Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Tours – Queenstown
Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Tours - Queenstown
Queenstown Jet Boat Tours
Power deep into Skippers Canyon on New Zealand’s greatest jet boat adventure, ‘Skippers Canyon Jet’. Experience unbeatable value as you are taken on a spectacular guided tour of Skippers Canyon followed by a thrilling jet boat ride through the narrowest canyons on the Shotover River. Our highly skilled jet boat drivers manoeuvre the boat just inches from the sheer canyon walls and keep the excitement levels high with speeds in excess of 80kmh and a series of full 360 degree spins. Race through an imposing canyon stacked high with dramatic rock and hold your breath as your driver navigates past towering canyon walls and precipitous cliff faces.
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Price: $199 per person – Child: $99 Family Pack (2 Adults and 1 Child) $398
Departures: From outside the Station Building on the corner of Shotover and Camp Streets. (Be there 10mins before departure time.)
Timetable: Summer: 8.30am, 12pm and 3.30pm. (October – April)
Timetable :Winter: 9am and 1pm. (May – September)
Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Tour includes:
Guided tour into Skippers Canyon.- Informative commentary from our knowledgeable bus drivers.
- 30 minute jet boating experience on the upper Shotover River.
- Spectacular scenery and photo opportunities.
- Spray jackets and life jackets for the jet boat trip.
- Return transport to central Queenstown.
What to bring:
- Dress for the conditions on the day!
- Summer: Hat, sunglasses, warm top, sunscreen, insect repellent, water and a camera.
- Winter: Warm hat, wind proof warm jacket, gloves, sunglasses, water and a camera. Dress like you are going skiing up the mountain and you’ll love it!
Important Information:
- This is a true backcountry experience- getting there is half the fun!
- We recommend using the toilet in the Station Building before departing Queenstown.
- No shows’ or cancellations within 24hrs of departure time are non-refundable.
- Please advise if you have any medical conditions, back problems or are pregnant.
Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Tour
The Jet Boat Tour begins with a guided drive into historic Skippers Canyon with on board commentary from our knowledgeable drivers. You will be escorted into a land rich in gold mining history and stunning scenery via the infamous Skippers Canyon Road which was carved out of the vertical rock face by miners over 120yrs ago. Getting there is half the adventure!
Once on the boat you will feel your adrenalin surge as you power deeper into Skippers Canyon through the narrowest canyons on the Shotover River. Our highly skilled jet boat drivers manoeuvre the boat just inches from the sheer canyon walls and keep the excitement levels high with speeds in excess of 80kmh and a series of full 360 degree spins.
Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Tour is the only jet boat ride where you get to experience historic gold mining relics that still remain in the river and Lord of the Rings locations. Skippers Canyon Jet is THE must do jet boat trip in Queenstown.
See Lord of the Rings filming locations in real life and discover some of the engineering marvels performed by the pioneers of the region during the mining era. Find out through commentary provided by your knowledgeable driver about the fascinating past of the various mining relics lying on the Shotover riverbank.
Skippers Canyon Jet – Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does the tour take?
Expect about 2–2.5 hours total from Queenstown, including the backcountry drive and safety briefing, with ~30 minutes on the water. Allow extra time to check in and get fitted with spray jackets and life vests.
Where do we depart from and when should we arrive?
Check in at The Station Building (Shotover & Camp Street) in central Queenstown unless your confirmation states otherwise. Please arrive 10 minutes before departure. Seasonal departure times run morning and afternoon; peak season may add extra trips.
Is the road to Skippers Canyon scary? I’m a nervous passenger.
It’s a narrow historic road, but you’re with professional drivers in suitable vehicles. Expect sheer scenery and commentary on mining history; if you’re nervous, sit away from window edges and let the driver know—they’re used to first-timers.
What should I wear and bring?
Dress for the weather and expect wind and spray. Bring a warm layer, closed shoes, sunglasses, and in winter gloves/beanie. Spray jackets and life vests are supplied. A small camera/GoPro is fine if securely strapped; leave loose items behind.
Are there age/height or health restrictions?
For safety, minimum age/height and medical restrictions may apply (e.g., back/neck issues or late pregnancy). Check your booking confirmation for the current limits, and contact the team if you’re unsure—they’ll advise the safest option.
What happens in bad weather?
Trips may run in light rain, but high winds, river levels or poor visibility can lead to schedule changes. If the operator cancels for safety, you’ll be rebooked or refunded according to the policy on your confirmation.
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