Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Private Photography Tour
Queenstown-Lakes District, Otago, Queenstown
Embark on a photography tour of Skippers Canyon. An adventure for landscape photography enthusiasts. Your guide, a local photographer will guide you through spectacular and majestic landscapes.
Queenstown Skippers Canyon Photography Tour
This 5-hour guided photography tour explores the wild, remote Skippers Canyon near Queenstown, suitable for all photography skill levels.
Highlights
- 5 hours exploring the wild and remote Skippers Canyon
- Expert guidance and support to capture the perfect shots
- All photography levels and camera types accommodated
- See the Shotover River, the Lighthouse, and Castle Rock
- Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation included
Description
Travel from Queenstown through rural countryside to Skippers Saddle, the start of a historical 22km dirt road built over 130 years ago. This road leads through mountainous backcountry to gold mining sites along the Shotover River.
The route follows a one-lane road above steep valleys featuring landmarks like Hell's Gate, Bus Scratch Corner, and Pincher's Bluff. Photographic opportunities include Gorilla Rock, the Lighthouse, and Castle Rock along with distant mountain ranges and snow-capped peaks.
At the halfway point, the tour visits a riverside beach, a base for jet boating and rafting on the Shotover’s blue glacial waters. The landscape reveals glacial terraces shaped by historic gold mining sluicing and dredging. Your guide identifies remnants such as a village site, water pipes, and a Chinese miner’s shack overtaken by nature.
The tour continues over a wooden suspension bridge spanning a 70-meter ravine, showcasing early settlers' engineering. The final stop is Skippers Schoolhouse, a restored building with a photographic collection on local history. Here, enjoy coffee, tea, and cookies before returning to Queenstown, with chances to reshoot favorite spots in new light.
Includes
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation
- Guided photography tour
- Expert photography tuition
- Refreshments: coffee, tea, cookies, and freshly-baked muffins
- All-wheel-drive transportation
- Personalized guidance and support
Excludes
- Meals
- Gratuities
Important Information
- Wear comfortable, warm clothing suitable for weather conditions
- Bring your camera and any necessary photography equipment
- Prepare for a bumpy ride on a dirt road
- Expect walking on varied terrain
- This is a private, flexible tour tailored to your group’s interests, with route options discussed at the start
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Book in advance to secure your preferred date and bring suitable footwear for walking. The best light for photography is usually in the morning and late afternoon.
