The Best Adventure Activities in Queenstown

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• Bungee Jumping
• Skydiving
• Jet Boating
• Paragliding
• White-Water Rafting
• Heli-Skiing
• Ziplining
• Mountain Biking
• Skyline Gondola
• Tips for Planning and Preparation
• What to Pack and Gear Recommendations
• Booking and Permit Information

Bungee Jumping

Queenstown is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, and it offers several iconic jump sites. The Kawarau Bridge Bungy, established in 1988 by AJ Hackett, is the world’s first commercial bungee site, while the Nevis Bungy, at 134 meters, is the highest in New Zealand. The thrill of bungee jumping was pioneered by AJ Hackett, who famously jumped off the Eiffel Tower, bringing global attention to the sport. After a safety briefing and harness fitting, you’ll leap from a platform, experiencing an exhilarating freefall before being smoothly brought to a halt by the bungee cord. For an added thrill, you can choose to be dipped into the river below—a refreshing option, especially during the summer months.

Bookings can be made online through the AJ Hackett Bungy website or at their office in Queenstown. Listen carefully to the safety briefing and follow all instructions. Ensure the harness is securely fitted. If you have any medical conditions, consult with the staff beforehand.

Bungee jumping is available year-round, but the summer months (December to February) offer the warmest weather and longest days. Note that bungee jumping generally requires participants to be at least 10 years old, with weight restrictions applying.

Phil’s Insight: “Having jumped off the Kawarau Bridge myself, I can say there’s nothing like the rush you feel! Go in the summer for the best experience—jumping in the bright sun makes the leap even more exhilarating. Plus, if you opt for the river dip, the cool water feels amazing on a hot day.”

Skydiving

Experience the ultimate thrill of freefalling from up to 15,000 feet with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, and the Southern Alps. Skydiving in Queenstown was established by NZONE Skydive in 1990, making it the first tandem skydive operation in New Zealand. Over the years, it has become a must-do activity for thrill-seekers visiting the adventure capital. After a safety briefing and gear fitting, you’ll board a plane and ascend to your jump altitude. You’ll then tandem jump with an experienced instructor, enjoying a thrilling freefall before the parachute opens and you glide gently back to the ground.

Bookings can be made online through NZONE Skydive or at their office in Queenstown. Follow all instructions given by your tandem instructor. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. If you’re nervous, let your instructor know—they’re experienced in helping first-timers.

Skydiving is available year-round, but clear days offer the best views. Morning jumps often have calmer weather conditions. Skydiving generally has a minimum age requirement of 18 years, or 12 years with parental consent.

Phil’s Insight: “Skydiving in Queenstown gives you an unparalleled view of the region. I recommend going early in the morning when the weather is typically more stable, and the light over the mountains is just spectacular.”

Jet Boating

Jet boating is a must-do activity in Queenstown, offering high-speed thrills on the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers. The Shotover Jet, established in 1965, is arguably the most iconic jet boat ride in the world, known for its exhilarating spins and narrow canyon passes. Meanwhile, KJet holds the distinction of being New Zealand’s first commercial jet boat operator, having started in 1958. Both experiences offer unique thrills and stunning river scenery. You’ll speed through narrow canyons and over shallow riverbeds in a high-powered jet boat, with expert drivers performing thrilling maneuvers. In the summer, you might get a little wet, which is refreshing in the heat. If you don’t mind the cold, jet boating in the winter can be just as exhilarating, with the added beauty of snow-capped mountains.

Bookings can be made online through the respective operators’ websites or at their offices in Queenstown. Listen to the safety briefing and follow all instructions. Wear the provided life jacket. Hold on tightly during the ride.

Jet boating is available year-round. Summer offers warmer temperatures, while winter provides a unique experience with snow-capped mountains. Jet boating is generally family-friendly, with age restrictions varying by operator. Shotover Jet has a minimum age of 5 years, while KJet allows children as young as 2 years old.

