Photo: Scenic Shotover River Skippers Canyon Central Otago

A scenic view of the green shaded water of the Shotover River meandering its way through Skippers Canyon in Central Otago on the South Island of New Zealand.

The Shotover River weaves its way through the rugged rock cliffs of Skippers Canyon in Central Otago on the South Island of New Zealand for sixty kilometers. The sunlight sparkles off the Shotover River as it gently flows around the bases of the rocks, creating small white caps in areas where the river is not very deep.The position of the sun, reflects the tree line which follows along the river banks of Skippers Canyon on the surface of the river. The trees growing off the rocks reach great heights along the Shotover River and continue to flourish up the steep cliffs where they become thicker and taller.Skippers Canyon in Central Otago, New Zealand was once a gold mining site in early history around 1862 and was known as the richest gold bearing river throughout the world. Thousands would travel to New Zealand in search of gold where they would bunk down in one of the four hotels for days in search of their millions. ... continue below the picture...

... Today, the Shotover River is known for its scenic viewing, white water rafting adventures, jet boating and bungy jumping zones, which lures in thousands of tourists on a yearly basis. Areas of the river are fairly tame throughout Skippers Canyon, but be prepared while aboard one of these adventures, as the river can become fairly furious, increasing the excitement and fear. You can experience one of the most exhilarating jet boat rides as you twist and turn past the walls of Skippers Canyon.Not everyone who visits Central Otago on the South Island of New Zealand are ready to test their fears on these adventures, but instead take in the remnants from the gold mines and explore historic land. Skippers Canyon has some very scenic areas where mountain biking is exceptional or drive beyond the settlement to remote areas of the high country landscape. Shotover River in Skippers Canyon, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand.