Product Overview

Your journey back in time to Queenstown’s golden era!

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, available in multiple languages and professionally narrated by voice actors, 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. 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.

Product Description

• In-depth GPS-activated stories, available in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish

• Daily morning and afternoon departures

• Small bus tour (max 11 people)

• Popular filming locations (The Lord of the Rings, Mission: Impossible, A Remarkable Place to Die)

• Photo stops along one of New Zealand's most scenic road

• Barista coffee or beer/wine included in price

• Three convenient locations for pickup:

1 - 43 Camp Street

2 - Creeksyde Holiday Park Bus Stop

3 - Industrial Place Carpark Bus Stop

Departure Times

8:00 am and 1:00 pm

Duration

3 - 4 hours

What To Bring

• Sturdy shoes are recommended.
• Jacket for the colder months (we provide umbrellas).
• Water – there is nowhere to buy refreshments in the canyon.
• Bug spray – you may encounter sand flies on parts of the tour.
• Camera and sun cream – don’t forget to capture the views and protect yourself from the sun!

Company Info

Hi, I’m Cal — owner, operator, driver, and yes, even the cleaner here at The Goldrush Tour.

I launched the tour in 2025 out of a deep passion for Skippers Canyon and the rich history of Queenstown. I’ve spent nearly a decade exploring this incredible region, many of which as a driver/guide, and I never tire of the tales of glory and hardship that shaped the goldrush era.

To help bring those stories to life, I’ve researched and written a detailed collection of stories that runs throughout the tour. These stories are available in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish, with many more languages to follow.

My goal is to make this journey accessible and meaningful, no matter where you’re from — so you can experience the canyon’s history in your own language.