Skippers

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Top 10 attractions in Skippers

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Glenorchy

Glenorchy

6.9
4.3/5
210 reviews
Glenorchy's Chinese name translates to Glenorchy. Located on the north bank of Lake Wakatipu, just 45 minutes from Queenstown, it is the gateway to many hiking trails and the magical world of Middle-earth. 1. An outdoor lover's paradise This rustic town is a veritable outdoor lover's paradise. Surrounded by native beech forests and towering mountains, Glenorchy's surroundings are never lacking in excitement. Stunning Lake Wakatipu and the Dart River offer plenty of options for jet boating and kayaking, and it's a popular base for New Zealand's many walking trails. Horseback riding is also one of the most popular activities here. 2. The spectacular scenery of Glenorchy, the filming location of "The Lord of the Rings", has made it a filming location for blockbusters. The "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "The Chronicles of Narnia" have been shot here in large numbers. Twenty kilometers from Glenorchy, as idyllic farmland is gradually replaced by beech forest, we come to the town of Paradise. The origins of the name vary, with some saying it got its name from the natural charm of the place, while others say it got its name from the ducks of paradise that inhabit it. No one can be sure of the origin of its name, but the suffocating natural beauty here has been unanimously recognized by everyone. . "This is the Middle-earth I've always fantasized about," Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf) said of Paradise.Glenorchy · 23.7 km from Skippers
Queenstown Gardens
2026 Global 50 - Spring Outings

Queenstown Gardens

6.4
4.4/5
129 reviews
Queenstown Gardens is located on a small peninsula extending into Lake Wakatipu, just a short walk from the town center. This botanical garden is filled with towering ancient trees. Walking along the lakeside path around the peninsula, you will see shimmering lake waters and distant mountains on one side, and dense groves of trees on the other. The colors are particularly vibrant in late fall, making it a great place to unwind after sightseeing. The details of the park are worth slowing down to appreciate: many notable trees, such as English oaks, Chilean pines, and giant sequoias, were planted by the first mayor and are now listed as protected trees. The rose garden next to the tennis courts turns into a sea of flowers during the blooming season. The bandstand and the memorial to Scott's Antarctic Expedition chronicle the town's history. If you want to experience outdoor sports, the park has a disc golf course, where throwing discs through the trees is a fun experience. While walking, keep an eye out for birds in the forest; the birdsong accompanied by the lake breeze offers visitors a relaxing and pleasant natural experience.Queenstown · 21.6 km from Skippers
Queenstown Hill
No. 18 of Spring Outings in New Zealand

Queenstown Hill

5.1
4.4/5
27 reviews
Located in the South Island of New Zealand, Queenstown Mountain is an Attraction known for its outdoor adventures and natural beauty. As a paradise for adventure lovers, it offers a wide range of activities to fully experience the natural charm of New Zealand. Whether it is a ski resort in winter or hiking in summer, Queenstown Mountain can meet the needs of adventure in different seasons. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are the main activities, and the mountain's ski field is well-equipped to suit skiers of all levels. Professional instructors and equipment rental services ensure that visitors can enjoy skiing safely. Summer is the ideal season for hiking and mountain biking. Visitors can explore the natural scenery of the mountain along picturesque trails and enjoy the magnificent lake and mountain views.Queenstown · 18.1 km from Skippers
Lake Wakatipu
2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Lake Wakatipu

6.4
4.7/5
554 reviews
Lake Wakatipu is located on the South Island of New Zealand, and Queenstown is located on its north shore. The charming river bay is dotted with Queenstown. It is shaped like a lightning and the lake is clear. It is also a popular destination for outdoor activities in New Zealand. 1. Sky Gondola Overlook If you are in Queenstown, you can choose to take the Sky Gondola to overlook Lake Wakatipu. The Sky Gondola sits at the top of Bobt's Peak in Queenstown, a great place to overlook downtown Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains beyond. 2. Steamboat cruise The TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu is undoubtedly one of the ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery, so that you can not only appreciate the lake and mountains more closely, but also feel the tranquility and serenity of the lake, and enjoy the shocking experience. The breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to enjoy a delicious barbecue and experience the authentic New Zealand culture. The TSS Earnslaw steamship will cross Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm (Walter Peak High Country Farm). You'll enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch at the ranch or dinner at Colonel's Homestead restaurant and watch a unique farm show. 3. The neighboring Gibbston Valley (Gibbston Valley) has more than 70 wineries, producing a variety of wines, especially Pinot Noir. You can sign up for AppellationCentral WineTours' daily wine tasting tour, which includes visits to 4 wineries, wine tasting, and lunch. At the end of the lake is a place called Glenorchy, the town of The Lord of the Rings. The town is very quiet, there are only sporadic tourists by the lake, and the small bridge in the lake attracts many tourists.Walter Peak · 29.9 km from Skippers
St Peter's Anglican Church
Selected for Best Things to Do in Queenstown

