Nomad Safaris - Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure

Travel the road that was hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley. As your experienced guide navigates this awe-inspiring canyon, you can relax and enjoy numerous historic sites along the journey, including a century old suspension bridge and the township of Skippers.

Visit the restored Schoolhouse where you will gain a real insight into the local heritage through photos and relics of life in this tough environment. An adventure for the whole family.

The Skippers Canyon 4WD tour departs from Queenstown and heads out of town towards Coronet Peak Ski field. As we head up the mountain, take in panoramic views over the Wakatipu Basin.

After entering Skippers Canyon, we travel to Lighthouse Rock for a dramatic lookout over the canyon. We continue following in the footsteps of adventurers and discoverers as this historical winding road brings us to the historic Skippers Bridge – a perfect photo opportunity.

After carefully negotiating the bridge, the road continues into the old township of Skippers. Long since abandoned, several original buildings remain waiting to be explored.

During a pause for refreshments in the township, immerse yourself in the history of this place as the restored schoolhouse and old homestead divulge a wealth of information through photos and artefacts from the early days of this settlement.

The nearby cemetery depicts a more gloomy and dangerous life for these gold prospectors.

On the return journey we stop at Deep Creek where you can test your luck panning for gold in one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world.