Queenstown Skippers Canyon Heli Hike
Guided walks departs from QueenstownAT A GLANCE
- Departs: Queenstown 8am or 1.30pm
- Season: Year round
- Grade: Easy to moderate
- Duration: 5 hours
- Walking time: 3-4 hours
HIGHLIGHTS
- Return Scenic Helicopter flight into historic Skippers Canyon
- Chance to visit Historic mountain huts
- Learn about the history of the area – the main reason Queenstown grew in the last century
- Visit to New Zealand’s first hydro electric power scheme built in the pursuit of gold.
INCLUDES
- Pick up and drop off at accommodation
- Helicopter flight
- Guided walk
- Light refreshments
MORE INFORMATION & ITINERARY
Itinerary and further details
Imagine a scenic helicopter flight over spectacular Queenstown, with mountain and lake views to amaze you. Your experienced pilot will soar above the world famous Shotover River, in the 1860’s branded the world’s richest gold bearing river. Jaw dropping aerial views will be mixed with a spectacular flight deep into the Queenstown high country landing below Mt Aurum (Mt Gold), amongst the pioneering relics of the 1880’s gold rush. Here we explore on foot, visiting historic mountain huts, and Dynamo Flat, New Zealand’s first hydro electric power scheme built in the pursuit of gold.
We then take a leisurely 2.-3 hour guided walk down river past herb fields, native forests, wild fruits and water falls to Mt Aurum Homestead and Skippers Point. Here your knowledgeable guide will share stories of the early families and pioneers that forged a living from this dramatic landscape. The helicopter will then pick us up from our pre-arranged pick up point and fly us back to Queenstown, we will then drop you back at your hotel.
Note: Vegetation experience depends on the time of year. Trip subject to weather conditions.
Map of Skippers Canyon walks
Map of Skippers Canyon and the guided walk route
Skippers Canyon Elevation Profile of the guided walk
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What to wear and bring for a day hike
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS – Some items we may be able to provide it to you, other items can be hired in Queenstown, please contact us for more informations
- Jacket/Coat – wind and waterproof with hood
- Boots – sturdy, good fit, protected with dressing/polish
- Treking pants/trousers
- Top/ shirt – quick drying sports or hiking tops are best.
Avoid cotton as although cool in the summer, it can be cold when wet or sweaty - Walking socks
- Warm hat, beanie or balaclava and gloves or mittens
Even in summer the weather can turn cooler in the evenings - Mid layer pullover: fleece tops or polartec type are ideal (light and quick drying)
Cotton hoodies are not as warm and heavy when wet - Shorts
- Day pack – ideally with a waterproof liner
Pack should be light, strong and comfortable approx. 20-40 litres to carry your water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellant, camera, snacks and extra clothing/ waterproof - Drink Bottle
We can normally fill up along the way in streams so 1 litre is normally sufficient - Personal medication if required
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen, lip balm and sunhatOPTIONAL SUGGESTIONS
- Gaiters or Puttees – to keep out water and gravel
- Thermals – long sleeved top and long johns (quick drying)
The kiwi way is to wear them under shorts and t shirts - Over trousers – waterproof and windproof, essential if you get cold quickly
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Blister plasters/band-aid or tape
Although we do carry a first aid kit too - Camera, spare batteries and spare memory card
- Small day pack for personal items
- Camera
- Waterproof jacket
- Walking shoes
- Warm clothes (layers are best)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle
- Gaiters (optional)
