The spectacular Skippers bridge in NZ

The spectacular Skippers bridge in NZ

New Zealand, oceania

Length

15 km

Elevation

91 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: You're on the South Island of New Zealand, near Queenstown, about to tackle a drive that's legendary for its thrills. You approach the Skippers Bridge, a suspension bridge clinging to the side of Skippers Canyon, high above the Shotover River. We're talking almost 100 meters above the water!

Built way back in 1901, this narrow, single-lane bridge is the gateway to the old Skippers gold-mining settlement - now a virtual ghost town. The bridge itself is a masterpiece, suspended on massive wire cables, but don't get distracted by the scenery.

This ain't a Sunday drive. This is a real white-knuckle experience. The speed limit's a snail's pace 15km/h for a reason, and only one vehicle is allowed on the bridge at a time. The bridge is only 2.2m wide with a 2.5 tonne weight limit, so leave your Hummer at home. The drop is seriously intense, with sheer rock faces on both sides. But if you're up for an adventure with stunning views and a serious adrenaline rush, the Skippers Bridge is an absolute must-do.

Where is it?

The spectacular Skippers bridge in NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.2041, 173.6218

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Road Details

Country
New Zealand
Continent
oceania
Length
15 km
Max Elevation
91 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-41.2041, 173.6218

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