St Peter's Anglican Church

4.6
4.7/5
65 reviews
St. Peter's Church is an idyllic haven. The beautiful wood-beamed building, with its ingenious structure and windows inlaid with stained glass, was donated by a devout parishioner. Take a look at the cedar wood chanting platform, carved by AhTong who came to New Zealand in the 1870s. In the heart of Queenstown's shopping district and by the nearby lake, St Peters Church today is a beautiful, photogenic building set in a lawned park-like setting. The church is more than a hundred years old and contains some beautiful furniture inside, notably the carved eagle podium, a work completed in 1874 by a Chinese named A Tong. In memory of those who lost their lives in World War I. The text on the window tells the story of the Good Shepherd.Queenstown · 21.1 km from Skippers
Arrow River

Arrow River

3.2
4.6/5
32 reviews
Nestled among the mountains, the Arrow River rose to fame in 1862 with the discovery of gold, and nearby Queenstown is beginning to be better known. It has not been over-exploited, but has largely maintained its original state. The river water is clear and blue, and there are various colors of wildflowers growing on both sides of the river, which is very beautiful. Now you can still see people panning for gold with tools here. If you are interested, you might as well go down the river and try it.Arrowtown · 11.7 km from Skippers
Shotover River

Shotover River

2.9
5.0/5
11 reviews
The 60-kilometer-long Shotover River is located in Queenstown, New Zealand's South Island, next to the magnificent and narrow Shotover River Gorge. The scenery on both sides of the canyon is beautiful, especially in summer and autumn. The Shotover River is surrounded by green elements, canyons and cliffs, and green waters, forming a flowing landscape painting. The river is fast flowing and runs through the entire narrow and steep canyon. It is because of its unique geographical factors and the surrounding beauty that jet boats have become a very popular recreational item in this area.Skippers · 9 km from downtown
Wānaka

Wānaka

6.5
4.8/5
119 reviews
Wānaka is backed by the Southern Alps and is a lakeside town that blends refined living, family vacations, and outdoor adventure. Cafes, restaurants, and unique shops in the town center line the lakeshore. Just a few steps away, you can sit by the water and watch the snow-capped mountains reflected in the clear lake. The lone willow tree standing in the lake is an iconic image of the town. The soft light during the morning mist and at sunset are popular times for photography. The town has a deep connection with aviation. You can book sightseeing flights, helicopter tours, or skydiving at the airport to overlook Lake Wānaka and the glacial peaks of Mount Aspiring from the air. The town hosts a biennial airshow featuring classic military aircraft, a traditional local event. During the winter ski season, ski resorts such as Cardrona and Treble Cone are within a 1-hour drive. In spring and summer, the Roy's Peak track attracts many hikers with its panoramic views of Lake Wānaka. It is also a convenient base if you want to venture into Mount Aspiring National Park for hiking or mountaineering.Wanaka · 39.5 km from Skippers
ThatWanakaTree
Selected for Best Things to Do in Wanaka

ThatWanakaTree

5.9
4.8/5
17 reviews
ThatWanakaTree is a lone willow tree growing in the waters at the southern end of Lake Wānaka. It stands in shallow water not far from the shore, right next to the lakeside trail. According to local lore, decades ago, a willow branch used as a fence post was stuck into the lakebed. It later took root and sprouted, growing into the solitary tree in the lake that we see today, attracting numerous photography enthusiasts. The unique charm of this attraction lies in its natural appearance that changes with the seasons: in spring and summer, its branches and leaves spread out, with the greenery reflected on the clear lake surface; in the fall, the leaves turn golden, often framed alongside snow-dusted ridges; in winter, the bare branches, combined with the distant snow-capped peaks and the morning mist on the lake, create a deeply moving scene. At sunrise, when the lake is calm, the snow-capped mountains and the tree's reflection appear together in the water, making it the golden hour for photography. As a highly iconic natural view along the lakeshore, it can be admired from many angles along the bank, offering visitors an excellent experience for photography and nature walks.Wanaka · 37.6 km from Skippers
Historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement

Historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement

3.2
3.4/5
33 reviews
The Chinese settlement is located in Arrowtown, New Zealand, because the gold rush in Arrowtown in the 19th century attracted Chinese laborers to join the ranks of gold diggers. At that time, a small self-sufficient society was formed by relying on the ties of clan and origin as spiritual support. Most of the buildings that recreated the town's appearance a hundred years ago as a settlement for Chinese workers fell into disuse after the 1920s. In 1983, under the guidance of the Archaeology Department of the University of Otago, the New Zealand government rebuilt the settlement of Chinese workers on the original site, reproducing the living conditions of Chinese miners more than 100 years ago. A total of 21 buildings, including shops, were built. , dormitory, etc.Arrowtown · 15.2 km from Skippers

Experiences you can't miss in Skippers

Featured Cultural experiences in Skippers

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Arrowtown & Gibbston Tour, Lord of the Rings Film Locations
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4.9/5
· 119 reviews
Duration: 4.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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98.3% of travelers recommend
5% off
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FromUS$112.15US$118.06
Half Day Arrowtown and Gibbston Lord of the Rings Film Locations
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Duration: 270 mins
Free cancellation
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FromUS$120.89
Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations
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FromUS$235.99
Wanaka real guns shooting experience (professional guidance + live ammunition shooting)
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromUS$119.58

Featured Day tours in Skippers

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From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride
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4.9/5
· 161 reviews· 34 booked
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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27 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$122.89US$129.36
Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Goldrush Multilingual Tour
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5.0/5
· 14 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
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FromUS$90.34US$95.1
Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride
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4.9/5
· 8 reviews
Duration: 1 hr
Free cancellation
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5% off
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FromUS$85.39US$89.89
Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience
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4.9/5
· 29 reviews
Duration: 25–90 mins
Free cancellation
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29 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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FromUS$106.78US$112.41
Queenstown: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Trip
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Queenstown: Shotover Canyon Swing - World's First!
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 2.5 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$165.82US$174.55

Featured Outdoor experiences in Skippers

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Queenstown: Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure Tour - Half Day
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Duration: 4 hrs
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5% off
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Queenstown: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Adventure
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5% off
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Queenstown: Shotover River Rafting & Skippers Canyon Tour
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 5 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$176.54US$185.84
New Zealand Milford Sound / Piopiotahi 1-day tour | Realnz direct booking | available from Queenstown/Te Anau
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4.9/5
· 77 reviews· 1.2k booked
Duration: 10.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
96.1% of travelers recommend
FromUS$146.49
Milford Sound cruise sightseeing tour [Multiple vessels available + wildlife encounters and waterfall visits]
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4.9/5
· 7 reviews· 193 booked
Duration: 1.7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
29 bookings in 7 days
FromUS$92.12

Free things to do in Skippers

What travelers say about Skippers

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Claire Young21 March 2023
5.0
This is known as the place closest to heaven. It is a very simple town. Many scenes are shot here in the movie. There is also a place called paradise. Seeing the vast grassland, rivers, sheep and horses, you can feel comfortable physically and mentally.

Glenorchy

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D了个Y30 May 2022
4.0
Queenstown Gardens is located in the southeast of Queenstown, on a small peninsula by Lake Wakatipu. The garden is close to the city and the environment is quite quiet. There are towering ancient trees and not many people. The trails in the park are surrounded by trees and flowers. It is a good place for leisure strolls. The garden is not very big. It is a good choice to stroll along the lake after dinner.

