Queenstown: Shotover River Rafting & Skippers Canyon Tour

If you’re looking for an adventure that combines scenic beauty with a touch of adrenaline and history, the Queenstown Shotover River Rafting & Skippers Canyon Tour might be just what you need. This activity offers a well-rounded taste of New Zealand’s rugged landscape, with a gentle raft ride on the Shotover River and a scenic drive through the storied Skippers Canyon. It’s designed to appeal to a broad range of travelers — from families to thrill-seekers — with a focus on fun, safety, and authenticity.

What excites us most about this tour are the expert guides who make the experience both entertaining and informative, and the stunning vistas you’ll encounter along the way. That said, it’s worth noting that the entire experience takes about 5 hours, which might be a little long for those on a tight schedule. Still, if you’re after a memorable mix of nature, history, and gentle adventure, this tour hits the sweet spot.

This tour is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly outing that still offers some excitement, especially since water confidence isn’t necessary. It’s ideal for travelers from age 3 upward, making it a great choice for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to explore the wild side of Queenstown’s landscape.

Key Points

Beautiful scenic drive: The journey into Skippers Canyon offers breathtaking views and a chance to learn about the gold rush era.
Gentle rafting experience: Suitable for all ages, with Grade 1 and 2 rapids that are more about fun than fear.
Rich history: Gold mining relics and tales of hardship add a layer of storytelling to the landscape.
Expert guides: The guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging style, making the trip both fun and informative.
All gear provided: No need to worry about bringing your own wetsuits or helmets; everything is supplied.
Flexible booking: You can reserve now and pay later, with full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The tour kicks off on Camp Street, where you meet your guide and board the bus for a scenic 45-minute drive into Skippers Canyon. The drive alone is worth doing — the narrow, winding road carved into the canyon walls offers some of the most dramatic landscapes around Queenstown. We loved the way guides share stories of the gold rush, giving historical context to what might otherwise just be stunning views.

Once in Skippers Canyon, you have a 30-minute break to absorb the scenery, explore some relics of past gold mining endeavors, and snap photos of the sheer canyon walls. The rugged terrain and historic remnants make it clear why this area was once a bustling hub for prospectors.

Next, it’s a quick 15-minute scenic drive to the starting point of the rafting section, known as the Ford of Bruinen, famous from the Lord of the Rings films. Here, safety briefings are given, and you’re fitted with all the necessary gear — wetsuits, spray jackets, buoyancy aids, helmets, and fleece layers if needed. We appreciated how thoroughly the guides explained safety procedures, which left us feeling confident and ready.

The rafting itself lasts about 1.5 hours, floating down the gentle Grade 1 and 2 rapids. The emphasis is on enjoyment, scenery, and a few playful rock jumps. One reviewer mentioned that “the guides made it fun and entertaining,” which aligns with our impression that the guides are genuinely enthusiastic and knowledgeable. You’ll see more relics and dramatic canyon walls along the river, making it a visually stunning and historically interesting float.

After the rafting, you return to Skippers Canyon for another 30-minute break, giving you time to appreciate the landscape and perhaps chat about what you’ve just experienced. Then, a final scenic drive of about 45 minutes takes you back, with additional commentary from the guides. The views from Skippers Road are simply extraordinary and reveal the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s interior.

You conclude your adventure back at Camp Street, around five hours after departure, feeling invigorated with stories and photos to last a lifetime.

What’s Included and Practical Tips

The tour provides all necessary gear, including wetsuit boots, wetsuits or overpants, spray jackets, fleece layers, buoyancy aids, and helmets. This means you don’t need to worry about packing special equipment — just bring your swimsuit underneath your clothing for easier changing, and a towel.

It’s suitable for anyone aged 3 and older, with no water confidence required. That said, the experience is gentle enough for most and doesn’t involve any dangerous rapids or strenuous paddling, making it accessible for families and those wanting a relaxed adventure.

The tour runs for about 5 hours, including transportation, breaks, and the activity itself. It’s worth planning your day around this, especially if you want to combine it with other activities in Queenstown.

Cost-wise, the value is quite good considering the inclusiveness of gear, the scenic drives, and the guides’ quality. Reviews highlight that guides make a real difference in making the experience fun and memorable, so don’t overlook the importance of choosing a reputable operator like Family Adventures.

Authenticity and Review Highlights

From those who’ve experienced it, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. One reviewer from Romania called it “super fun,” appreciating how the guides created a lively, friendly atmosphere. An Australian traveler praised the guides for being “informative and entertaining,” emphasizing how much they appreciated the storytelling aspect.

The scenic drive and float are described as “breathtaking,” with many noting that the views alone make the tour worth it, even if you’re not a huge thrill-seeker. The relaxed pace, combined with the historical stories, offers a well-rounded experience.

Why Choose This Tour?

This experience works well for travelers who want a balanced mix of scenery, history, and light adventure. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with kids, or if you’re simply interested in a fun, laid-back way to see some iconic New Zealand landscapes. The focus on safety, friendly guides, and all equipment included make it accessible for newcomers and those wary of more intense white-water activities.

The tour also benefits from being a half-day activity, fitting easily into a busy Queenstown itinerary. And if the weather isn’t perfect, the provided gear helps ensure you’re comfortable regardless, making it a reliable choice for most days.

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Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those seeking a gentle yet visually stunning adventure, this tour offers a great balance. You get to float down a river with a backdrop of towering canyon walls, hear stories of gold miners past, and enjoy the camaraderie of a guided group. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, making the experience engaging and educational.

While it isn’t a white-water adrenaline rush, it’s a fantastic introduction to Queenstown’s outdoor treasures, especially for families or travelers wanting a safe, scenic, and fun activity. The all-inclusive gear and flexible booking are added bonuses that increase its appeal.

If you love a good story, stunning landscapes, and a bit of gentle adventure, this tour is a good investment in your Queenstown trip.

FAQ

Is water confidence necessary for this tour? No, water confidence is not necessary. The rafting is gentle, suited for all ages, and designed to be enjoyable even for beginners.

Can children participate? Yes, children aged 3 and up can join, making it family-friendly. However, children under 3 are not suitable.

What should I bring? Bring your swimwear and a towel. You’ll wear your swimsuit under your clothing for easier changing into the provided wetsuits.

How long is the entire tour? The whole experience lasts about 5 hours, including transportation, breaks, and the rafting.

Is the gear provided? Yes, all necessary equipment including wetsuits, helmets, buoyancy aids, and jackets are included.

Are there any safety concerns? The guides provide a thorough safety briefing. The rapids are gentle (Grade 1-2), so the activity is safe for most people.

Do I need to be a good swimmer? No, water confidence isn’t required because of the safety gear and the gentle nature of the rapids.

What kind of scenery will I see? Expect stunning canyon walls, relics of gold mining history, and views of the rugged landscape along Skippers Road and the river.

Is this activity suitable for solo travelers? Absolutely, solo travelers will find the guides friendly and the group atmosphere welcoming.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

To sum it up, the Queenstown Shotover River Rafting & Skippers Canyon Tour is a perfect blend of scenic beauty, history, and gentle adventure. It offers superb value, friendly guides, and a memorable way to see some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes. Whether you’re with family, friends, or traveling solo, it’s an activity that captures the spirit of Queenstown’s wild, welcoming environment.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby