Top Adventure Activities in Queenstown, New Zealand In 2024

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, offering thrill-seekers endless opportunities to get their adrenaline pumping. Nestled amongst towering mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, this resort town is a paradise for adventure lovers. From heart-pounding bungy jumps to breathtaking skydives, Queenstown has something for everyone. In this article we talk about Top Adventure Activities in Queenstown, New Zealand In 2024.

If you’re planning a trip to Queenstown and want to pack in as much adventure as possible, here are the top 10 activities you simply must try:

Bungy Jumping

No trip to Queenstown is complete without experiencing the adrenaline rush of bungy jumping. AJ Hackett Bungy pioneered commercial bungy jumping right here in Queenstown back in the 1980s, so this is the birthplace of bungy. Today you can choose from several bungy sites around Queenstown including the famous Kawarau Bridge where it all started. With jumps from 43 meters to an insane 134 meters, get ready for the thrill of a lifetime!

Jet Boating

Jet boating is another iconic Queenstown activity you don’t want to miss. Powerful jet boats specially designed to operate in shallow waters allow you to experience the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers at breathtaking speeds, doing 360 degree spins that will leave you dizzy. With pure adrenaline pumping through your veins, jet boating is sure to get your heart racing!

Skydiving

Few things can match the rush of jumping out of a perfectly good airplane, and in Queenstown you can take your pick of epic skydives. From jumps of 9,000 to 15,000 feet with views of snow capped peaks and the winding Shotover River, an experienced instructor will guide you through this unforgettable free fall adventure.

Paragliding

See Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu from new heights with a tandem paragliding flight. After a scenic gondola ride up Bob’s Peak, you’ll run off the side of a mountain and soar over breathtaking alpine scenery with your experienced pilot. Landing gracefully on grass near the gondola complex, paragliding is a peaceful yet thrilling way to admire Queenstown’s majestic landscape.

Rafting

Whether you prefer a relaxing float or an action-packed ride through grade 5 rapids, Queenstown has rafting adventures suited for all levels. Historic Skippers Canyon with its spectacular vertical schist rock walls is a popular rafting spot, as is the Shotover River. Multi-day rafting trips allow you to soak up remote scenery as you camp riverside after an exhilarating day of rapids.

Canyon Swinging

Canyon swinging combines the gut dropping free fall of bungy with the adrenaline pumping swing of a giant pendulum, making it one of the most terrifying thrills around Queenstown. After leaping off a ledge, you’ll free fall for several seconds before the rope catches you and you swing back and forth over the rocky canyon below. With over 10 different jump styles to choose from, canyon swinging is not for the faint hearted!

Mountain Biking

Queenstown’s rugged alpine setting makes it a world class mountain biking destination, with endless singletrack trails winding through breathtaking landscapes. Test your skills on downhill tracks and flowing cross country trails with backdrops of craggy peaks and lush native bush. Rent a quality bike or join a guided tour to discover epic rides like the Moonlight Track while soaking up Queenstown’s phenomenal scenery.

Ziplining

If flying through forest canopies hanging from a cable sounds like your idea of fun, you’ll want to try ziplining while in Queenstown. Several courses allow you to glide from platform to platform high in the treetops, giving you a bird’s eye perspective of the beautiful scenery. With dual lines allowing you to zip alongside a friend or loved one, ziplining is a social yet adventurous activity for all ages.

4WD Off-Roading

Venture into Queenstown’s remote backcountry by 4WD to areas only accessible to high clearance vehicles. Bump along Gibbston River’s rocky riverbed, tackle challenging hill climbs in the mountains, drive alongside crystal clear streams, and take in gorgeous high country vistas only visible from hard to reach locations. Add in some wine tasting at nearby vineyards and 4WD off-roading makes for an unforgettable day.

Helicopter Tours

One of the most thrilling ways to admire Queenstown’s astounding alpine scenery is by helicopter. Soar over the Remarkables mountain range and pristine Lake Wakatipu, land on remote peaks, or touch down on glaciers for an exhilarating ride you’ll never forget. Several tour options are available, from quick 10 minute flights to longer trips with snow landings – just be sure to have your camera ready!

With non-stop adventures like bungy jumping, rafting, skydiving and beyond, Queenstown offers limitless ways to get your pulse racing. Whether you’re a hardcore thrill seeker or just looking for a bit of holiday excitement, nowhere else on Earth packs more adrenaline fueled activities into such spectacular natural surrounds as Queenstown. So come ready to push your personal limits and tick off some of the most incredible adventures you’ll ever experience. I sincerely hope you find this “Top Adventure Activities in Queenstown, New Zealand In 2024” article helpful.