Adrenaline Experiences
in Queenstown
Feel the Rush in Queenstown
Queenstown is world-famous as the adventure capital of New Zealand, and it’s easy to see why. Here you’ll find some of the most iconic adrenaline experiences on earth, each set against a backdrop of stunning alpine scenery. Leap from bridges or canyons on a bungy jump, soar above the Remarkables on a tandem skydive, or test your nerves on the giant swing. Speed-lovers can race across Lake Wakatipu on a thrilling jet boat ride, or dive beneath the surface in the Hydro Attack — a semi-submersible shark that twists, turns, and leaps from the water. Whether you’re chasing the ultimate rush or ticking off a bucket-list moment.
Adventures at a Gentler Pace
Not every adventure needs to push you to the absolute edge. Queenstown also offers a range of experiences for those seeking a little excitement without the full adrenaline overload. Guided quad bike tours take you into the rugged backcountry with panoramic views at a more controlled pace, while zipline adventures through the treetops let you fly above the forest canopy with a mix of thrills and scenery. These activities strike the perfect balance, giving you a taste of Queenstown’s adventurous spirit in a more accessible and relaxed way.
Jet Boating in Queenstown
Jet boating was born in New Zealand, and Queenstown is home to some of the most exciting and scenic rides in the country. With options ranging from fast-paced spins on Lake Wakatipu to heart-pounding journeys through narrow canyons, there’s a jet boat experience to suit every thrill-seeker. Each ride offers a unique perspective of Queenstown’s landscapes, all while delivering the adrenaline rush this adventure is famous for.
Jet Boat Options in Queenstown:
Shotover Jet – The original and most famous ride, racing through the narrow Shotover River canyons at high speed.
KJet – A 60-minute adventure that combines Lake Wakatipu with the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, offering a mix of speed and scenery.
Skippers Canyon Jet – A thrilling ride through the historic Skippers Canyon, with stunning scenery and a dose of gold-rush history.
Bungy Jumping in Queenstown
Queenstown is the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping, and no visit to the adventure capital is complete without experiencing this iconic thrill. Whether you’re a first-time jumper or a seasoned adrenaline seeker, there are several bungy sites to choose from, each offering its own unique setting and level of intensity. From leaping off the historic Kawarau Bridge to free-falling from one of the world’s highest bungy platforms, it’s the ultimate Queenstown bucket-list adventure.
Popular Bungy Options:
Kawarau Bridge Bungy (43m) – The world’s first commercial bungy jump, offering the chance to touch the Kawarau River below.
Nevis Bungy (134m) – The highest in Australasia, delivering an incredible 8.5-second free fall.
Ledge Bungy (47m) – Located high above Queenstown with panoramic views, featuring freestyle jump styles for added fun.
Skydiving in Queenstown
Few experiences match the thrill of free-falling high above Queenstown’s dramatic landscapes. A tandem skydive here offers unbeatable views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range, and the Southern Alps as you plunge from altitude with an experienced instructor. It’s the perfect mix of heart-pounding adrenaline and breathtaking scenery, making skydiving in Queenstown one of the ultimate adventure experiences in New Zealand.
Skydiving Options:
NZONE Skydive – The original Queenstown skydive operator, offering jumps from 9,000 ft, 12,000 ft, or 15,000 ft.
Altitude Skydive – Based at Glenorchy airfield, with stunning views over Mt Aspiring National Park (note: slightly outside Queenstown but marketed as a Queenstown experience).
Remarkables Drop Zone – Known for spectacular vistas of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu.
Hydro Attack Queenstown
For a thrill that’s truly one-of-a-kind, climb aboard the Hydro Attack — a semi-submersible shark that twists, dives, and leaps across Lake Wakatipu. This jet-powered watercraft can accelerate up to 80 km/h on the surface before diving under the lake and shooting back into the air. It’s part speedboat, part stunt machine, and delivers an adrenaline rush unlike anything else in Queenstown.
Highlights:
Located on the Queenstown lakefront, just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre
Reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h on the water and 40 km/h underwater
Experience 90-degree turns, dives, and leaps of up to 6 metres into the air
Each ride lasts around 15 minutes of pure adrenaline
Open daily, with regular departures throughout the day
Perfect for thrill-seekers looking for something completely different from traditional adventure activities
Paragliding in Queenstown
Paragliding in Queenstown is one of the most breathtaking ways to experience the region’s alpine scenery. Launching from Coronet Peak or Bob’s Peak, you’ll soar high above Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, gently gliding through the air with a tandem instructor. Unlike fast-paced thrills, paragliding combines the adrenaline of take-off with the serenity of floating quietly over the landscape, giving you time to take in the stunning views below.
Highlights:
Launch sites at Coronet Peak (20 minutes from central Queenstown) and Bob’s Peak (accessible by Skyline gondola)
Tandem flights with experienced pilots, suitable for beginners
Sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, and the surrounding mountain ranges
Flight times range from 10–20 minutes depending on conditions
Available year-round, with the best flights often in the morning when winds are calm
A unique mix of excitement and peaceful sightseeing from the air
White Water Rafting in Queenstown
White water rafting in Queenstown offers the perfect combination of adrenaline and teamwork as you navigate powerful rapids surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery. Guided by experienced professionals, you’ll tackle the fast-flowing rivers that carve their way through steep canyons, with calm sections in between to enjoy the views. Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding action or a chance to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Central Otago, rafting here is an unforgettable adventure.
