Skippers Canyon and Shotover River Jet Boat Adventure

Just north of Queenstown, you can experience the ride of your life as you twist and turn down the Shotover River and through Skippers Canyon at high speeds. Your blood will be pumping as your jet boat maneuvers through an obstacle course of sheer cliffs and overhanging walls, fishtailing, power braking and doing 360-degree spins. Not for the faint-hearted, this is the ultimate, pure-adrenaline jet boat ride.

Your adventure starts the moment you board the bus in Queenstown and travel into Skippers Canyon on the “road to riches,” so-called because it was the route taken by gold-seekers. The road has hardly changed since it was first hand-carved from the canyon’s rock walls and sheer cliffs by miners more than 140 years ago. Sit back, relax and enjoy the canyon’s magnificent scenery as your driver relays the history of the region.

Tight, narrow channels, overhanging rocks and old mining relics embedded in the river make this an obstacle course like no other. Admire the scenery before you get in the boat, because as you hurtle down the river at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 kph), you won’t have time to be impressed with the beauty of Skippers Canyon. 

Hold on tight as you skim the shallow, 6-inch-deep (14.4-centimeter-deep) river beds and the boat does its best to thrill you with fishtails, 360-degree spins and power brakes, leaving you exhilarated, breathless and eager for more. This is the ultimate in jet-boating.

Schedule details

Skippers Canyon, Shotover River

Departure Dates:

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Departure Point:

Departure Time:

Summer schedule: October to April
8:30am, 12:00pm, 3:30pm

Winter schedule: May to September
9:00am, 1:00pm

Return Details:

Pricing information

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Tour options:

Additional information

Skippers Canyon, Shotover River

Inclusions:

• Guided tour into Skippers Canyon
• 30-minute pure adrenaline jet boat ride
• Life vests
• Wet weather spray jackets
• Gloves and beanies in winter months

Exclusions:

• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop off

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for participants with back problems
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
• Not recommended for pregnant women
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Please use toilet facilities before boarding coach as there are no toilets on board

Voucher Info:

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Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.