Skippers Canyon is a hidden treasure just half an hour from Queenstown, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. This is wild and inhospitable country dissected by the fast flowing Shotover River which crashes and tumbles through its sheer schist ravines. It was gold that first lured men here in the 1800’s and they came in their hundreds, drawn by the promise of the “richest river in the world”.
We follow the narrow road, hand-hewn around through the precipitous canyon that leads us down to the Shotover. Following its course upstream we see the remnants of the technology used to win gold from the river. We pass long-abandoned settlements until we reach the hundred-year-old suspension bridge that takes us to the restored buildings of old Skippers township.
With so many options in this direction, tell us what interests you most. We'll discuss at the start of the tour, taking your photography experience and interests, your equipment, light and weather conditions into account to design a great day's photography.
Spend the morning or afternoon exploring an icon of Otago’s gold mining past. Starting from your accommodation in or near Queenstown, climbing Coronet Peak Road to Skipper’s Saddle, our first stop gives us spectacular views across the Wakatipu Basin.
We pass over the saddle to negotiate the wild and precipitous road through Skippers Canyon, with stops for amazing landforms and the road itself which was cut by hand in the late 1800’s to bring easier access to the remote mining communities along the Shotover River. Further along, we explore the ruins and relics of that frenetic era.
Please note: By booking a tour, you are not booking a specific destination.
This page gives you a sense of what you might see if we decide to head in this direction from Queenstown. We keep our itinerary flexible until the day of the tour. Our route on the day will be determined by you or your groups' preferences, weather, and light conditions on the day.
With a full day at our disposal, we have a generous 8-9 hours to venture off the beaten path.
Embark on a thrilling adventure through Otago's rich gold mining history with a full day exploration of its iconic sites. Starting from your accommodation in or near Queenstown, we'll take you on a scenic climb up Coronet Peak Road to Skipper's Saddle, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Wakatipu Basin.
From there, we'll traverse the wild and treacherous Skippers Canyon road, which was hand-cut in the late 1800s to provide easier access to the remote mining communities along the Shotover River. Along the way, we'll make stops to marvel at the stunning landforms and the impressive road itself.
As we journey further, we'll delve into the ruins and relics of the frenzied gold mining era, giving you a glimpse into the past and a deeper appreciation for the region's rich history.
Whether you choose to spend the full day or half-day exploring, you'll have ample time to soak in the sights and sounds of this fascinating region. With a full day at your disposal, you'll have the freedom to create your best work and make memories that will last a lifetime. So come join us on this unforgettable journey through Otago's gold mining past and stunning scenery.
