
• ✓ 30-minute jet boat ride on the upper Shotover River
• ✓ Life jackets and spray jackets (gloves in winter)

Not Included

• Meals and drinks
• Photo or video packages (available to buy on the day)

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Insect repellent
• Water

Good to Know & Caveats

• Use the toilet before leaving Queenstown; there is no opportunity to do so on the tour.
• Minimum age is 3.
• Suitable for all ages as long as mobility is not a problem.
• Tell the operator in advance about any medical conditions or back problems, or if you are pregnant.
• Dress for the conditions on the day.
• The listing gives no check-in time; follow the time on your voucher.
• The Viator listing for this tour was inactive when checked in September 2026; it is bookable on GetYourGuide.

Meeting Point

The Camp Street side of the Station Building in central Queenstown, near Marmolada Cafe; wait outside by the wooden benches next to the bus stop.