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Skippers Canyon Photography Adventure

South Island

Remarkable Imagery Photo Tours

from
NZ$175
per person
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Layers of mountains and ridges in Skippers Canyon near Queenstown

Experiences

Photography Photography Private Tours Private Tours Half-Day Tours Half-Day Tours Small Group Tours Small Group Tours

South Island

Start: Queenstown
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 5 hours

Details

Exploring the Wild Heart of Skippers Canyon

Set out from Queenstown and journey deep into the remote landscapes of Skippers Canyon, a region carved by time and rich in gold rush heritage. The winding road to the canyon reveals a world of towering cliffs, sculptural rock formations, and sweeping mountain views. Along the way, your guide shares stories of fortune-seekers and pioneers who once called this rugged wilderness home.

As the light shifts through the day, new compositions appear around every bend, offering countless opportunities for breathtaking shots. From dramatic ravines to the crystal-blue Shotover River, every frame captures the raw power of nature. Whether you’re new to photography or refining your craft, this experience brings both challenge and inspiration in equal measure.

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Capturing the Spirit of the Shotover River

Descending towards the Shotover River, the scenery opens to reveal vast glacial terraces and the remains of long-forgotten mining settlements. Here, the past and present meet in a landscape shaped by both human endeavour and natural force. Your guide helps uncover hidden details — from rusting relics to secret vantage points perfect for the lens.

Every stop offers a chance to refine your photography skills, from mastering exposure in bright alpine light to framing the canyon’s immense scale. The journey back to Queenstown feels like stepping out of another era, with your camera filled with memories of one of New Zealand’s most dramatic and photogenic regions.

Search icon Scenic curve on Skippers Canyon Road with historic stone wall
Search icon Lighthouse Rock towering above the road in Skippers Canyon
Search icon Layers of mountains and ridges in Skippers Canyon near Queenstown
Search icon Car crossing the historic suspension bridge above the Shotover River

Tour Inclusions

  • Expert Photography Guide
  • Comfortable AWD Vehicle
  • Multiple Scenic Stops
  • Visit to Skippers Schoolhouse
  • Refreshments – tea/coffee and cookies
  • Small Group Experience
  • Door-to-Door Pick-Up & Drop-Off to and from your accommodation in or near Queenstown

Please be aware: Between July and November, this tour may be adjusted to accommodate weather and road conditions. Skippers Canyon Road can be dangerous, and there are fantastic alternative high-country back roads with breathtaking and sometimes snow-covered landscapes to discover.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

  • More than 14 days before departure: Full refund**.
  • Less than14 days and more than 48 hours before departure: 70% refund**
  • Within 48 hours: No refund

**Less any booking or credit card fees if applicable.

Note: Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

Please note that this is a sample itinerary.

Pick-Up & Departure 

  • Pick-up from your accommodation in or near Queenstown in a comfortable AWD vehicle.
  • Scenic drive through rolling countryside toward Skippers Saddle, the gateway to Skippers Canyon.

Photography Journey Begins

  • Stop at Skippers Saddle for panoramic shots of the Wakatipu Basin and surrounding peaks.
  • Travel along the historic Skippers Road, carved into the mountains over 130 years ago.
  • Capture dramatic landscapes, steep valleys, and rugged cliffs at Hell’s Gate, Bus Scratch Corner, and Pincher’s Bluff.
  • Witness iconic rock formations like Gorilla Rock, the Lighthouse, and Castle Rock.

Shotover River & Gold Mining Relics

  • Descend to a scenic riverside beach along the Shotover River, known for its glacial-blue waters.
  • Explore remnants of gold mining history, including massive sluicing terraces and abandoned settlements.

Historic Suspension Bridge & Skippers Schoolhouse

  • Cross the Skippers Suspension Bridge, a 70-metre engineering marvel from 1901.
  • Arrive at the Skippers Schoolhouse, the last standing building of this once-thriving gold town.
  • Enjoy refreshments with coffee, tea, and cookies while capturing images of this historic landmark.

Return Journey to Queenstown

  • Opportunity to revisit key photography spots in different lighting conditions.
  • Final scenic drive back to Queenstown, with drop-off at your accommodation.

Please note: Between July and November, alternative high-country routes may be taken due to weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Any camera with manual controls for shutter speed, aperture, and ISO will work—DSLRs, mirrorless, and many bridge cameras are ideal.

For more versatility, bring additional lenses like a wide-angle for landscapes or a zoom for distant details. Polarizing or ND filters can enhance your shots.

We provide tripods, but feel free to bring your own. Spare memory cards are available for purchase, and don’t forget a fully charged battery plus a backup!

Absolutely! If you're new to your camera, our workshops are a great way to get started. While it's helpful to know the basics, bringing your user manual is recommended since every model differs.

No matter your camera, the fundamentals remain the same. We'll focus on composition, creative techniques, and key settings like aperture and shutter speed to enhance your shots.

For advanced photographers, we’ll guide you to stunning locations where you can fully explore your creativity and capture unforgettable images.

Half-day tours stay within an hour’s drive of Queenstown, typically reaching nearby villages. The distance covered depends on whether you prefer visiting multiple locations or focusing on creative shots at fewer spots.

Full-day tours venture further, exploring unique environments beyond Queenstown. More ground can be covered with frequent stops, or we can take our time to craft truly unique images.

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