Skippers
Skippers Canyon is a dramatic, remote gorge cut by the Shotover River, reached via one of New Zealand's most notorious roads — narrow, unsealed, with sheer drop-offs and no guardrails in many sections, built originally during the 1860s gold rush. The canyon itself holds gold-mining history (old stamping batteries and relics remain), a historic suspension bridge, and rafting/jet boating access to the river below.
Because the road is genuinely hazardous and excluded from most rental car insurance policies, the overwhelming majority of visitors see Skippers Canyon via a guided 4WD tour rather than self-driving.
Skippers FAQs
Technically yes, but most rental car insurance explicitly excludes Skippers Canyon Road due to its narrow, unsealed, cliff-edge nature — most visitors take a guided 4WD tour instead.
Gold-mining era relics, a historic suspension bridge, dramatic gorge scenery, and access points for rafting and jet boating on the Shotover River.
Typically half a day, around 3-4 hours, depending on the operator and inclusions.
It was built in the 1860s gold rush era, and remains narrow and unsealed with sheer drops and minimal safety barriers in many sections.
Yes, rafting trips on the Shotover River often launch from access points within the canyon.
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