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Queenstown, on New Zealand’s south island, is a mecca for ski-buffs. But when the snow melts and the sun shines it’s the place to be for adrenalin-charged activities. Rachael Oakes-Ash experiences the rush.
Heart-thumpers Queenstown is where AJ Hackett first tied rope to the ankles of the willing and pushed them off a bridge. If you’d like to throw yourself off a bridge in Queenstown, visit AJ Hackett Bungy. But if you’d rather jump from a plane, visit NZONE and try The Ultimate Jump. |
| You may prefer an adrenaline rush that involves water. Shotover Jet skims on water centimetres deep in the Shotover Gorge. Jet pilots manoeuvre engines millimetres from gorge cliffs, throwing in a three-sixty for wow factor. For the ultimate in ‘thrill therapy’, visit Shotover Jet.
Bob’s Peak is local speak for the ‘hill top’ overlooking Queenstown, on top of which sits the Skyline complex, with bar, restaurant, coffee shop and viewing platforms. Take the Skyline gondola ride up (said to be the steepest lift in the Southern Hemisphere) and tandem paraglide down to enjoy the million dollar view. Visit Queenstown Tandem Paragliding. Canyon Swing is the new bungy and not nearly as tame as it sounds. Think giant swing that sweeps in an arc over the Shotover Gorge with 60 metres of pure freefall. Visit Canyon Swing. Choose from a variety of ‘swing styles’ including the ‘Elvis Cutaway’, ‘The Cutaway’ or ‘The Chair’. |
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If you’re a control freak and want to be in the driver’s seat, choose Fly By Wire and pilot a plane suspended on wire through a valley floor. Visit Fly By WIre if you’re game.
For the cashed up there’s a host of private adventure experiences to choose from. Your personal guide will ensure you are smiling as he pushes you out of the plane, parachute strapped to your back, or paddles you out of the whitewater rapids. Visit Backstage Pass New Zealand.
Heart-starters
Take a scenic flight to the fiord lands of Milford Sound, for one of the world’s best views. Visit Milford Sound Scenic Flights for a number of flight options, including one that features a cruise on Milford Sound. Or take a heli-flight, from 10-minutes to several hours duration. You can combine your heli-flight with a hike or a mountain-bike ride. Visit New Zealand Scenic Helicopter Flights.
Safari up the Glenorchy River on a jet boat, trek through ancient forests that have remained unchanged for 80million years, and take a road coach journey through the spectacular scenery that has inspired many filmmakers, including Peter Jackson. Visit Dart River Safaris. There’s also an option to take a ‘Funyak’ journey, where you can paddle downstream in a kayak at your own leisure on a glacier fed river through rocky peaks and dense rainforest.
New Zealand night-time nosh-up
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Come sundown and you’ll find 120 licensed establishments in one square kilometre, filled with folk swapping ‘war stories’ from the day’s activities. The town’s nest of back alleys, cobbled laneways and hidden nooks hides a host of dining and drinking options.
The Cow on Cow Lane is a dining institution, so popular there’s a queue (no bookings taken) for the hearty pizzas served in an old stable. Gastronomes love the fine dining of nearby Amisfield Winery, or the degustation delights of kiwi celebrity chef, Rex Morgan, at the swanky dining room at The Spire. It seats only 16 guests so bookings are essential. Fergburger on Shotover Street caters for the early hours (that’s ‘pre-sleep’ early hours) – think world’s best meaty burgers and hot chips – and Joe’s Garage in Camp Street serves up the best morning coffee in town. |
The Boiler Room on Steamer Wharf sits next to the Minus 5 ice lounge made entirely from ice, while Brazz on the Green on Athol Street is the Friday night happy hour hotspot for those who work in town.
You can also head to the Mini Bar on Eureka Lane, which is truly the smallest bar in the world, or make tracks to The Spire’s seriously sexy copper bar on Church Lane.
A place to lay your weary head
Exhausted? You have over 270 accommodation options to choose from. Our pick? The high end Sofitel for the most comfortable beds this side of the Tasman or The Spire for serious chic – but take your Black Amex. Visit Acor Hotels or The Spire Hotels.
Queenstown House and The Dairy offer accommodation with a friendly vibe. And if you like to play golf, Millbrook Resort has a Sir Bob Charles golf course just out of town. The Outrigger, Grand Mercure or Crowne Plaza are all about style on a family budget. And there’s always a deal to be found in this tourist mecca so don’t forget to ask for a discount.
Queenstown is all about good fun, so if you’re not smiling, you’re doing something wrong. For more info on Queenstown, visit Queenstown New Zealand or 100% Pure New Zealand.
Getting There
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