With so many adrenaline-packed activities to choose from in Queenstown, it may be difficult to select your adventure, but the Shotover Canyon Swing is guaranteed to give you one unforgettable ride.
After pickup from central Queenstown, you’re transported by 4WD vehicle about 15 minutes out of town. On arrival at the swing site, it’s a short bush walk to the custom-built wooden platform embedded in a cliff, situated 358 feet (109 meters) above the Shotover River.
Quell any pre-jump jitters with a thorough safety briefing and hear the encouraging words of your guide. You and your fellow jumpers are securely harnessed to two ropes that run from the middle of the cables, which are strung between two cliffs on either side of the river.
Then it’s time to take the plunge! After the initial 200-foot (60-meter) free-fall, you’ll find the transition to swinging very smooth, as the innovative jump system makes you a human pendulum that gracefully swings back and forth without jolts.
When you finish swinging — about 330 feet (100 meters) below the jump platform — your guide winches your line back up to the platform. Allow about 2.5 hours for the entire excursion, including return transport back to Queenstown.
