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Skippers Canyon Gentle White Water Rafting

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The **Skippers Canyon Gentle Raft Adventure** offers an exciting **family expedition** catering for children as young as 3! Get onboard the bus from **Queenstown** and head off on a scenic drive out to **Skippers Canyon**. Your friendly guides will entertain you with full commentary along the way sharing the scenic highlights and the many historical points of interest around the area. The trip out to the upper **Shotover River** in Skippers Canyon is quite possibly the most spectacular scenic drive in **New Zealand**! Once at our base beside the historic Pipeline it's time to gear up with wetsuits, helmets and all the safety gear you will need for an enjoyable **Shotover River rafting** journey! Drift down the gentle, grade two rapids and experience the thrill of **white water rafting** in a safe and fully guided environment. **Skippers Canyon** is a fantastic scenic backdrop for your **family river rafting adventure** and you may even recognize some familiar scenes from The Lord of The Rings movies! From the raft you will see historic relics from the gold mining days, marvel at the sheer canyon walls, you can even go for a swim in the rapids and have a go at rock jumping! The kids will love it! This fantastic **river rafting adventure** is one of the best **family activities in Queenstown** offering heaps of fun while exploring the scenic wonders of **Queenstown**’s famous **Shotover River**.
Inclusions
* Scenic drive from Queenstown into Skippers Canyon and back * Calm family friendly rafting adventure * Rafting down a gentle grade 1 & 2 section of the upper Shotover River, starting at The Ford of Bruinen (Lord of the Rings location) * Commentary on the way in and out of Skippers Canyon on the myriad of scenic highlights and historical points of interest * Photo stops * Helmets, wetsuits or over-pants, polar fleeces, spray jackets, life jackets & booties (note: all wetsuits and booties are sterilised after each trip)
Exclusions
* Photo packs are available to purchase after the trip for $39, including rafting pics so you don't have to worry about your camera when you are in the raft * Trip t-shirts are available for $30 for adults and $22 for children
Highlights
* Modern rafting equipment * “The Ford of Bruinen” in the Lord of the See historic gold mining relics and sheer canyon walls as we navigate the Shotover river, with photo stops, rapid swims and rock jumps
Seasons
* 1 October until 30 April
Time
* 12.30pm departure in October (only) * 7:45am and 1:30pm departures 1 October until 30 April * Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time * Allow 5 hours round-trip
What To Bring
* Swimwear (togs) * Towel (its best to wear your swim suit under your clothes)
Additional Information
* Minimum age is 3 years * Water confidence is not necessary
Booking Information
* Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking * Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience * For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
Package options
About Skippers Canyon Gentle White Water Rafting
About Skippers Canyon Gentle White Water Rafting
The Skippers Canyon Gentle white water rafting adventure is an exciting activity suitable for families with children aged 3 years and above. You will travel from Queenstown by bus to Skippers Canyon, a scenic route that may be one of the most picturesque drives in New Zealand. A friendly guide will provide information throughout the journey about interesting attractions and historical landmarks in the area. You will raft along Grade 1 and 2 rapids of the Shotover River in a safe environment with full guide supervision.
Why Skippers Canyon Gentle White Water Rafting is a must
This activity stands out as a family-friendly rafting experience, offering fun and excitement in a safe environment with expert guides supervising throughout the journey. You will explore the natural beauty of Skippers Canyon, which serves as a stunning backdrop, and may even recognize some scenes from The Lord of The Rings movies. Additionally, modern rafting equipment ensures safety and comfort.
Top things to do at Skippers Canyon Gentle White Water Rafting
Participants will raft along Grade 1 and 2 rapids in the upper section of the Shotover River, starting at "The Ford of Bruinen," a filming location from The Lord of The Rings movies. You will see historical artifacts from gold mining and marvel at the steep canyon walls. Additionally, you can try swimming in the current and jumping from rocks, activities that children are sure to love.
How to get to Skippers Canyon Gentle White Water Rafting
You will travel by bus from Queenstown as part of the activity package, which includes a scenic drive to Skippers Canyon and a return trip to Queenstown.
Location of Skippers Canyon Gentle White Water Rafting
This activity is located in Skippers Canyon, in the upper Shotover River area, near Queenstown, New Zealand.
Opening hours of Skippers Canyon Gentle White Water Rafting
This activity is available from October 1st to April 30th. Departures are at 7:45 AM and 1:30 PM throughout the season (October 1st - April 30th). Additionally, in October (only), there is an extra departure at 12:30 PM. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. The total duration for the round trip is approximately 5 hours.
Facilities at Skippers Canyon Gentle White Water Rafting
Participants will receive full rafting equipment, including a helmet, wetsuit or splash pants, fleece top, spray jacket, buoyancy aid, and booties. All wetsuits and booties are sterilized after each use. Additionally, a shuttle service from Queenstown to Skippers Canyon is provided, complete with guided commentary and stops at scenic photo points.
Know Before You Go
What to bring: a swimsuit and towel (it is recommended to wear your swimsuit under your clothes). This activity has a minimum age requirement of 3 years and does not require water confidence. Upon completion of your booking, you will receive a tour voucher to confirm your reservation, which should be printed and presented on the day of the activity. A photo package of the activity is available for purchase after the trip for $39, and trip t-shirts are available for $30 for adults and $22 for children.