Queenstown Gardens

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印象西南29 April 2026
5.0
I will focus on my genuine feelings after the trip, depicting the natural scenery, experiences, and inner emotions of Queenstown's mountains, using delicate strokes to capture the unforgettable moments of this mountain journey. A rendezvous with the mountains of Queenstown, leaving my heart moved amidst the South Island's peaks. Having concluded my mountain adventure in Queenstown, my steps have already begun the journey home, but my thoughts linger on those rolling mountains, unwilling to leave. This town, embraced by the Southern Alps, has mountains as its skeleton and lakes as its soul. Every inch of its mountain scenery holds a healing power, and every hike becomes a tender travel imprint in my heart. My first glimpse of Queenstown's mountains was breathtakingly magnificent and gentle. The mountains stretch endlessly, their peaks perpetually capped with snow, gleaming coolly under the clear blue sky. At their base, however, lush greenery thrives, with varying shades of green contrasting beautifully with the pristine white summits, creating a breathtakingly layered landscape. We ascended slowly in the Skyline Gondola, winding through forests and mist. Below us lay verdant trees, and in the distance, the sapphire-blue Lake Wakatipu stretched out before us. The town's houses nestled gracefully along the lakeshore and mountainsides, making us feel as if we had stepped into a fairytale wonderland. With each meter we ascended, the scenery became more awe-inspiring, and all our worries vanished in the expansive landscape. Only after reaching the summit did we truly understand the allure of Queenstown Mountain. Standing on the Bob's Peak lookout, a 360° panoramic view unfolds before you. In the distance, majestic snow-capped mountains stand guard, silently protecting this land. The azure lake nestles against the mountains, its surface shimmering, rippling in the breeze, echoing the mountain air. The mountain air is crisp and clean, carrying the fragrance of grass and earth; a deep breath fills you with the freshness of nature. Strolling along the mountain trails, soft fallen leaves underfoot, lush trees all around, sunlight filtering through the branches, casting dappled shadows, and the occasional bird flitting among the branches, leaving a clear, melodious song—time seems to slow down here, making you want to stop and quietly savor this unique tranquility and peace. The mountains of Queenstown offer both magnificent natural scenery and a unique charm of life. At the mountaintop restaurant, we sat by the window, enjoying authentic cuisine while watching the mountain sunset. As the sun sets, golden rays bathe the mountains, turning the snow a gentle orange-red, and the lake shimmers with a warm glow, enveloping the entire landscape in a romantic twilight. There are no bustling crowds, no hurried footsteps, only the breathtaking scenery before you, and a sense of peace and contentment within. Even without seeking the thrill of extreme sports, simply sitting quietly, strolling, and gazing into the distance in the mountains brings a profound sense of healing and happiness—this is the unique gentleness of the Queenstown mountains. On the way down, looking back at these rolling mountains, my heart is filled with reluctance to leave. Here, the mountains are free from the hustle and bustle of the world, possessing only pure beauty; the wind here carries away the weariness of the journey, leaving behind a heart full of joy. In these mountains, we encountered the ultimate natural scenery, experienced a slower pace of travel, and rediscovered inner peace and tranquility.

Queenstown Hill

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去旅行YJQ7 July 2023
5.0
Lake Wakatipu is the third largest lake in New Zealand. In addition to its beautiful scenery, it is also the center of New Zealand's outdoor activities. Mountain skiing, surfing, parachuting, jet boats, whitewater kayaking are all available here. The world-famous bungee jumping first emerged here.

Lake Wakatipu

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旅の径5 October 2020
4.0
St. Peter's Church, the oldest church in Queenstown, is located in the southwest corner of the downtown commercial district, on the south side of the middle section of Moore Avenue. Queenstown is known as the "honeymoon paradise" not only because of the lake and mountains, tranquility and comfort, but also because of the existence of this church. Many celebrities (including movie actor Yao Chen) choose to hold their weddings here. The church, built in 1861, is a wooden frame and stone structure, built with stones from the shore of Lake Wakatipu. The dark yellow wooden frame, blue-gray stones, white joints, and gorgeous glass add a sense of elegance and beauty to the small and exquisite church. I deliberately walked by and took pictures on the lawn and shade of the trees around the church. I also visited here and left no regrets.

St Peter's Anglican Church

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dd当当17 April 2020
5.0
The yellow leaves in autumn are a nice backdrop. The river is quite clean.

Arrow River

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jing0ling23 January 2024
5.0
wanaka is a nice place that can travel with family . Kids and Parents will love that and the people there is so nice and friendly.

Wānaka

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tt梦幻小妖23 January 2020
5.0
Nature is really amazing. After watching the star chasers, there is a lake like this and a lonely tree. No matter how you take pictures, it looks like an oil painting. There are also towering mountains around.

ThatWanakaTree

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小凌6011 September 2020
3.0
This Chinese settlement is probably the earliest Chinese community in New Zealand. It is not large in scale and consists of very low stone houses. At that time, many Chinese people lived in this place and panned for gold locally.

Historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Skippers?

Don't miss these attractions in Skippers: Glenorchy, Queenstown Gardens, and Queenstown Hill. If you like Cultural experiences, try Arrowtown & Gibbston Tour, Lord of the Rings Film Locations. If you enjoy Day tours, try From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride.

You can give Sightseeing Tour: Highlights of Queenstown + Wine Tasting and Queenstown skyline buffet Stratosfare optional window seat + luge a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride, Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Goldrush Multilingual Tour, and Arrowtown & Gibbston Tour, Lord of the Rings Film Locations. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 18 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Skippers is around USD 85.39 – USD 165.82. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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