Located in Otago of South island New Zealand the Shotover is a breathtaking 75 kilometre long river. The river flows south from the Southern Alps and journeys through skipper’s canyon before it drains to the Kawarau River east of Queenstown. The river is historically significant as one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world. To date these beautiful waters attracts small time gold seekers, although it is mainly a tourist attraction now.
The river was given its name by the first European to settle on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. It was previously known as the Tummel River. The Maori name however for it is Kimi Akau. In the year 1991 it froze from bank to bank making any activity on it impossible. In the recent past there have been several occasions when large blocks of ice disrupted water sports and tourist boats.
White water rafting and jet boating are favourites among the excursions offered on the river. There is also a canyon swing site upriver from Arthurs Point. Journeying through the spectacular skippers canyon has over the years become the most popular adrenaline pumping activity in the area. Rafting is peaceful at first in the upstream area of deep creek and exhilarating as you reach the rapids of the lower canyon. Rafting through the 170 meter oxen bridge is breathtaking as is the shoot over the cascading river as one completes the adventure.
There are plenty of licensed tour operators that offer jet boating and white water rafting experiences on these turquoise waters that are complete with refreshments, safety measures and transport back to your hotel. It’s a great adventure to indulge in while you explore the beauty of Queenstown. If you are looking for accommodation in this breathtakingly beautiful town bordered by the lake Wakatipu there are varying kinds of Queenstown hotel accommodation from comfortable motels to lavish five stars. Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront is a renowned hotel in the area that caters to travellers who seek ultimate luxuries while vacationing here. With breathtaking views of the Lake Wakatipu, the rooms of this hotel are well appointed and offer state of the art amenities and conveniences. For a truly satisfying experience while you explore this gorgeous countryside area book in to this amazing Queenstown resort.
Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry. Google+
