From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride
About This Experience
Skippers Canyon Jet is the only way in this catalogue to reach the upper Shotover, and getting there is most of the three hours. The trip starts in central Queenstown and drives the Skippers Road, cut into vertical rock by gold miners more than 130 years ago and famous enough that no rental car is insured on it. The driver provides commentary on the gold-mining history on the way in.
The boat then runs 30 minutes through what the operator calls the narrowest canyons on the Shotover, at speeds in excess of 80 km/h, with the driver working the boat close to the walls and putting in full 360-degree spins. It is a different stretch of river from the Shotover Jet's: further upstream, reached by road rather than from a base ten minutes out of town.
After the ride the group stops at the historic Pipeline Bungy for a break and a view down the canyon, then makes the 45-minute drive back to Queenstown. Return transport from the centre of town is included in the price, along with life jackets and spray jackets, and gloves in winter. Meals, drinks and photo packages are not.
The operator is blunt that this is a backcountry trip. There is no opportunity for a toilet stop once you leave Queenstown, so use one before departure. The minimum age is three, and the tour is described as suitable for all ages provided mobility is not a problem. Tell the operator in advance about any medical condition, back problems or pregnancy.
Highlights
- Experience the stunning scenery of Skippers Canyon
- Travel the infamous Skippers Canyon Road - where no rental car is insured
- Jet through the narrowest canyons on the famous Shotover River
- Discover a land rich in gold mining history, where getting into the canyon is half the adventure
- Ride the upper Shotover for 30 minutes at over 80 km/h, with full 360-degree spins
- Stop at the historic Pipeline Bungy for a break and views down the canyon
What's Included
- ✓ Return transport from central Queenstown
- ✓ Guided tour into Skippers Canyon
- ✓ Informative commentary from knowledgeable bus driver
- ✓ 30-minute jet boat ride on the upper Shotover River
- ✓ Spectacular scenery and photo opportunities
- ✓ Life jackets and spray jackets (gloves in winter)
Not Included
- Meals and drinks
- Photo or video packages (available for purchase on the day)
Good to Know & Caveats
- This is a true backcountry experience and getting there is half the fun!
- It is recommended to use the toilet prior to departing Queenstown as there will not be an opportunity to do so on the tour
- Dress for the conditions on the day, wear warm clothing and bring a hat, sunglasses, camera, insect repellent and water
- Minimum age requirement is 3 years for children
- Tour is suitable for all ages as long as mobility is not a problem
- Please advise the local operator if you have any medical conditions, back problems or are pregnant
Not Suitable For
- People with back problems
Meeting Point
Meet on the Camp Street side of the Station Building near Marmolada Cafe. Wait outside by the wooden benches next to the bus stop.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.9/5 by 787 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Amazing experience! Far beyond what we had planned for and really felt worth the money as the journey there is an adventure in itself.
— Ben, September 21, 2026
Awesome experience from pick up to drop off. Couldn't have asked for a better tour guide or jet boat driver. Highly recommend for their local historical knowledge! Fabulous well run family business ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
— Simone, September 23, 2026
it was an amazing experience with beautiful viesse and great stories from our guide!! and the jet boat is awesome!!
— Kelly, July 22, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of the three hours is on the boat?
Thirty minutes. The rest is the drive in and out on the Skippers Road with commentary, and the stop at the Pipeline Bungy. The operator frames the journey as half the adventure, which is a fair description of how the time splits.
How is this different from the Shotover Jet?
Different stretch of the same river. The Shotover Jet runs 25 minutes in the lower canyons from a base at Arthurs Point. This one drives you up the Skippers Road first and runs 30 minutes in the narrower upper canyons, so it is a half-day outing rather than a quick ride.
Is transport from Queenstown included?
Yes. Return transport from central Queenstown is part of the price, which matters here because the Skippers Road is not a road most visitors can legally or sensibly drive themselves. The pickup point is the Camp Street side of the Station Building, by the wooden benches next to the bus stop.
Is there a minimum age?
Three years. Beyond that the operator says the tour suits all ages as long as mobility is not an issue, and asks to be told in advance about medical conditions, back problems or pregnancy. It is the only jet boat ride here with no upper constraint stated on age.
What should I bring?
Warm clothing for the conditions on the day, plus a hat, sunglasses, a camera, insect repellent and water, all of which the operator names. Life jackets and spray jackets are provided, and gloves are supplied in winter. Use a toilet before you leave town; there is none on the route.
Other Rides on This River
From Queenstown: Dart River Canoe & Jet Boat Day Trip
From Queenstown: Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat Experience
Queenstown: Hydro Attack Shark Ride
Queenstown: Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride
Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride
Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience
Queenstown: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Trip
