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Offered languages
- Japanese
- English
- English
- Spanish
Welcome to Queenstown's most detailed historical experience, charting the region's journey from the 1860s gold rush right up to the modern day. Following the Shotover River deep into Skippers Canyon, this small-group experience feels like a live documentary, blending cinematic, researched storytelling with real locations where history happened.
Enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of photo stops to compare modern vistas, with historical photos of the region. Conclude with a complimentary drink at a historic pub, leaving you deeply connected to the region's past.
Small Groups Limited to 11 guests for a personal feel.
Immersive history built for travellers wanting more than just a standard sightseeing tour.
Modern 4wd comfort along the rugged alpine roads.
Multilingual Audio in EN, ZH, JA, KO, ES (FR, DE, IT late 2026).
Great photo opportunities throughout the canyon.
Free barista coffee, beer, or wine at a historic pub.
Book your seat today to discover the canyon's hidden stories!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Please let us know your preferred pickup point at least 24 hours before your departure.
1. 43 Camp Street – outside Marmolada Cafe in the centre of town.
2. 50 Robins Road, Creeksyde Holiday Park Bus Stop
3. Gorge Road, Industrial Place Carpark Bus Stop
Itinerary
-
1
Just as the early miners did in the 1860s, you’ll set off from Queenstown’s town centre, travel through the stunning Queenstown Gorge (Blow Ho Gully), and deep into the heart of Skippers Canyon. Along the way, our GPS-activated stories, (professionally narrated by voice actors and available in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish), will bring the region’s goldrush history to life — giving you all the insights and stories you could want, while your expert Driver/Guide focuses on navigating the dramatic alpine road ahead. Travelling with children, or just in the mood to enjoy the views in peace? No problem — we offer multiple onboard audio channels, including three radio stations and two dedicated children’s storytelling tracks, so there’s something for everyone. The full experience lasts between 3 and 4 hours, with plenty of photo stops along the way.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
2
We finish the tour at Gantley’s Tavern, a historic goldmining pub dating back over 160 years, where you can enjoy either a hot drink, or a beer/wine — all included in the price, before dropping you off back at your original pickup point.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour may not be suitable for people with serious back or neck issues
- This tour may not be suitable for people uncomfortable with heights or winding roads.
- This tour involves no necessary walking, all the views can be seen from the bus, however, some mobility is required for getting in and out of the vehicle.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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