Queenstown: Shotover River Rafting & Skippers Canyon Tour

If you’re visiting Queenstown and looking for a day packed with adventure, stunning scenery, and a touch of history, the Shotover River Rafting & Skippers Canyon Tour might just be your next must-do. This five-hour excursion combines gentle river rafting with a scenic drive through some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes, making it suitable for most ages and adventure levels.

What caught our eye about this tour? First, the guides are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making even the most nervous feel comfortable. Second, the views along Skippers Canyon are truly breathtaking—sheer canyon walls and old gold mining relics transport you back in time. Lastly, the variety of experiences, from rafting to sightseeing, keeps the day dynamic and engaging. The only consideration? It’s a full-packed morning, so it’s best suited for those who like a mix of activity and scenery without feeling rushed. If you’re after a family-friendly adventure that balances fun, history, and stunning vistas, this tour hits the mark.

Good To Know

• Balanced adventure and sightseeing with rafting on gentle rapids and scenic drives
• Expert guides ensure safety and share fascinating stories
• Beautiful landscapes including Skippers Canyon and historic gold mining sites
• All necessary gear provided for a comfortable experience
• Family-friendly activity suitable for ages 3 and up
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Queenstown Shotover River & Skippers Canyon Tour

Exploring Queenstown’s surrounding natural beauty isn’t complete without a splash of adventure, and this tour offers just that—plus a dose of local history. It’s designed to give you a taste of the wild waterways and rugged cliffs, all with knowledgeable guides who know how to keep things fun and safe.

The Itinerary and What You’ll Experience

The adventure kicks off at Camp Street, where you’ll meet your guide and hop aboard a comfortable bus for the 45-minute drive into Skippers Canyon. This part of the journey is one of the highlights, as the winding Skippers Road offers jaw-dropping views of steep canyon walls, waterfalls, and the river below. The guides, like those praised by previous travelers, share stories of the gold rush era—“marvelous tales of fortune and hardship,” as one reviewer noted. The drive itself is an experience, giving you a sense of the rugged terrain that makes the area so special.

Once in Skippers Canyon, you’ll stop for a 30-minute break to stretch, take photos, and soak in the scenery. There’s plenty to admire—old gold mining relics, narrow pathways along the canyon edges, and the sense of walking through a piece of living history. Afterward, there’s a short 15-minute scenic drive to the rafting start point.

Preparing for the Rafting Adventure

Next, it’s time to gear up. All necessary equipment is provided, including wetsuit boots, wetsuits or overpants, spray jackets, fleece layers, buoyancy aids, and helmets. The guides are attentive, ensuring everyone is properly fitted and comfortable. We loved the way guides like those reviewed—“amazing” and “entertaining”—combine safety instruction with humor and local knowledge.

The rafting itself is concentrated at the “Ford of Bruinen,” famously featured in the Lord of the Rings movies, adding a fairy-tale element to your water adventure. Expect gentle Grade 1 and 2 rapids—perfect for beginners and families. The float is fun, scenic, and relaxed, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the towering canyon walls and the river’s calm stretches.

The Journey Back and Final Sightseeing

After an hour and a half on the river, you’ll have another 30-minute break to relax and discuss the highlights. Then, your guides take you on a 45-minute scenic drive back through Skippers Canyon. This part of the tour offers more chances to admire the dramatic landscape, spot wildlife, and learn about the area’s gold-mining past.

The entire experience wraps up back at Camp Street, leaving you with memories of a day filled with adventure, stunning views, and fascinating stories.

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Why This Tour Offers Great Value

The combination of scenic drives, gentle rafting, and historical insights provides a rich experience in just five hours. The inclusion of all gear and the focus on safety makes it accessible for first-timers, while the fun guides and breathtaking scenery guarantee a memorable outing. The tour’s flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, add to its convenience.

Pricing might seem steep for some, but considering the mix of activities, expert guides, and stunning locations, it’s a good investment for those craving an authentic Queenstown experience. The reviews highlight how well-organized and enjoyable the tour is—“the crew was fun and took good care of us,” one traveler shared, emphasizing the friendly atmosphere.

What Makes it Stand Out?

• Guides with local knowledge and engaging personalities elevate the experience.
• Stunning vistas of Skippers Canyon make for unbeatable photo opportunities.
• Family-friendly nature with activities suitable from age 3, ensuring fun for all ages.
• Inclusion of historical commentary adds a meaningful layer to the sightseeing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families, adventure newbies, and scenery lovers. If you want a hands-on activity that combines gentle water fun with scenic drives, this is perfect. It also suits those interested in New Zealand’s gold rush history, as the tour offers stories and relics along the way.

However, those seeking high-adrenaline white-water rafting or more extreme adventures might want to look elsewhere, as this tour emphasizes fun and scenery over thrill-seeking. It’s also suitable for anyone who enjoys a relaxed pace and informative guides.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear your swimsuit under your clothing for easier changing after rafting.
• Remember to bring a towel and water confidence isn’t necessary—this is a gentle float, not a wild ride.
• The tour is suitable for ages 3 and above, so it’s great for families, but children under 3 are not accommodated.
• Be prepared for a full five-hour experience—comfortable footwear and layers are advisable.
• Confirm your start time in advance and arrive promptly at the bus stop outside Marmalade Cafe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need water confidence for this tour?
No, water confidence is not necessary as the rapids are gentle, making it suitable for most comfort levels.

What should I bring?
Just your swimwear and a towel. Wetsuits, jackets, helmets, and all gear are provided.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable from age 3 onwards, making it a family-friendly option. Children under 3 cannot participate.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full experience runs for about 5 hours, including transfers, breaks, and sightseeing.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What kind of scenery will I see?
Expect stunning canyon walls, historic relics, waterfalls, and the rugged landscape of Skippers Canyon.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviews mention guides being “amazing,” fun, and full of interesting stories about the area’s gold rush past.

What if I’m worried about the rafting?
The experience is designed to be enjoyable for beginners and families, with safety instructions and gear provided.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
While not explicitly stated, outdoor activities like this are generally affected by weather, so check the forecast and be flexible.

What other activities are similar in Queenstown?
You might also enjoy jet boat experiences, canyoning, or river rafting on different rivers, with options for more extreme adventures.

Final Thoughts

The Queenstown Shotover River Rafting & Skippers Canyon Tour offers a well-rounded taste of New Zealand’s outdoor appeal. Combining gentle white-water fun with scenic drives and intriguing history, it delivers great value for those looking to explore without sacrificing comfort or safety. The knowledgeable guides and stunning landscapes make it a memorable outing for families, adventure novices, and scenery lovers alike.

If you’re after an activity that balances adventure, education, and breathtaking views, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s a fantastic way to experience Queenstown’s natural beauty while enjoying a fun, safe, and informative adventure.

This tour is best suited for families, first-time visitors to Queenstown, or anyone wanting a relaxed but scenic outdoor activity. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply eager to make the most of your day, it’s a carefully curated experience that will leave you with stories to tell and photos to cherish.

Note: Always check availability and weather conditions before booking to ensure the best experience possible.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby