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The Best Adventure Activities in Queenstown
Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world, and it’s easy to see why. From white water rafting to bungy jumping and beyond, this stunning destination offers an incredible range of thrilling activities for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out on the lake or a heart-pumping adrenaline rush, Queenstown has something for everyone. Here are some of the best adventure activities that Queenstown has to offer.
White Water Rafting
Queenstown is the perfect place to experience the thrill of white water rafting. There are several different rivers to choose from, all with varying levels of difficulty. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there’s the Kawarau River, which offers a gentle ride through stunning scenery. If you’re after a wilder ride, the Shotover River is the perfect option, with its fast-flowing rapids and stunning canyons. No matter which river you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable day out.
Most white water rafting tours provide all the necessary equipment, including wetsuits and helmets. You’ll also be given a thorough safety briefing before you set off, so you can relax and enjoy the ride. Some tours also offer hot showers and a barbecue lunch, so you can make a day of it.
White water rafting is a great activity for groups of all sizes, so why not get a group of friends or family together and book a tour? It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Bungy Jumping
Bungy jumping is a must-do activity for any thrill-seeker visiting Queenstown. There are several different bungy sites to choose from, all offering spectacular views and a unique experience. The iconic Kawarau Bridge is the most popular spot, with a 43m drop into the canyon below. Or, for a more extreme experience, try the Nevis Highwire Bungy – a 134m plunge into the depths of the Nevis Valley.
Bungy jumping is a safe activity and all operators provide full safety briefings before you take the plunge. You’ll be harnessed up and secured with a high quality safety harness. Once you’re ready, you’ll be given the chance to take in the view before launching yourself off the bridge! It’s a unique and unforgettable experience, and one that you’ll never forget.
Bungy jumping is great fun for groups of friends or family, so why not take the plunge together?
Skydiving
Skydiving is the ultimate adrenaline rush, and Queenstown is the perfect place to experience it. With stunning views of the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, it’s the perfect backdrop for your skydiving adventure. You’ll be given a full safety briefing and kitted out in a jumpsuit before boarding the plane. As you climb to 12,000ft you’ll be able to take in the stunning views before you jump.
Once you’re in the air, you’ll freefall at up to 200km/h before your parachute opens and you can enjoy the peaceful descent back to earth. Most skydiving tours also include a professional photographer, so you can capture the moment and share it with your friends and family.
Skydiving is an unforgettable experience and one that you’ll never forget. So why not take the plunge and book a skydiving tour today?
Ziplining
Ziplining is a great way to experience the stunning scenery of Queenstown from a different perspective. There are several different ziplines to choose from, all offering spectacular views as you soar through the air. The most popular is the Shotover Canyon Zipline, which takes you on a 2.5km journey through the canyon, with incredible views of the gorges and rapids below.
Ziplining is a safe activity and all operators provide full safety briefings before you set off. You’ll be securely harnessed up and given the chance to enjoy the view before launching yourself off the platform. Once you’re in the air, you’ll be able to take in the stunning scenery and get an adrenaline rush at the same time.
Ziplining is perfect for groups of friends or family, so why not give it a go and experience Queenstown from a new perspective?
Jet Boating
Jet boating is an exciting way to explore the beautiful waterways of Queenstown. There are several different jet boat tours to choose from, all offering a unique experience. The Shotover Jet is one of the most popular, taking you on a thrilling ride through the canyons of the Shotover River. Or, for a more relaxing experience, there’s the TSS Earnslaw cruise, which takes you on a leisurely cruise around Lake Wakatipu.
Jet boating is a safe activity and all operators provide full safety briefings before you set off. You’ll be securely strapped into your seat and given the chance to take in the view before launching yourself into the water. Once you’re on the water, you’ll be able to experience the thrill of the ride as you zoom across the surface.
Jet boating is a great activity for groups of all sizes, so why not get a group of friends or family together and book a tour? It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Paragliding
Paragliding is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the stunning scenery of Queenstown. There are several different tour operators to choose from, all offering unique experiences. For the ultimate thrill, try the Coronet Peak Paragliding tour, which takes you on a breathtaking flight over the mountains and lakes of the region. Or, for a more leisurely experience, there’s the Queenstown Paragliding tour, which takes you on a gentle glide over the town.
Paragliding is a safe activity and all operators provide full safety briefings before you take off. You’ll also be provided with a helmet and harness before you launch yourself off the hill. Once you’re in the air, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views as you soar through the sky.
