Skippers Canyon Panoramic Road

Experience the breathtaking panoramic views on the Skippers Canyon Road Trip! This 15 mile journey through the stunning New Zealand countryside departs from Arthurs Point and ends in Skippers Canyon. Along the way, you'll pass through quaint towns, each offering a unique view of the country's natural beauty. The best time to take the Skippers Canyon Road Trip is during the spring and summer months, when the countryside is awash in vibrant colors. You'll also get to experience the rugged terrain of the canyon, with its steep cliffs and winding roads. While the road conditions can be a bit challenging, the experience is worth it for the stunning views. Plus, this road trip can be managed on a moderate budget and is suitable for any driver. So, come and explore the Skippers Canyon Panoramic Road and take in the stunning scenery!

Arthurs Point is a great place to start your journey along the spectacular Skippers Canyon Panoramic Road. Located near Queenstown, New Zealand, Arthurs Point is known for its stunning views of the Shotover River and the surrounding mountains. You can take in the breathtaking scenery from several vantage points, including the Skyline Gondola, the Luge and the AJ Hackett Bungy. For those travelling by air, the closest international airport is Queenstown Airport (ZQN) which has a wide range of car rental services. From there, you can make the short drive to Arthurs Point and begin your journey along the winding roads of the Skippers Canyon Panoramic Road. Along the way, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the alpine landscape and the Shotover River. At Arthurs Point, you’ll also be able to enjoy a variety of activities such as rafting, jet boating, kayaking, fishing and more. You can also explore the area’s many restaurants, cafes and wineries. No matter what you choose to do, Arthurs Point is the perfect starting point for a memorable road trip along the Skippers Canyon Panoramic Road.

Are you ready for an exciting road trip? The stage we suggest you start from Arthurs Point and end in Skippers is an amazing one! Just 11mi and less than 2 hours of driving time separate these two beautiful places. Arthurs Point is a great starting point for your journey. Here you can find the famous Arthurs Point Suspension Bridge, which is a great spot to take some amazing photos. On your way to Skippers you should definitely stop at Coromandel Town, the main town of the Coromandel Peninsula. This place is well known for its amazing beaches and its rich gold mining history. Finally, Skippers is the perfect place to end your journey. Here you can find the iconic Skippers Canyon, which is a great spot for a picnic and for some stunning views of the canyon. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Skippers, New Zealand to Skippers Canyon? This 4 mi drive will take you less than an hour and you will get to experience some of the most amazing places in the area. Start your journey in Skippers, where you can admire the beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains and the crystal clear waters of the river. Then, head to Skippers Canyon, where you can take a scenic drive and experience the unique landscape of the area. You can also explore the historic sites, such as the old gold mine and the old railway line. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to stop at some of the most picturesque spots, such as the viewpoint overlooking the canyon and the old gold mine. You can also take a break and enjoy the breathtaking views of the area. At the end of your journey, you will arrive at Skippers Canyon, where you can take a tour of the old gold mine and the old railway line. You can also explore the historic sites and take a walk through the canyon. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check out the "Itinerary" for this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

Skippers Canyon is located in the South Island of New Zealand and is the final destination of the beautiful Skippers Canyon Panoramic Road. This stunningly scenic road trip takes you through stunning alpine landscapes, past rushing waterfalls, ancient glaciers and rolling hills. The views of the Nevis River and the dramatic cliffs along the way will leave you in awe. Skippers Canyon itself is an area of great natural beauty, with a picturesque river cutting a deep gorge through the landscape. Visitors can explore the area on a number of walking tracks, with old gold-mining sites, a historic suspension bridge and plenty of wildlife to be seen. The nearby Skippers Canyon Jet is also a popular activity, with a thrilling jet boat ride through the stunning canyon. The town of Skippers Canyon is also a great place to explore, with a number of local cafes, restaurants and shops. From here you can also access a number of other attractions within the area, including the historic gold-mining town of Macetown, the nearby Cardrona Valley and the ski resort of Coronet Peak. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is Queenstown Airport (ZQN). From here, you can rent a car for the scenic drive to Skippers Canyon, allowing you to make the most of the stunning scenery along the way. No trip to New Zealand's South Island is complete without a visit to Skippers Canyon and its beautiful surroundings. So why not make it the final destination of your road trip and enjoy the stunning views of the area?

Before you set off

Embark on an unforgettable 22-kilometer (approximately 15-mile) journey through Skippers Canyon Road, which takes you into the heart of New Zealand's stunning South Island landscapes. Starting from Arthur's Point near Queenstown, this historic route was carved out during the gold rush era and leads to the once-thriving Skippers Canyon.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

As you navigate along the Skippers Canyon Road, you’ll encounter breathtaking views of the Shotover River, remnants of the region's mining past, and awe-inspiring natural formations. Notable attractions include the restored Skippers Bridge, the Skippers Point Suspension Bridge, and the Skippers Cemetery. The panoramic scenery and the rich history embedded in the landscape offer a vivid tapestry of New Zealand's heritage.

Best Time to Go:

The most favorable time for this Road Trip is from October to April, during New Zealand's spring and summer seasons. These months provide longer daylight hours and typically milder weather, enhancing the beauty of the landscape with blooming flora and offering safer driving conditions.

Potential Risks:

Skippers Canyon Road is renowned for its narrow and unsealed paths, with certain sections etched into sheer cliff faces. It's imperative for drivers to exercise caution and to be prepared for a lack of guardrails and tight turns. Rental car companies often exclude Skippers Canyon on their insurance coverage, so a guided tour or a special vehicle might be advisable.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• Skippers Canyon Road is often considered one of New Zealand's most adventurous Roads and is a testament to the country's pioneering spirit.
• The canyon is named after “Skipper” Malcolm Duncan, an early prospector who lived in the area.
• The Road's construction was a remarkable feat of engineering in the 1880s, involving hand drills and black powder blasts.
• Skippers Canyon played a role in the Lord of the Rings films as a filming location, adding to the region's magical allure.

A good choice for:

The Skippers Canyon Road Trip is a testament to New Zealand's fusion of natural wonders and historical depth. It invites travelers to explore the unspoiled beauty, offering a unique glimpse into the rugged terrain that shaped the nation's early settlement and adventurous spirit.