Untitled Document
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| Lake
Wakatipu, Queenstown1 |
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Queenstown
is New Zealand’s
top adventure destination, rivalling other world locations in scenery, high-quality
tourism
services, and boundless opportunities for thrills and regulated spills.
In fact, two of the most popular adventure tourism activities, bungy
jumping and jet
boating, were devised right here. Queenstown’s vast array of outdoor
escapades, lively urban centre and nightlife affirm its reputation as the capital
of fun, as well as adventure.
The area’s long summer
days, fresh, white winters, pristine landscape and varied terrain is conducive
to the impressive range of adventure sports on offer. Mirror lakes, raging rivers
and majestic mountains play host to jet
boating, heli-skiing,
river
surfing and bungy
jumping, just to name a handful of the adrenaline rushes enjoyed here.
The high influx of Kiwi and international outdoor fanatics fuel downtown Queenstown's
buzzing atmosphere and fill the otherwise serene air with exhilarated whoops
and yahoos.
A myriad of ways to get
hearts racing await thrill-seekers in this adventurer's paradise, all year round.
AIRBOURNE
Queenstown is blessed with
unparalleled views and what better way to enjoy them than by leaping out of
a plane, off a mountain-top, or from a 43 metre-high (141 feet) bridge, with
bungy cord or parachute attached, of course.
Bungy Jumping
The pure horror of the ground
or river below rushing toward oneself at an alarming rate is guaranteed to quicken
heartbeats, with or without eyes open. In fact, once a jumper musters up the
courage, or temporary insanity, to take the step or running leap off the platform,
they momentarily lose themselves in blinding fear, idiotic elation, or both.
Some scream their lungs out, some fall in silence, some pedal air madly, trying
to get back up. Then suddenly the high-tech rubber bungy cord yanks the jumper
back into reality and sure safety, leaving them dangling and breathless, metres
above the ground. It's an addictive thrill.
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A
Leap of Faith off the Kawarau Bridge Bungy2 |
The origins of Bungy Jumping
can be found in Vanuatu's history, where young tribesmen engaged in a rite of
passage that involved leaping from a tall platform with a long vine tied around
their ankles. Kiwi AJ Hackett was the first person to commercialize Bungy Jumping
as a sport, making it accessible to the daring public. Established in 1988,
Queenstown's Kawarau Bridge Bungy site is the first permanent commercial Bungy
site in the world.
AJ
Hackett Bungy remains the most trusted and largest commercial Bungy
operation in New Zealand and now has outfits in countries around the world.
AJ Hackett's three Queenstown jump sites offer three distinct experiences. The
original Kawarau Bridge Bungy is a 43m (141ft) jump offering the choice to bounce
above, touch, or be immersed in the river below. The Ledge Bungy is a run-and-jump
option off a specially built platform jutting out from the mountainside at the
top of the Skyline
Gondola on Bob's Peak. 400m (1312ft) above Queenstown, this site offers
the most eye-popping view of the town, with Lake Wakatipu sprawling below. And
last, but definately not least, is the mother of all Bungys, the Nevis Highwire
Bungy. The cable-suspended Bungy Pod hovers 134m (440ft) above the mighty Nevis
River and will have even the most hardened thrill-seeker's knees a-knocking.
Tandem Skydiving
Stepping it up a notch from
Bungy Jumping, Queenstown offers adrenaline junkies plenty of opportunities
to throw themselves out of a plane. With a qualified jumpmaster strapped securely
to their backs, tourists jump, or are pushed if the situation requires, from
a small plane 4570m (15,000ft) in the sky. A typically 60-second plummeting
free fall at 200km/h (124mph) toward earth ensues, buffeting all senses as rational
thought disappears into thin air. Suddenly the brakes are on as the instructor
pulls the cord, releasing the billowing chute, and senses regain control enabling
one to enjoy the view while gliding leisurely back to earth.
With Queenstown's incredible
views and fresh, clean air, skydiving
is a natural choice for those in search of a personal challenge, or just tending
toward crazy.
NZOne
Skydive was established in Queenstown in 1990 by a couple of parachuting
enthusiasts. Now, with an additional location in Rotorua,
this company employs approximately 45 of the most highly trained skydiving staff
in New Zealand. NZOne Skydive offers two options at its Queenstown dropzone,
a 4570m (15,000ft) jump with a 65-second freefall, and a 3660m (12,000ft) jump
with a 45-second freefall. Either way, it takes courage.
Another reputable option
is NZSkyDive.
This company has New Zealand well covered with sites in Queenstown, Mount
Cook, Auckland
and Bay of Islands.
A 50 to 75-second freefall from 2740m (9,000ft) to 3660m (12,000ft) is the standard
tandem deal with this outfit.
Be assured, all official
sky diving tourism operators in Queenstown operate with well-trained, certified
jumpmasters and staff, and rigorous maintenance procedures on planes, parachutes
and other gear. Professional, personalised digital photos, videos and DVDs capture
the momentous occassion forever.
MOUNTAIN MADNESS
Queenstown's Southern Alps
are renowned around the world for their beauty, immortalised forever on the
silverscreen in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings Trilogy. But it's not only
the stunning vistas that draw the crowds. With plentiful winter snow and relatively
stable weather, the mountains in this area have long been a favourite destination
for snow-sports fanatics from around New Zealand and beyond.
Skiing and Snowboarding
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| Taming
the Slopes in Queenstown3 |
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Queenstown's two local snow
fields, Coronet
Peak and The
Remarkables, offer some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery in
which to break one's downhill record.
Just a 20-minute drive from
the centre of Queenstown, Coronet Peak is one of the oldest and well-known ski
fields in the area. Baby jumps and gentle, fun circuits await beginners with
big dreams in the Jib Park. Higher up, as confidence and ability grows, the
Dirty Dog Terrain Park caters for both learner and advanced freestyle skiers.
Coronet Peak's legendary half pipe was one of the first in the country and hosts
some of the most extreme freestylers during the Queenstown
Winter Festival, every June/July. This lovely mountain also offers the
thrill of night skiing under big, bright lights and an even bigger, brighter
moon.
The Remarkables ski area
is a 35-minute drive from downtown Queenstown, on the other side of the valley.
It offers something for all levels with gentle learner slopes in the beginner
park and extreme terrain further up. The higher altitude terrain park offers
challenging rails, boxes and jumps for intermediate and pro skiiers and boarders.
Those looking for a real adrenaline hit will get more than they bargained for
with the 150m (492ft) long Superpipe.
Other worthy ski fields
in the surrounding area are Wanaka's
Cardrona,
Treble
Cone and the Snow
Park.
For ski, board and gear
rental
check out Kiwi
Discovery and SnowBiz,
both of which are conveniently located downtown.
Heli-skiing
For a private piece of mountainside
paradise, heli-skiing
offers the chance and freedom to ski pristine, untouched snow in secluded areas
that are only reachable by helicopter. Cutting through virgin powder while snaking
down unreal vertical slopes at top speed is a thrill, coupled with the buzz
of the helicopter rides, that keeps Queenstown heli-skiing companies very busy.
Strong skiers and boarders
with a sense of adventure have a few choices of heli-skiing companies in Queenstown.
Trips head to destinations in the heart of the magnificent Southern Alps, from
Queenstown to Mount Cook, and companies will often have exclusive use of certain
locations.
Harris
Mountains Heli-ski provides trips to areas of wide open rolling terrain
for first-timers, or steep valleys for experts. Offering tours of three, five
or seven runs, the option of adding extra is available for those that just can’t
get enough, conditions permitting. Alpine
Heli Ski does three, four, six, and seven run day packages for skiers
and boarders, also with the ability to add extra runs as desired. They boast
access to some of the longest heli-ski runs in New Zealand, and customize trips
to suit experience and skill levels in order to maximize thrills.
Private heli-ski charters and multi-day packages that include exclusive accommodation
are also a possibility for those with the funds.
RAGING RIVER RUSHES
Queenstown's beautiful,
and at times wild, Shotover and Kawarau Rivers are very popular with those with
the urge to surge. Both the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers are predominantly favoured
for jet
boating and white
water rafting, the Shotover being especially stomach-churning. The Kawarau
is the favourite for river
surfing.
