Local company continues to operate despite road closure

Skippers Canyon Jet and 4WD Adventures are operating as normal despite the closure this week of Skippers Road.

The 140-year-old historic and remote road was recently affected by heavy rain, leaving it in a fragile state and in need of urgent repair. But Skippers Canyon Jet has a special access arrangement with Queenstown Lakes District Council to ensure its trip schedule is unaffected.

“We’re a Queenstown company owned by 5th generation Skippers Canyon residents,” said Matt Rhodes, Marketing Manager of Skippers Canyon Jet. “Our business is 100% dependent on the road and council has understood that and worked with us to ensure we have limited access to the road. We are able to continue to operate as normal throughout the delicate restoration process.”

Mr Rhodes says there is no inconvenience to Skippers Canyon Jet customers and in fact the only way to for people to visit the Canyon by road right now is with the company’s 4WD Adventures.

“The work just adds to the experience really. It’s an amazing, hand built road dating back to the gold mining era. There are tracks on each side of the work area which people can walk across as the road is being extended. It’s a wonderful time to be in the Canyon and of course the jetboat trip is completely unaffected.”

As the only company allowed to operate a jet boat on the Shotover River in Skippers Canyon and 4WD adventures on the Skippers Road, Skippers Canyon Jet ensures its heritage and environment is maintained for future generations.

“It is unusual for anyone to be granted access to the road, but as we are locals, and always have been, we are still able to run our trips as normal at 9am and 1pm.”

Skippers Canyon Jet Ltd is endorsed by Qualmark, Tourism New Zealand’s quality standard.