High in the hills above Queenstown in Otago, Skippers Canyon Road is a spectacular gravel drive into one of New Zealand's most storied gold-mining landscapes. Often billed as one of the country's 'most dangerous roads', the driving itself is straightforward, but the route is extremely narrow with massive cliff drop-offs and few passing places, so take it slow and watch for oncoming traffic. Some patches can get muddy and rutted in the wet, but most stock 4x4s handle it comfortably. The reward is unreal canyon scenery and a wealth of preserved history. The 1862 gold rush lured thousands of miners here, and at its peak Skippers boasted a post office, hall, hotel, stores and a school. The school closed in 1927, became a woolshed, then sat derelict for around 20 years until DOC restored it in 1992. Take your time to read the information boards, look out for wild goats, and you can even camp at the old Skipper township. A memorable day trip well worth the journey.