Skippers Canyon, 3 Hours

From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

★ 4.9 744 reviews

from $128.74 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Duration: 3 hours
Meeting point: Station Building, Camp Street
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Operator terms: Skippers Canyon Jet states that a cancellation or no-show inside 24 hours is non-refundable.
Run by: Skippers Canyon Jet

Overview

This three hour tour pairs two very different thrills: a guided drive into Skippers Canyon along Skippers Road, and a jet boat run of about 25 to 30 minutes through the upper Shotover canyons. Per Skippers Canyon Jet, rental cars are not insured on Skippers Road. Commentary from the driver accompanies the drive.

The boat section is where the speed lives. Drivers hold the jet boat close to the canyon walls, run at speeds above 80 km/h, and throw in full 360 degree spins. After the ride there is a break with photo stops and views out over the canyon, before the run back to Queenstown.

Total time away from town is about three hours, meeting at 43 Camp Street.

An open jet boat with passengers in life jackets runs a narrow stretch of the Shotover canyon between layered grey schist walls.

What's Included

Included

Return transport from central Queenstown
Guided tour into Skippers Canyon
Commentary from the bus driver
Jet boat ride on the upper Shotover River (about 25 to 30 minutes)
Photo stops
Life jackets and spray jackets (gloves in winter)

Not Included

Meals and drinks
Photo or video packages (available for purchase on the day)

Itinerary

Meet at the Station BuildingMeet at 43 Camp Street in central Queenstown. Return transport from the Camp Street bus stop is part of the tour; no hotel pickup is offered.
Drive into Skippers CanyonTake a guided drive along Skippers Road, with commentary from the driver along the way.
Jet boat the Shotover RiverBoard the jet boat for a ride of about 25 to 30 minutes through the narrowest canyons on the Shotover River, with speeds above 80 km/h and full 360 degree spins. Life jackets and spray jackets are provided.
Rest stop at Pipeline BungyStop at the historic Pipeline Bungy area for a rest break and views out over the canyon.
Return to QueenstownThe return journey to Queenstown takes about 45 minutes.

On the water25 to 30 minutes

Minimum height100 cm

Minimum age3 years

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day smoother, since this is a backcountry trip with limited facilities once you leave town.

Toilets and facilities. Plan accordingly, especially with young children.
What to wear. Dress for the conditions on the day. Bring warm clothing plus a hat, sunglasses, camera, insect repellent and water. Spray jackets and life jackets are provided, with gloves in winter, so you will get some spray on board.
The drive. Several travellers describe the Skippers Road drive as nerve wracking and exciting at once, along a narrow dirt road with cliff views. The commentary on local history is a recurring highlight in reviews.
Boat pace. Expect a fast, spin heavy ride rather than a scenic float. Reviewers often call the jet boat thrilling with skilled drivers, though some feel the time on the water goes quickly.
Food and photos. Meals and drinks are not included, so eat beforehand. A photo or video package is available to purchase on the day if you would rather not carry a camera on the boat.
Kids and mobility. The tour suits all ages as long as mobility is not a problem, and you should flag any medical conditions, back problems or pregnancy to the operator.

Ready To RideCheck availability →

Common issues. The most consistent criticism in reviews is that the jet boat ride feels short, with several travellers saying they wanted more time on the water. The tour runs about three hours total for roughly 30 minutes of boating, so set expectations around that split. There are no meals, drinks or photo packages included, and there is no toilet stop once the tour departs. Anyone with back problems, medical conditions or a pregnancy should tell the operator beforehand, and the trip is not suitable where mobility is an issue.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Return transport from central Queenstown, the guided drive into Skippers Canyon with driver commentary, a jet boat ride of about 25 to 30 minutes on the upper Shotover River, life jackets and spray jackets, and gloves in winter. Meals, drinks and photo or video packages are not included, though photos can be bought on the day.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Return transport from the Station Building bus stop at 43 Camp Street is part of the tour. Check the booking page for hotel pickup if you need to confirm how you will reach the meeting point.

How Long Is The Tour And The Jet Boat Ride?

The full tour runs about three hours from the meeting point in central Queenstown. Of that, the jet boat ride on the Shotover River is about 25 to 30 minutes, and the return drive to Queenstown takes roughly 45 minutes.

Is It Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

The minimum age is three years, and the tour suits all ages as long as mobility is not a problem. Families with children have reviewed it positively. Anyone with a medical condition, back problems or a pregnancy should advise the local operator before booking.

What Should I Bring And Wear?

Wear warm clothing suited to the day's conditions and bring a hat, sunglasses, camera, insect repellent and water. Use the toilet before departure, as there are no opportunities during the tour. Spray jackets and life jackets are supplied.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Inside that window, check the terms on the live booking page before you book.