Jet Boating
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Shotover
Jet Thrills4 |
The jet boat is a Kiwi invention,
developed by a South Island
farmer to allow him access to areas of his farm that were otherwise blocked
off by shallow rivers. In 1970 jet boating became Queenstown's first real commercialized
adventure tourism activity, and is on almost everybody's To Do list when in
town.
Hearts leap into mouths
and tummies flip as those aboard Queenstown’s jet boats skim and spin on
shallow canyon waters and get inescapably wet. From the scenic Kawarau River
to the exciting Shotover, Queenstown offers jet
boating choices with a handful of well-established, professional companies.
The very first commercial jet boating operation in the world, Kawarau
Jet, set the standard and continues to provide a first-rate experience.
Their 43km (27mi) joyride begins rather tamely on the Kawarau River, giving
passengers a chance to ogle the river’s beauty. Things rapidly spin around
and speed up however, when the boat hits the tumultuous waters of the Shotover
River. Kawarau Jet offers many packages aside from its standard jet boat ride.
Combination deals including cultural activities, white water rafting, wine tours,
bungy jumping and other activities are also available.
Most people in or travelling to New Zealand have heard of Shotover
Jet. Established in 1970, this company too has been riding the Shotover
River since the beginning and has well-earned the reputation for maximum thrills
with its 360 degree spins. Shotover Jet has exclusive permission to operate
in the Shotover River Canyons, a spectacular section of this unique river. Skimming
between the looming canyon walls, the driver expertly twists and turns the boat
past heart-stopping rocky obstacles with impressive skill.
River Surfing
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| Riding
the Waves on Kawarau River5 |
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River
surfing is relatively new in New Zealand. It was invented by a couple
of Germans in 1975, and adventure-tourism savvy New Zealanders were again the
first in the world to commercialize the sport in 1989. The ocean being a fair
drive away, Queenstown’s rivers offer an equal yet unique buzz of catching
a wave.
Certain sections of the
Kawarau River are hot surfing spots in Queenstown and a selection of operators
offer guided trips, perfect for those with little or no experience. All equipment
is provided although surfers should bring their togs and a towel. The boards
used are more like body boards, designs well-suited for river surf. Training
sessions, transport, hot showers and a photo service are standard offerings.
Serious
Fun River Surfing rides the waves of the Chinese Dog Leg section of
the Kawarau River. This section is a popular surf spot and is a good place to
learn to surf standing waves. As daring and skill allow, the Roaring Meg section
can be attempted. This intense rapid will impress even the gnarliest surfers.
The Kawarau's Roaring
Meg is also surfed by Mad
Dog River Boarding. This company's river boarding madness includes a
45-minute continuous run through six exhilarating rapids. At the end of Mad
Dog trips surfers can chill out with a series of rock jumps and a phenomenal
rope swing. Queenstown
River Surfing is another popular option, utilizing the latest, specially
designed boards.
Trips generally last around
four hours, with one and a half to two hours in the water. Because Queenstown's
rivers get mighty cold in winter, the commercial river surfing season is October
to May.
This article offers just
a peek into the realm of adrenaline-fueled adventures waiting in Queenstown.
White
water rafting is also worth a mention as an extremely popular adrenaline
sport here, made accessible to those without previous experience by a number
of well-established companies. A wealth of parasailing,
mountain
climbing, and paragliding
opportunities also attract hoards of adventure tourists to this natural paradise.
Extreme adventurers should look into purchasing discounted combination tickets
allowing the chance to try a variety of activities for less dosh. Queenstown
Combos is a good source for such tickets.
Since the 1970s Queenstown
has rapidly added new and varying thrills to its adventure tourism resume, and
thrill-seekers will be pleased to hear that it looks to continue in much the
same way.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- Destination Queenstown;
Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown; Queenstown, New Zealand
- AJ Hackett Bungy NZ;
A Leap of Faith off the Kawarau Bridge Bungy; Queenstown, New Zealand
- Destination Queenstown;
Taming the Slopes in Queenstown; Queenstown, New Zealand
- Shotover Jet; Shotover
Jet Thrills; Queenstown, New Zealand
- Queenstown River Surfing;
Riding the Waves on Kawarau River; Queenstown, New Zealand
