There’s never a shortage of adrenaline pumping things to do in Queenstown.
1: Tandem Paragliding
There are a few companies that you can go paragliding with in Queenstown
SKYTREK and CORONET PEAK TANDEM PARAGLIDING & HANG GLIDING.
In summer you jump off the top of Coronet Peak and winter the top of Coronet Peak Ski field. The heights vary between 3800 ft (1143m) and 5500 ft (1676m). It roughly takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach the ground once you jump. Prices range between $190 NZD to $260 NZD depending on the time of year. Both companies offer a shuttle bus from their offices in Queenstown and i suggest to book ahead because it’s limited numbers and really depends on the weather.
2: Bungy Jumping
A J Hackett is world famous for bungy jumping and Queenstown has a few sites to pick from but
if you want to do the highest bungy jump then go for the Nevis Bungy which is 440 ft (134m) above the rugged Nevis River. It’s 8.5 seconds of free fall! Even getting there is an adventure with a 35 minute ride in a 4WD through a sheep station as well as a cable car just to get to the bungy pod. Transport to and from the jump are included in the price $275 NZD.
3: Tandem Hang Gliding
Yes that’s me in the photo hang gliding, I’m pretty scared of heights but i really challenged myself and decided to tandem jump off Coronet Peak at 3800 ft with only a 30kg hang glider to hold on too! It was the most magical experience I’ve even felt, you actually feel like a bird just floating in the air.
In summer you jump off Coronet Peak and i went with Coronet Peak Tandem Hang Gliding but in winter Skytrek Aero-tow you instead of jumping. You get to fly over Glenorchy, seeing all the snow covered mountains and lakes so you actually can fly higher and longer in the winter. You’re usually in the air for 15-20 minutes in summer $189 NZD and 20-30 minutes in winter $299 NZD.
4: Shotover Jet
If you love speed boats then this one’s for you! The Shotover Jet is the only jet boat allowed to operate in the Shotover River Canyons. It’s 7kms out of Queenstown but provides a shuttle bus and a waterproof jumpsuit to each passenger. I must warn you though you still will get wet so bring a change of clothes and bring sunglasses because the water hits your face and it doesn’t tickle! The boat does 360 degree spins so hold on otherwise you’ll be really friendly with the person sitting next to you. Prices start from $69-$129 NZD but if you keep your eye out sometimes you can get it on special.
5: Tandem Skydiving
Tandem skydiving from 15,000 ft takes courage! Courage that i don’t have hahaha. The photo above is actually my 18yr old daughter, now she has courage! You can also jump from 12,000 ft or 9,000 ft either way you’re traveling at 200 km per hour for up to 60 seconds free falling. NZONE Skydive were the first tandem skydive in Queenstown and have a great safety record over the past 25 years. You need to wear warm layers and flat closed-toed shoes and they will provide you with a warm jumpsuit, hat, gloves and googles. The price also includes the shuttle bus to and from the jump. Allow 3 hours and prices start from $299 -$439 NZD.
Well i hope i have inspired some of you to visit Queenstown, New Zealand. It’s a beautiful city in summer or winter and the scenery is stunning. Take your cameras !
Thanks for being part of my journey
Rachel Brown Photo Blogger
www.rachelbrownphotoblogger.com