Skippers Express
Flight 103 - Join the gold rush
Historic Skippers Canyon is the heart of the region's gold mining history.
Skippers Canyon was a rugged and unforgiving home to many prospectors during the times of the Central Otago gold rush.
Explore this area from the air to get an understanding of just how challenging it would have been to mine this land in the late 19th century. Fly over Coronet Peak and follow the Shotover River as it meanders through the canyons while your pilot points out the many landmarks and remnants of gold mining times. After an alpine landing you'll return via Ben Lomond Saddle and Lake Whakatipu.
Trip Pricing
- Season 2020
- Season 2021
- Charter
Dates: January 1 2020 – September 30 2020
Dates: October 1 2020 – September 30 2021
This flight is available on an exclusive basis for private groups of up to five people. Please email our team by using the 'enquire now' button below for more information.
Skippers Express Flight Path
Note: Flight path is indicative only.
Please note:
- We strongly recommend you make your flight bookings in advance and at the start of your Queenstown itinerary. If we cannot fly due to adverse weather, we can transfer your booking to another day.
Booking Information
We strongly recommend that you make your flight bookings in advance and at the start of your Queenstown itinerary to ensure you are not disappointed. If we cannot fly due to adverse weather, we can transfer your booking to another day. Alternatively, if you would prefer, we will refund you in full.
To make a booking please use our secure booking form by clicking the book now button placed throughout the site. Please note that your credit card details are required to make a booking however no charges will be processed until the day your flight departs. Please note that this is not a live inventory booking system. Upon submitting your booking enquiry you will receive an email from us, confirming availability and departure time.
Please call us at least 24 hours prior to departure for a weather check, to reconfirm booking details and to receive confirmation of departure time. This will allow alternative flight arrangements to be made if weather conditions are unfavourable.
Our toll-free contact number is 0800 801 616.
If you cancel your reservation more than 24 hours from the departure time, a full refund will be made. Cancellations within 24 hours of the departure time will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
All prices are quoted in New Zealand Dollars and include 15% Goods and Service Tax. Rates for the 2020 season are valid until 30 September 2020, rates for the 2021 season are valid until 30 September 2021.
All prices are subject to change without notice. Some public holidays are subject to a surcharge.
We welcome New Zealand currency, agent vouchers and all major credit cards. Please note credit cards will incur a surcharge. Fuel surcharges may also apply.
Children aged 0 – 11 years are eligible for child rates. Child rates are calculated at 70% of the adult fare unless otherwise stated. 12 years and over are considered adults.
The away times (flight durations) specified in the flight tour itineraries are approximate and can be subject to weather conditions. On occasion, flight paths and landing locations may change at the pilot’s discretion. We will always keep you informed of any changes to the published information.
On all scenic flights, minimum numbers apply unless otherwise stated. Individual bookings may be combined if necessary to achieve minimum numbers. We carry a maximum of 6 passengers per aircraft within Civil Aviation Authority restrictions. For aircraft weight and balance purposes, please advise at the time of booking if any passenger exceeds 83kg (CAA standard weight).
A courtesy coach is available to pick up and drop off passengers from their accommodation in the Queenstown area.
Because you’ll be outdoors in an alpine environment you will need:
- comfortable walking shoes/boots
- windproof jacket
- warm clothing
- camera, sunglasses, hat, sunblock and any personal items