Top 5 Things to Do in Queenstown for the Adventurous

Top 5 Things to Do in Queenstown for the Adventurous

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Posted 2013-08-20 by Kristy Alexanderfollow

Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side.

I swear I was hearing this song in my head every moment of my Queenstown holiday. Who secretly doesn't want to live life like that? Just for one single moment. Taking that one moment in life by both hands and living it right on the edge, just a wee bit outside of the comfort zone. That sort of stuff, that's how I get my kicks.

Don't get me wrong, having kids is an extreme sport in itself. One that never ends. But it probably makes you less carefree than ever. So on a recent trip to Queenstown I decided to let my hair down and let the adventure in. And here's what I did.

1) Nevis Bungy Jump – Don't look down! At a drop of 134 metres (440 feet), this bungy point is the highest in the whole of Australasia. You actually free fall for 8.5 whole seconds which feels like a freaking lifetime when it is happening. It's called the Nevis Bungy as it is over the Nevis River. There is also a swing option up there too and you can buy them as a combo if you are feeling particularly adventurous. But beware, there might be so much adrenaline coursing through your veins that you may not sleep for a week.

2) Heli-skiing/boarding – Heli-skiing (or boarding if you go on a snowboard) is basically skiing off the beaten track. Rather than accessing the run by chair lift, you are accessing it by helicopter. This allows you to go out into the great beyond and have one of those 'at one with nature' moments (well, with nature and a helicopter). Guides are provided so you aren't stuck out in the middle of nowhere with no idea how to get back. You need to be able to ski or board at an intermediate level to do this. No beginners.

3) Shotover Jet – This was one of the most exhilarating things I've ever done. The jet is a boat and it goes about 85 kilometres per hour through the canyons. It also does 360 degree spins. It's full on. You get wet and it is definitely heart in your throat material. Kids and oldies can enjoy this too so it is one you can do with the whole family if they are keen.

4) White Water Rafting – Right near the Shotover Jet is the Challenge Rafting base on the Shotover River. There are six grade 4 – 5 rapids on this challenge so it's not for the faint hearted. Once you've conquered those you then go through a 170m long pitch black tunnel. I was freaking out. Darkness freaks me out. You come out of the tunnel to shoot another rapid and then you're done. It was awesome. During winter you must do the heli-rafting option as the location is not accessible via vechicle.

5) Paraflights – This would have to be the least extreme option of the bunch but it is by no means for wimps. You basically get strapped in a harness and lifted about 600 feet (that's 182 metres) into the air behind a boat. You can fly solo or take up to 2 others with you which is pretty cool. The thing I enjoyed most about it was the amazing view you had of Queenstown from up that high. It is such a breathtaking place and the view from up on high is truly indescribable. You have to see it for yourself. I would definitely do this again if we went back whereas something like the bungy was a one time only thing for me.

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93279 - 2023-06-12 00:46:02

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Adventure
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