Jet the Shotover River
Experience New Zealand's greatest jet boating adventure with the only company permitted to operate in the world famous Skippers Canyon. Feel your adrenalin surge as you skim the Shotover's shallow waters at speed and experience the famous Hamilton jet spins. Blast through the spectacular canyon of towering rock. Visit Lord of the Rings locations and learn of the pioneers amazing feats of engineering as your driver explains the history of mining relics which scatter the banks of the Shotover.
Skippers Canyon Rates
(Effective 1st January 2018 – 31st May 2019)
Child ages 3 to 15 years
Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Tour (20 seater 4WD transport)
Subject to weather and river levels
Duration: 2 ½ Hour return trip to Queenstown, including spectacular drive through the historic Skippers road, and 35 minute Jet boat ride.
$155.00 per adult (16 years and over)
$85.00 per child* (3 -15 years)
Family Pack: 2 adults & 1 Child for $310.00
Departs Summer (Oct - Apr): 8.30am, 12pm and 3.30pm
Departs Winter (May - Sept): 9am and 1pm.
Skippers Scenic Tour & Jet: (4WD & Jet)
4hr round trip from central Queenstown. Includes scenic tour into Skippers Canyon, a half hour jet boat ride plus a visit to Winky's Museum, Gold Panning and refreshments.
$195.00 per adult (16 years and over)
$115.00 per child* (3 -15 years)
Family Pack: $390.00 (2 adults and 1 Child)
Departs Summer (Oct - Apr): 8am and 1pm
Departs Winter (May - Sept): 9am and 1pm
Getting there is half the fun
Carved from schist rock by the gold miners in the 1880s the Skippers road travels through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Your knowledgable and experienced local guide will tell you tales of the canyon's rich history as you make your way along the world famous Skippers Road.
The Boats: Your Skippers Canyon Jet which was custom built in Queenstown has been specifically designed to operate on the upper Shotover River. Constructed with heavy gauge aluminium the boats are designed for maximum strength and manoeuverability.
The boats are powered by Chevrolet V8 engines producing 450hp and operate on high octane fuel. The trhust comes via a Hamilton 212 jet unit pumping 25,000 litres of water per minute.
Safety: Skippers Canyon Jet Ltd are dedicated to safety which is why they voluntarily exceed all required levels in regard to boat safety and driver training. Your Skippers Canyon Jetboat Driver has been trained and tested by the most experienced jetboat drivers in the world prior to becoming licensed to carry passengers. Skippers Canyon Jet has an impeccable safety record in their 15 years of operation.
Skippers Canyon History:
Tumbling off the Soutehrn Alps the mighty Shotover River for centuries deposited large quantities of gold in Skippers Canyon. In 1862 two shepherds stumbled upon these riches and two months later Skippers Canyon was bustling with over 4000 gold miners. The quantity of gold recovered labeled Skippers as the richest gold bearing canyon in the world.
Departs:
8:30am, 12:00am, 3:30pm
(winter timetable may vary)
Pickups from accommodation or central Queenstown
