On New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown proudly calls itself the Adventure Capital of the World — and with good reason. This scenic lakeside town has a knack for coaxing even the most sensible travellers into trying things they’d never attempt anywhere else. From carving a jet boat through a narrow canyon to plunging headfirst off a bridge, here’s a taste of Queenstown’s adrenaline buffet.
Bungy Jumping
Inspired by the land divers of Vanuatu’s Pentecost Island, bungy jumping was invented in New Zealand, and Queenstown offered the world’s first commercial jump in 1988. Today, the 134-metre-high Nevis Bungy holds the record as the country’s highest jump, but the 43-metre-high Kawarau Bridge remains the most popular. For extra bragging rights, ask to dip your head into the river below.
Canyon Swinging
Home to the world’s first canyon swing, Queenstown invites you to leap off a cliff, freefall for 60 metres, and then swoop into a 200-metre arc at speeds up to 150 km/h. The Shotover Canyon Swing, just ten minutes from town, offers an à la carte menu of jump styles — from solo or tandem leaps to backwards, seated, or the nerve-shredding “cutaway.”
Jet Boating
The Shotover Jetboat is a Queenstown institution, inviting passengers to skim over as little as 10 cm of water at 85 km/h through the narrow Shotover Canyon. Invented by Kiwi Bill Hamilton to navigate the country’s shallow rivers, the jet boat’s speed and manoeuvrability are extraordinary. The signature Hamilton Turn — a full 360° spin — sends spray flying, which is why complimentary waterproof ponchos are more than a courtesy.
Paragliding
From a launch area atop the Skyline Gondola, it’s clear why Bob’s Peak is regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular places to go paragliding. Snow-frosted mountains, the glimmering Lake Wakatipu, and views of Queenstown provide a stunning backdrop to this gentle ride of a lifetime. Tandem pilots do all the work, warm thermal air keeps you afloat, and the soft landing below is surprisingly easy on the nerves.
Skydiving
Few thrills match the rush of freefalling at terminal velocity. NZone, one of the busiest and most experienced skydive operators in the world, is known for helping nervous first-timers embrace the plunge. With the Southern Alps framing the horizon, even the scenic flight up is a thrill. Then the door opens, your tandem instructor signals it’s time, and you’re out in the open sky.
Skyline Lugeing
Another New Zealand first, the luge is a three-wheeled cart with a low centre of gravity and simple steering and braking controls. Push back on the handles to slow down or let gravity take over and race the track as fast as your nerves allow. A modified ski lift whisks you and your luge back to the start. The course is accessed via the Skyline Gondola, which climbs 450 metres above Queenstown — the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.
