Queenstown: Family Rafting Shotover River & Skippers Canyon

Summary

Family rafting adventure in Queenstown’s wild backcountry with stories and gentle rapids

You’ll float down Queenstown’s Shotover River with your family, paddle gentle rapids together, and hear stories about Skippers Canyon’s gold-mining days from your local guide. There’s time for riverside snacks and silly moments in the raft—plus all equipment is sorted for you. It’s an easygoing adventure that leaves you smiling long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the gravel crunched under our bus tires as we wound into Skippers Canyon. It’s steeper than it looks in photos—like you’re dropping into some old movie set, except there’s this real, sharp smell of wild thyme in the air. Our guide, Matt, started talking about the gold miners who used to work these hills. He pointed out a rusted bit of machinery half-hidden in the grass. My youngest just wanted to know if there’d be any pirates (close enough, I guess).

Getting into the river gear felt a bit clumsy—I fumbled with my helmet strap and my daughter laughed at me. The Shotover River looked calm at first, but once we pushed off, you could feel that cold water tugging at your paddle. The rapids were gentle—nothing wild—but enough to get everyone grinning and splashing each other (my son managed to soak me twice). At one point Matt let us drift quietly for a while; you could hear nothing but water and birds. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed out there.

We stopped for snacks on a pebbly bank where the sun finally broke through the clouds. Someone handed around chocolate biscuits—classic Kiwi style—and my hands were still wrinkled from the river. On the way back, Matt shared more about how Queenstown changed after the gold rush, which made me look at those green hills differently. I still think about that view as we left Skippers Canyon behind—kind of wishing we’d had just one more rapid to try.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rafting and sightseeing in Queenstown

• Drive through gold-mining region
• Learn about New Zealand history
• Raft upper Shotover River

Top questions

Is this rafting trip suitable for young children?

Yes, kids as young as 3 years old can join this family rafting trip on the Shotover River near Queenstown.

Do I need previous rafting experience or swimming skills?

No prior rafting experience or water confidence is necessary for this tour.

How long does the tour last?

This is a half-day trip including transport from Queenstown to Skippers Canyon and back.

What should I bring for the day trip?

You should bring a swimsuit and towel; all specialized river gear is provided.

Are snacks included?

Yes, snacks are provided during the tour.

Is transport included from Queenstown?

Yes, transport to and from the rafting base is included in your booking.

Can infants or small children join?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during parts of the trip.

Are souvenir photos available?

Souv enir photos are available for purchase after your adventure.

What’s included

Your day includes transport from Queenstown into Skippers Canyon, all specialized river rafting equipment, qualified local guides throughout, GST tax covered, snacks during your break by the riverbank, plus souvenir photos available to purchase if you want something extra to remember it by before heading back home dry (or not so dry).