Highlights:
Shotover River rafting – a thrilling journey through narrow canyons with Grade III–V rapids
Kawarau River rafting – a slightly gentler ride, great for first-timers and families, featuring Grade II–III rapids
Trips include all safety equipment and professional guides
Seasonal activity, usually available from spring through to autumn
Allow half a day for most rafting trips, including transfers from central Queenstown
Ideal for groups or solo travellers wanting a shared adrenaline experience
Canyon Swing Queenstown
The Canyon Swing is one of Queenstown’s most thrilling adventures, combining the rush of a bungy jump with the exhilarating sensation of a giant swing. Launching from a platform 109 metres above the Shotover River, you’ll free-fall for 60 metres before the ropes catch and send you soaring in a massive arc across the canyon. With dozens of different jump styles to choose from — from forwards or backwards dives to flips and creative stunt launches — no two jumps are ever the same. It’s an adrenaline experience that can be as wild or as playful as you want it to be.
Highlights:
Located 15 minutes’ drive from central Queenstown
109-metre high launch platform with a 60-metre free fall
Swings up to 200 metres across the Shotover Canyon
Wide range of jump styles to match your courage and creativity
Operates year-round with daily departures
Ideal for both adrenaline junkies and adventurous first-timers
Adventures at a Gentler Pace
Skyline Luge Queenstown
The Skyline Luge is one of Queenstown’s most popular family-friendly attractions, offering fun and excitement without the need for extreme thrills. After riding the gondola to Bob’s Peak, you can hop onto a three-wheeled cart and navigate purpose-built tracks that wind down the hillside. With both beginner and advanced runs, the luge is suitable for all ages, giving you control over how fast or relaxed you want your ride to be. It’s a playful way to enjoy the alpine setting, with stunning views across Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables as your backdrop.
Highlights:
Located at the Skyline complex, just a 5–10 minute walk from central Queenstown
Two tracks to choose from: a gentle scenic route or a faster advanced track
Great for families, couples, and groups of friends
Ride as many times as you like with multi-ride passes available
Open daily from morning until evening (hours vary by season)
Combine with the Skyline gondola, luge, and Stratosfare dining for a full day out
Ziptrek Queenstown
Ziptrek Ecotours offers a unique way to experience Queenstown’s alpine environment, combining adventure with sustainability. Starting from the Skyline gondola summit on Bob’s Peak, you’ll glide through the forest canopy on a series of ziplines, some stretching hundreds of metres long. Along the way, guides share stories about the local environment and the company’s eco-friendly approach. It’s an experience that blends excitement with education, making it ideal for families, groups, or anyone wanting a lighter thrill.
Highlights:
Located at the top of the Skyline gondola, a 5–10 minute walk from central Queenstown
Multiple zipline courses ranging from gentle to steep and fast-paced
Spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables
Eco-focused, with insights into local conservation and sustainability
Tours operate daily, year-round, with options for different adventure levels
Suitable for most ages and a great choice for those seeking a balance of fun and scenery
Quad Biking in Queenstown
Quad biking is a fantastic way to explore Queenstown’s rugged backcountry while enjoying a balance of adventure and scenery. Guided tours take you off the beaten track onto winding trails, steep climbs, and panoramic ridgelines, giving you a sense of freedom and excitement without the intensity of Queenstown’s biggest thrill rides. With expert guides, safety gear provided, and bikes suited to different experience levels, it’s an accessible adventure that showcases the region’s dramatic landscapes from a whole new perspective.
Highlights:
Guided tours depart just 15–20 minutes from central Queenstown
Explore farmland, forest tracks, and mountain ridgelines with stunning views
Suitable for beginners and experienced riders, with full training included
All safety equipment and bikes provided
Tours available year-round, usually 2–3 hours in duration
A perfect mix of outdoor fun, excitement, and scenic explorationHighlights:
Helicopter Flights in Queenstown
A helicopter flight is one of the most spectacular ways to experience Queenstown and its surrounding landscapes. Lifting off from the lakefront or nearby heliports, you’ll soar above dramatic alpine peaks, glacial valleys, and shimmering lakes for unforgettable panoramic views. Many flights include the chance to land on a remote alpine ridge or even on a snow-covered peak, giving you a moment to step out into absolute silence and breathtaking scenery. Whether it’s a short scenic flight or a longer journey into Fiordland or the Southern Alps, a helicopter ride is a truly iconic Queenstown experience.
Highlights:
Departures from central Queenstown heliports, just minutes from town
Scenic flights range from 20 minutes to over an hour
Options include alpine landings and snow landings for incredible photo opportunities
Year-round activity, with clear days offering the best views
Professional pilots share commentary on the region’s geography and history
Perfect for those wanting a luxury, once-in-a-lifetime experience