It all began in 1988 when a couple of individuals shuffled to the sting of a bridge close to Queenstown, New Zealand, and jumped. Little did they know they have been making historical past, and few anticipated the recognition or affluent nature of the exercise, not to mention that it will put Queenstown on the map as an journey vacation spot.
Queenstown has gone via a little bit of a revival, reworking from a small ski city within the 80s to the present bustling journey capital of New Zealand. Today, over 80,000 individuals bungy soar in New Zealand alone every year.
The adrenaline-pumping sports activities have expanded extensively, starting from zip lining to abseiling. Once solely identified to rock climbers and bungy jumpers, the city has change into the heartbeat of journey in New Zealand, interesting to a broader journey viewers.
The query in Queensland isn’t “What can you do?” it’s extra about what can’t you do? The checklist of actions is so long as they’re difficult, together with skydiving, mountain biking, white-water rafting, paragliding, canyon swings, and easy accessibility to 3 ski areas.
Bungy soar, swing or zipline
Bungee continues to be king in Queenstown. There are presently three soar places, spanning from 43 metres at Kawarau Bridge to 134 metres at Nevis Bungy. The Nevis Catapult is a bungy-style leap that propels you 150 metres throughout a ravine at 100 kilometres per hour, producing as much as 3G of drive earlier than plummeting to the underside of the valley. Of course, if bungy leaping isn’t what you’re within the temper for, strive the world’s steepest zip-line or large swing.
Go jet boating
Jet Boating is without doubt one of the hottest actions in Queensland. Race throughout rivers and lakes in a speedboat, stopping barely a couple of centimetres from the shore. Laugh and scream in shock or enjoyment because the boat completes fast 360-degree spins, splashing water in all places. It is a family-friendly exercise and is out there to do all yr spherical.
The Dart River Adventures is undoubtedly probably the most unique jet boat tour. It originates in Glenorchy and travels alongside the Dart River to a spot that is named Paradise. It features a bus tour again, a picturesque drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy, jet boating, and a nature stroll. It’s unquestionably amongst Glenorchy’s prime issues to do!
See Mount Cook from the sky!
Skydiving is, undoubtedly, probably the most excessive journey exercise obtainable in Queenstown. You can select from completely different skydiving actions with jumps open at 2750 metres, 3660 metres, and 4572 metres. Completing the very best and craziest 4572-metre soar earns you bragging rights!
You might additionally take a full-day tour to Mount Cook for an extremely spectacular expertise. Skydive from completely different heights and see Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest summit, from above! Mount Cook is a must-see on any journey to the South Island.
Hydro Attack Shark
Well, you would say, solely in Queenstown, as a result of it’s one thing you possibly can solely do in Queenstown. The Hydro Shark is much like a jet ski, besides it may dive underwater like a shark. If you’ve been to Lake Wakatipu, likelihood is you’ve seen it whizzing across the lake, popping out and in of the water.
Essentially you sit behind the motive force, and the windscreen is closed over you. The shark will glide rapidly over the water and dive below and out of it like the true factor. Book this effectively upfront because it will get totally booked out quick.
Whitewater rafting over the Shotover River
Queenstown’s well-known Shotover River is wild and untamed. Tackle this tough magnificence and expertise the joys of whitewater rafting. Although you tackle six rapids alongside the Shotover River, it isn’t all thrills and shrills. There are stretches of calm water to benefit from the surroundings, swim, and be taught in regards to the river’s gold mining historical past. But this could not be an epic journey if it didn’t finish with rafting via the 170-metre Oxenbridge Tunnel and capturing the Cascade Rapid.
Ride the Queenstown Gondola
Board the Skyline Gondola for a 450-metre trip as much as Bob’s Peak (the Southern Hemisphere’s highest cable automobile) Experience beautiful views of Queenstown, the Remarkables mountain vary, and Lake Wakatipu.
When you attain the highest of the gondola at Bob’s Peak, your day is way from finished; there’s nonetheless a lot to do. For additional pleasure, trip the Queenstown Luge. The Skyline Queenstown Luge has change into a sensation and a must-do exercise in Queenstown. Jump in your specialised Luge cart and luxuriate in an thrilling, gravity-fuelled downhill trip.
The Luge carts, positioned on the prime of the Gondola, offer you management as you navigate over 800 metres of turns, tunnels, and dippers. Take it leisurely on the Blue Track or fly via the bends and over the bumps on the Green Track, then hop on the chairlift and repeat. One trip may have you hooked, and also you’ll be going again for extra.
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At Bob’s Peak, select a relaxed cafe or take pleasure in a romantic lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar whereas admiring a few of the finest views within the Southern Hemisphere. End your day with a glass of wine and an attractive sundown over Queenstown.
Cycle the Queenstown Trail
A implausible method to discover Queenstown’s quieter aspect is on the Queenstown Trail. It is one in all New Zealand’s 22 Great Rides, a community of routes that supply a secure and environmentally pleasant method to go to New Zealand’s distinctive locations. Queenstown Trail permits you to discover Queenstown on a motorcycle (or on foot) through 130 kilometres of beautiful off-road routes. From Queenstown to Gibbston through historic Arrowtown, your journey begins on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Savour spectacular views of lakes, mountains, rivers, bridges, and breathtaking surroundings.
Plan a cease in Gibbston and discover the oldest vineyards and probably the most intensive wine collapse New Zealand. Ride down the beautiful Kawarau River to surrounding wineries whereas taking within the surroundings. Signage alongside the trail makes it easy to navigate your method to and from the vineyard, offering riders with fast entry to a few of the area’s finest wines and delicacies.
It could be an understatement to say that Queenstown has all of it. Year-round it’s undoubtedly New Zealand’s hottest vacationer vacation spot. Whether you crave the adrenaline chase or just search an easygoing journey, you’ll discover one thing to take pleasure in. Unwind in luxurious resorts, dine at award-winning eating places, and discover the full of life city.
Andrew Morten is Founder of TravelEssence. TravelEssence creates bespoke, tailor-made journeys to Australia and New Zealand.
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