Skippers Canyon 4WD Heritage half day Tour from Queenstown

This half-day 4WD heritage tour explores the dramatic Skippers Canyon, following the historic Skippers Road, hand-built during the Otago gold rush and carved into the cliffs above the Shotover River. Travel with an experienced local guide who navigates this remarkable road while sharing stories of the pioneers and miners who shaped the region.

Enjoy multiple scenic and historic stops throughout the canyon, including viewpoints of the iconic Skippers Suspension Bridge and other significant gold-mining sites. Learn about early life in the canyon through local stories and historic imagery, before trying traditional gold panning techniques on one of the region’s richest gold-bearing rivers.

Please note: Access over Skippers Bridge is currently closed due to long-term maintenance and safety works. As a result, access to the schoolhouse and cemetery is also unavailable. Tours now operate to permitted points within the canyon, with alternate scenic and historical stops included.