Paragliding is a great activity for groups of all sizes, so why not get a group of friends or family together and book a tour? It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Horse Trekking
Horse trekking is a great way to explore the stunning landscape of Queenstown. There are several different tour operators to choose from, all offering unique experiences. For a leisurely ride, there’s the Arrowtown Horse Trek, which takes you on a gentle journey through the town and surrounding countryside. Or, for a more adventurous experience, there’s the Queenstown Trail, which takes you on an exhilarating ride along the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Horse trekking is a safe activity and all operators provide full safety briefings before you set off. You’ll be securely strapped into your saddle and given the chance to take in the view before launching yourself off on your journey. Once you’re on the trail, you’ll be able to experience the thrill of the ride as you explore the stunning scenery.
Horse trekking is a great activity for groups of all sizes, so why not get a group of friends or family together and book a tour? It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Heli-Skiing
Heli-skiing is the ultimate adrenaline rush, and Queenstown is the perfect place to experience it. There are several different tour operators to choose from, all offering unique experiences. For the ultimate thrill, try the Remarkables Heli-Ski Tour, which takes you on a breathtaking flight over the mountains before you jump out and ski down the slopes. Or, for a more leisurely experience, there’s the Cardrona Heli-Ski Tour, which takes you on a gentle ride down the slopes.
Heli-skiing is a safe activity and all operators provide full safety briefings before you set off. You’ll be securely strapped into your ski gear and given the chance to take in the view before launching yourself off the mountain. Once you’re on the slopes, you’ll be able to experience the thrill of the ride as you ski down the mountain.
Heli-skiing is a great activity for groups of all sizes, so why not get a group of friends or family together and book a tour? It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
River Surfing
River surfing is a great way to experience the thrill of the river in Queenstown. There are several different tour operators to choose from, all offering unique experiences. The Clutha River Surf Tour takes you on a thrilling ride through the rapids of the Clutha River. Or, for a more leisurely experience, there’s the Kawarau River Surf Tour, which takes you on a peaceful journey down the river.
River surfing is a safe activity and all operators provide full safety briefings before you set off. You’ll be securely strapped into your board and given the chance to take in the view before launching yourself into the river. Once you’re in the water, you’ll be able to experience the thrill of the ride as you surf the rapids.
River surfing is a great activity for groups of all sizes, so why not get a group of friends or family together and book a tour? It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Gondola Rides
Gondola rides are a great way to experience the stunning scenery of Queenstown from a different perspective. The Skyline Gondola is the most popular, taking you on a journey up to the top of Bob’s Peak. From here, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the town, lake and mountains below. Or, for a more leisurely experience, there’s the Queenstown Hill Gondola, which takes you on a gentle ride up the hill for stunning views of the lake.
Gondola rides are a safe activity and all operators provide full safety briefings before you set off. You’ll be securely strapped into your seat and given the chance to take in the view before launching yourself off the platform. Once you’re in the air, you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning views as you soar through the sky.
Gondola rides are perfect for groups of all sizes, so why not get a group of friends or family together and book a ride? It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a great way to explore the beautiful waterways of Queenstown. There are several different tour operators to choose from, all offering unique experiences. The Kawarau River Kayak Tour takes you on a thrilling ride down the rapids of the river. Or, for a more leisurely experience, there’s the Lake Wakatipu Kayak Tour, which takes you on a peaceful journey around the lake.
Kayaking is a safe activity and all operators provide full safety briefings before you set off. You’ll be securely strapped into your kayak and given the chance to take in the view before launching yourself into the water. Once you’re on the water, you’ll be able to experience the thrill of the ride as you explore the stunning scenery.
Kayaking is a great activity for groups of all sizes, so why not get a group of friends or family together and book a tour? It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Paragliding
Paragliding is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the stunning scenery of Queenstown. There are several different tour operators to choose from, all offering unique experiences. For the ultimate thrill, try the Coronet Peak Paragliding tour, which takes you on a breathtaking flight over the mountains and lakes of the region. Or, for a more leisurely experience, there’s the Queenstown Paragliding tour, which takes you on a gentle glide over the town.
Paragliding is a safe activity and all operators provide full safety briefings before you take off. You’ll also be provided with a helmet and harness before you launch yourself off the hill. Once you’re in the air, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views as you soar through the sky.
Paragliding is a great activity for groups of all sizes, so why not get a group of friends or family together and book a tour? It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
Queenstown is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers and adventure-lovers. With its stunning scenery and a huge range of activities to choose from, there’s something for everyone. From white water rafting to bungy jumping and beyond, there’s no shortage of thrilling activities to try in Queenstown. So why not get a group of friends or family together and book a tour today? It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
