Queenstown, the home of New Zealand adventure sports

Welcome to one Queenstown, the home of New Zealand adventure sports.

Often dubbed the "Adventure Capital of the World," Queenstown and the Southern Lakes region, is a haven for adventure sports enthusiasts and offers an unparalleled opportunity to get your adrenaline pumping against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.

The combination of towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and wide open spaces makes this area a dream destination for anyone looking to escape normal life and dive headfirst into a world of adventure.

Here's a selection of our favourite new zealand adventure sports

Bungy Jumping: The Original Thrill

No story about Queenstown would be complete without mentioning bungy jumping. This is where it all began. Queenstown is the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping.

At the AJ Hackett Bungy centre, you can take the leap at the  historic Kawarau Bridge, the world's first commercial bungy jumping site. Whether you're a seasoned thrill-seeker or a total beginner, this 43-meter plunge over the Kawarau River will test your nerves and provide an unforgettable buzz. Head out to the AJ Hackett centre, join the crowd, and cheer on as other brave souls take the plunge. Then, it's your turn. You won't regret it, and yes, we loved it!

Taking things to the next level, the 134 metre Nevis bungy is not for the faint hearted. Imagine free falling from a pod suspended over the Nevis River! Yes, you can do it!

Jet Boating On Our Pristine Waterways

To really crank up the speed, jet boating is another must-do. Originating in New Zealand, this thrilling ride involves racing along rivers in a specially designed boat capable of both high-speed manoeuvres and feats like 360-degree spins.

The iconic Shotover Jet in Queenstown delivers one of the most exhilarating jet boating experiences in the world. Hurtling through narrow river canyons at breakneck speeds, the experience will leave you breathless.

Just as well known, the Kawarau Jet thunders along the region's waterways, racing up rivers that are seemingly way too shallow. These jet boats are amazing.

For a real wilderness adventure, Dart River Adventures transport you into the back country for a stunning wilderness experience.

Glacier Hikes And Flights: Ancient Ice Awaits

Have you ever seen a glacier? From Queenstown, you can experience our glaciers from up high on a scenic flight. Some include a glacier landing, which, from our experience, is something that will stay with you for life. Crisp clear air and total wilderness. What an experience.

But you can also see our glaciers up close on a guided glacier hike. Trek through ice caves and marvel at the changing colours as the sun and light constantly change your view.

Operators like Cheeky Kiwi Travel and True South Flights offer unforgettable walking tours across these icy landscapes. Equipped with crampons and with expert guidance, you'll explore stunning ice formations and learn about the glaciers' dramatic movements over millennia.

Ziplining Adventures

Let's kick things off with an activity that gives you a bird's-eye view of this incredible landscape: ziplining. You'll be soaring above the treetops with the wind in your hair, soaking in panoramic views that simply can't be described in words.

Among the operators you'll find in Queenstown, Ziptrek Ecotours offers a unique and eco-conscious experience. Their tours range from beginner to advanced, making sure there's something for everyone. As you glide from platform to platform, you'll learn about the local ecology and history from knowledgeable guides, making it as educational as it is exciting.

Heliskiing: Is This The Ultimate Alpine Adventure?

For those who live for skiing and snowboarding, Queenstown offers the ultimate high-altitude heli-skiing experience. This is skiing, but not as you know it. With a helicopter, you'll ascend to untouched alpine terrain, where pristine powder snow awaits your descent.

Companies like Southern Lakes Heliski provide a range of packages depending on your skill level and adrenaline needs. There’s no better feeling than carving down a mountainside with just you, the untouched snow, and the vast sky above.

Off-Road Driving: Rugged Adventure

Fancy getting behind the wheel and exploring more rugged landscapes? Off-road driving could be just what you're looking for.

Companies like Off Road Adventures offer 4WD and quad bike adventures that'll take you through some of the most stunning, and inaccessible, parts of New Zealand.

You can even choose tours that incorporate film locations from the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, making it an exciting trip for movie buffs as well as motorsport aficionados.

White-Water Rafting: Nature's Roller Coaster

Switching gears from underground to white-water, the Southern Lakes region is crisscrossed by rivers that provide perfect conditions for white-water rafting. RealNZ offers trips down the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers, with rapids that range from beginner to advanced levels.

The Shotover River's rapids are more intense, offering a heart-pounding, splash-soaked ride that promises not to disappoint.

Canyoning Thrills

If getting wet and navigating through rocky crevices sounds more like your style, then canyoning should be next on your list. In Queenstown, Canyoning New Zealand offers several tours that cater to different levels of experience.

Imagine abseiling down waterfalls, sliding down natural rock slides, and jumping into crystal-clear pools—it's like being a kid in a gigantic natural waterpark.

Whether you're a novice or an experienced canyoneer, the guides here ensure your safety while maximizing the fun factor.

Skydiving: Freefall Fun

If you're looking to push your adrenaline levels to their absolute limits, skydiving in Queenstown offers an unparalleled high. As you freefall, you'll get breathtaking views of The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu.

Operators like Nzone Skydive ensure you're in safe hands, with rigorous safety briefings and experienced instructors who make sure you enjoy the jump of a lifetime.

If jumping from a plane is not your thing, how about an indoor jump at iFly?

Luge: Gravity-Powered Thrills

This is one of our all time favourite New Zealand adventure sports. High above Queenstown at the Skyline Gondola complex, the luge is simply addictive. It's like go-karting powered by gravity. And the views are amazing, with Queenstown, The Remarkables, and Lake Wakatipu unfolding below like a work of art.

Skyline Queenstown Luge offers two tracks that wind through beautiful scenery, with different levels of difficulty. The experience is perfect for families and anyone looking to enjoy a mixture of speed and scenery without the heights or water.

Hydro Attack: Is That A Shark?

Finally, for one of the most unique New Zealand adventure sports, consider trying out the Hydro Attack experience in Queenstown. You'll be inside a semi-submersible watercraft that mimics the movements of a shark.

Capable of diving under and soaring above the water, this machine offers an intense ride that's the only one of its kind in the world, giving a whole new meaning to the term “thrills on water.”

Making Memories That Last a Lifetime

Whether you're hurtling through a canyon in a jet boat, soaring above the world strapped into a harness, or plunging from a terrifying height with only a bungy cord to catch you, Queenstown and the Southern Lakes region offers a wide range of New Zealand adventure sports. Each activity promises not just thrills but also a deeper connection to the stunning landscape that is quintessentially New Zealand.

But more than just the activities, it's the spirit of adventure and the camaraderie with fellow adventurers that leaves the most lasting impression. Whether you're laughing off nerves before a jump or sharing stories of courage over a well-earned drink at a local pub afterward, this is a destination that builds bonds as strong as the memories it forges.

So pack your sense of adventure and your spirit of exploration—Queenstown and the Southern Lakes are calling, with experiences that are sure to fill your soul and take your breath away. Whether you try one, some, or all of the activities mentioned, one thing's for certain: you'll leave with stories to tell and memories that last a lifetime.

Enjoy!