Adrenaline Awaits: Queenstown’s Ultimate Adventure Line-Up
Discover Queenstown’s wild side with bungy jumps, canyon swings, jet boats, skydives, paragliding, and even a shark ride—adventures that define the world’s adrenaline capital.
Queenstown is where breathtaking landscapes meet pulse-pounding thrills. This alpine town is a haven for adrenaline seekers, offering everything from heart-stopping free-falls to one-of-a-kind water rides. If you’re looking to go beyond sightseeing and feel the rush, here’s your ultimate Queenstown adventure bucket list.
The Jump That Started It All: Kawarau Bridge Bungy
Step up to the edge of the world’s first commercial bungy jump and experience history as much as thrill. The Kawarau Bridge Bungy sits 43 metres above the Kawarau River, giving you a perfect mix of excitement and stunning scenery. You can jump solo or tandem, and for those feeling extra daring, opt for a water touch and dip your fingers—or your entire head—into the river. Kawarau is the perfect place for first-timers, combining a legendary location with a safe, supportive atmosphere.
Queenstown’s Biggest Thrill: Nevis Bungy
If Kawarau is the gateway, Nevis is the summit of adrenaline. Towering at 134 metres, Nevis offers 8.5 seconds of pure free-fall—the highest bungy in New Zealand. To even get to the jump pod, you’ll take a cable car across a deep canyon, adding an extra layer of anticipation. With its remote location, heart-racing drop, and unmatched intensity, Nevis is a rite of passage for serious thrill seekers.
Flip, Twist, or Scream: The Ultimate Canyon Swing
The Shotover Canyon Swing redefines fear and fun in one go. Unlike a straight bungy, this experience starts with a 60-metre free-fall before launching you into a massive 200-metre arc over the rugged Shotover Canyon. What makes it extra exciting is the sheer creativity—choose from countless jump styles, whether that’s flipping backwards, running headfirst, or sitting in a chair. Each jump is totally customisable, making it one of Queenstown’s most adrenaline-filled experiences.
Hold On Tight: Shotover Jet’s Canyon Blast
The Shotover Jet is a Queenstown original and an absolute icon. This ride takes you deep into narrow river canyons, skimming the water’s surface at over 85 km/h, coming within centimetres of canyon walls, and spinning 360 degrees at high speed. It’s a short, sharp adrenaline punch with dramatic scenery at every twist, making it a must-do for anyone wanting Queenstown’s ultimate thrill ride.
Speed Meets Scenery: KJet’s River Ride
For a more scenic spin on jet boating, KJet offers a longer adventure, starting from Queenstown’s main lakefront before tearing down the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. It’s less extreme than Shotover Jet but gives you more time on the water, a chance to enjoy the views, and plenty of speed to get the adrenaline flowing. It’s a great choice for families, groups, or anyone wanting a balanced mix of thrills and sightseeing.
Leap Into the Sky: Queenstown’s Ultimate Freefall
Skydiving in Queenstown is bucket-list material. Leap from 15,000 feet and experience up to a full minute of free-fall with the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu, and glacial valleys spread out beneath you. The sheer contrast of serene views and heart-pounding adrenaline makes this one of the most memorable ways to see Queenstown.
Float Like a Feather Over the Remarkables
Paragliding offers a calmer, yet equally magical, way to see Queenstown from above. After taking the gondola up Bob’s Peak, you’ll run a few steps before gliding into the air, soaring silently over the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. It’s peaceful, scenic, and perfect for those who want the views without the free-fall.
Meet the Shark: Queenstown’s Wildest Ride
The Hydro Attack Shark is unlike anything else on the planet—a semi-submersible machine that’s part fighter jet, part jet ski. This one-on-one ride dives underwater at 40 km/h, then rockets into the air at 80 km/h, flipping and spinning like a rollercoaster across the lake. With barrel rolls and vertical dives, it’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world. For pure novelty and thrills, Hydro Attack is unbeatable.
Why Queenstown is the World’s Adventure Capital
Queenstown isn’t just a scenic destination; it’s a playground for anyone craving action. From bungy jumping history to shark-shaped stunt rides, this alpine town blends natural beauty with some of the world’s most unique and exhilarating activities. Whether you want calm views from the sky, heart-stopping free-falls, or water-powered stunts, Queenstown delivers in a way no other destination can.
