Range of new experiences on offer in Queenstown

Media release from Skippers Canyon Jet Ltd

9 June 2009

Range of new experiences on offer in Skippers Canyon, Queenstown

Skippers Canyon Jet Ltd in Queenstown combines heritage, scenery and adventure to deliver one of the most diverse tourism experiences in New Zealand.

Skippers Canyon Jet Ltd is the only company allowed to operate a jet boat on the Shotover River in Skippers Canyon, an area rich in gold mining history blessed with dramatic scenery. It also offers a 4WD adventure along the famous Skippers Road, an experience in itself, and a heritage tour of the area including a visit to Winky’s gold mining museum, rich with Skippers Canyon memorabilia.
 
Winky is the matriarch of the Hohneck family who established Skippers Canyon Jet Ltd in late 2007. The family has been gold mining or farming the land in Skippers Canyon since the 1860s and has a long history in tourism.

Matt Rhodes, Skippers Canyon Jet Ltd Marketing Manager, said the Hohneck name was synonymous with Skippers Canyon and the family was in the best position to host visitors to the area.

“The Hohnecks have so much knowledge of Skippers Canyon and the surrounding area and are involved in every aspect of the operation – from driving the jet boats to demonstrating gold panning techniques.

“Every time I help host a trip into Skippers Canyon I hear one of the family impart something new about the area to our customers that I haven’t heard before, which always blows me away. It’s this information that enriches the experience for our customers and you can see their eyes light up with what they’re hearing.”

Skippers Canyon Jet Ltd has recently imported two new OKAs (pronounced ‘okkers’) to increase its fleet to five. An OKA is a 4WD designed to meet Australian military vehicle requirements and enables the company to transport passengers into Skippers Canyon during winter.

“We’re the only company operating these vehicles on the Skippers Road and they really do give you the ultimate 4WD buzz! It also means our customers can enjoy our adventures all year round,” said Mr Rhodes.

The company is also venturing into the C&I market, now offering corporate team building programmes for groups of 10 to 120 people. The museum has been renovated to include a purpose built barn for use as a conference facility in the heart of the Canyon overlooking the river 100m below.

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

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