Whether you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, or you’re just looking for a new adventure, you’ll want to consider a trip to Queenstown. Located in the south of New Zealand, the town is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including parasailing, skydiving, ziplining and the Ben Lomond Track.
Skydiving
Known as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’, Queenstown is a popular place to visit, especially when it comes to adrenalin-pumping activities such as skydiving. This popular activity provides an aerial view of the spectacular landscapes of New Zealand, which are stunning from above.
There are several skydiving centers in Queenstown. The NZONE Skydive is located near the domestic airport. They are a top-rated company, with a long track record of safe operations. They have jumped more than 250,000 tandem jumpers to date.
There are also three bungee jumping locations in Queenstown. The Kawarau Bridge offers 43-metre jumps, while the Nevis Bungy is 134 metres high. There are other jump locations, including Fox Glacier, which offers jumps up to 16,500 feet.
There is a shuttle from the NZONE Skydive Centre to the drop zone. The drop zone is located in the Wakatipu Basin, with a bird’s eye view of the South Island. There are lockers at the hangar for your valuables before you take off.
During your jump, you’ll glide for five to seven minutes, letting you take in the beautiful views of the South Island. You’ll also have the chance to watch marine life swimming through the Pacific. Then, you’ll freefall at 200 kilometers per hour.
There are different photo packages available, and you can get your photos on a USB or GoPro. You can also choose a video package, which will include footage of your jump.
Parasailing
Depending on the time of year and weather, parasailing in Queenstown is a fun and unique way to see the stunning scenery around the lake. It can be a solo experience, or a tandem flight for two or three people.
It is fun and relatively cheap. The cheapest tours cost under $80 NZD per person.
A few words of caution though. Some companies may charge extra for children under 12 years old. Also, some may cancel due to bad weather. The best bet is to call in advance.
Another exciting activity is jet boating. The fastest, cheapest tours depart every hour. They cover a lot of ground, and include a simulated water dip. The best part of this tour is that it’s fun for the whole family. It’s also the fastest ride in town, and offers some amazing views.
You can try out a few other fun activities in Queenstown. You can rent a paddleboard from one of the many rental shops near the lake. You can rent them for an hour for around $30 NZD. You can even try out the sport without going on a tour. You can also try ziplining, a fun way to see the city.
Another great Queenstown activity is skydiving. The indoor center is open most days. They also offer a beginner package that includes two 60 second flights.
The Nevis Catapult is a popular add-on to the Nevis Bungy, but it’s only for the brave. It’s a great thrill, and catapults you 150 meters (492 feet) across a canyon in 1.5 seconds.
Ben Lomond Track
Whether you’re planning a holiday in Queenstown or are an avid hiker, you’ll find plenty of options. One of the most popular is the Ben Lomond Track. This hike has become a favorite among locals and visitors, and offers breathtaking views of the Remarkables mountain range and lake Wakatipu.
The hike is not for the faint of heart. The track is challenging and can be treacherous, especially in the winter months when it can snow and ice. For this reason, Ben Lomond is not recommended for first-timers.
Although the Ben Lomond Track does not have a great deal of shade, the panoramic views it provides are spectacular. It is one of the best hiking trails in New Zealand. The hike is free to do, and there are several ways to access it.
The Tiki Trail is a longer route that is considered the official way to hike the Ben Lomond Track. The trail is 14 kilometers long and takes about eight hours to complete.
The Ben Lomond Track is a short, yet challenging hike in Queenstown. You can start at the Skyline Gondola Park, or from Queenstown’s township. Both routes will take you to the top of Ben Lomond Peak. The gondola option saves you about an hour of walking.
Another option is to walk the Moonlight Track, which leads to Arthur’s Point and Moke Lake. It is a little shorter, but offers equally epic views. The best time to do the Ben Lomond Track is in the spring and summer, when the weather is at its optimum.
Skyline Queenstown Gondola
Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner on a mountain or you are just looking to take a gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak, there is a variety of experiences to choose from when it comes to Skyline Queenstown. This adventure destination is located in a beautiful location and features some of the best views of Queenstown, making it an ideal location for an adventure-filled day.
One of the most popular activities to do in Queenstown is riding the gondola. You can pick up tickets from the gondola base station on the day of your visit. You will then be taken to the summit of Bob’s Peak, where you will enjoy stunning panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu. You can also enjoy the view from the observation deck, which offers a variety of dining options.
Another fun activity to do while in Queenstown is bungy jumping. There are many options for thrill-seekers, including the Ledge Swing, which involves jumping off a ledge.
Zip-lining is another fun experience. This activity is less intense than bungy jumping, but it offers photo opportunities of snow-capped mountains. You will be able to see all of the sights of Queenstown from a bird’s-eye view.
You can buy your tickets online or at the gondola base station. You can also purchase a package that combines several activities. There are different packages available depending on the time of year you visit.
Skyline Queenstown Luge
Located just a short walk from the centre of Queenstown, the Skyline Queenstown Luge is an activity that is sure to make you and your family have an exciting day out. There are five different rides, each suited to different levels of experience.
The first track, the Blue Track, is a more leisurely ride and ideal for beginners. The second track, the Red Track, is more adventurous. It has banked corners and dippers, allowing for a more thrilling ride.
Children under six years old have to be accompanied by an adult. The Luge is open every day, but closing times vary depending on the season.
There are also family passes, for up to 5 people, available. These are only $10 less than regular tickets. This includes the gondola and the Luge. You can purchase these tickets separately or together.
The fastest track, the Red Track, is more adventurous and steeper than the Blue Track. You’ll need to learn how to handle your Luge cart, as you have to steer and brake properly. There are staff on hand to help you along the way. The Red Track has tunnels and dippers, as well as a steep gradient.
The Luge is a great adventure for kids, families, and couples. There are cameras on the track that take photos of you as you go down. You can also buy Go Pro cameras.
Skyline Queenstown Ziplining
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or you’re just looking for a great family day out, there’s a great selection of outdoor activities for the whole family in Queenstown.
One of the most popular activities in Queenstown is luge. It’s fast and furious and there are two tracks to choose from. You can opt for the scenic blue track for an unforgettable ride or the red track for a more sedate experience. You can choose to go down the luge track multiple times and get back to the top for a quick return trip. You can also go for a night luge experience.
Another popular activity is the AJ Hackett Bungy. The world’s first commercial bungy jump is just a short drive away from Queenstown. The jump takes place from the base of a mountain and is great for the whole family.
There are many other adventure activities to be found in Queenstown. You can also try the shotover canyon swing, which is a fun and exhilarating activity. This can be done on your own or as part of a group. The swing can be booked in advance and transport will be provided.
If you’re after a thrill, you may want to try the Ledge Swing, which involves climbing up a large ledge and then jumping off of it. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s an exciting activity.