Phil’s Insight: “The Shotover Jet is an absolute thrill ride through the Shotover Canyon. For a slightly different experience, the KJet gives you a scenic tour of Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau River. Both are unforgettable experiences, and in the summer, the splash of water adds to the fun!”

Paragliding

Soar above Queenstown and enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and lakes with a tandem paragliding flight from Coronet Peak or the Skyline Gondola. Established in the 1990s, paragliding in Queenstown has become one of the most popular ways to experience the region’s stunning landscapes from the air. Gforce Paragliding is a renowned operator offering safe and thrilling paragliding experiences. After a short briefing, you’ll be harnessed to an experienced pilot. You’ll take off from a hillside, gliding smoothly through the air and enjoying panoramic views before landing gently back on the ground.

Bookings can be made online through Gforce Paragliding or at their office in Queenstown. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. Follow your pilot’s instructions for takeoff and landing. If you have a fear of heights, inform your pilot—they can help ease your concerns.

Paragliding is best on clear, calm days. Flights are available year-round, but summer offers the best thermal conditions. Paragliding typically requires participants to be at least 5 years old, making it a family-friendly activity.

Phil’s Insight: “Paragliding from Coronet Peak is one of the most serene yet thrilling experiences. You get a bird’s eye view of Queenstown and the surrounding landscapes. I always recommend it to first-time visitors. Gforce Paragliding is my go-to for an unforgettable flight.”

White-Water Rafting

Experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Shotover or Kawarau Rivers, navigating through exhilarating rapids and stunning scenery. Commercial rafting in Queenstown began in the 1970s, quickly gaining popularity due to the challenging rapids and spectacular river landscapes. After a safety briefing and gear fitting, you’ll join a guide and fellow rafters in a raft, paddling through a series of rapids and enjoying the adrenaline rush of navigating the river.

Bookings can be made online through operators like Queenstown Rafting or Go Orange. Wear the provided safety gear, including a helmet and life jacket. Listen to your guide and follow their commands. Be prepared to get wet and bring a change of clothes.

White-water rafting is available year-round, but spring and summer (September to March) offer higher water levels and more thrilling rapids. Rafting typically requires participants to be at least 13 years old for the Shotover River and 8 years old for the Kawarau River, with varying age requirements by operator.

Phil’s Insight: “Rafting the Shotover River is an adventure that you won’t forget. The rapids are intense, and the scenery is stunning. For a more family-friendly option, the Kawarau River offers gentler rapids and equally beautiful views.”

Heli-Skiing

For the ultimate skiing or snowboarding experience, try heli-skiing in the untouched backcountry of the Southern Alps. Introduced to Queenstown in the 1980s, heli-skiing offers access to pristine powder runs that are inaccessible by any other means, providing an unparalleled alpine adventure. After being fitted with safety gear and a briefing, you’ll board a helicopter and be flown to a remote mountain location. You’ll then enjoy several runs down untouched powder, with a guide ensuring your safety and providing expert tips.

Bookings can be made online through operators like Heliworks or Heli Glenorchy. Wear appropriate skiing or snowboarding gear, including avalanche safety equipment. Follow your guide’s instructions at all times. Ensure you are in good physical condition and have advanced skiing or snowboarding skills.

Heli-skiing is best during the winter months (July to September), when snow conditions are optimal.

Phil’s Insight: “Heli-skiing with Heliworks or Heli Glenorchy is the pinnacle of adventure skiing. The untouched powder and breathtaking scenery make every run unforgettable. If you love skiing, this is a must-do.”

Ziplining

Zip through the treetops and enjoy a unique perspective of Queenstown’s stunning landscapes with a ziplining adventure. Ziptrek Ecotours, established in 2009, offers a variety of zipline tours that combine thrill and education, promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. After a safety briefing, you’ll be harnessed and attached to a zipline. You’ll glide from platform to platform, enjoying the thrill of speed and the beauty of the surrounding forest.

Bookings can be made online through Ziptrek Ecotours or at their office in Queenstown. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Listen carefully to the safety briefing and follow all instructions. Check weight restrictions before booking.

Ziplining is available year-round, with tours running in most weather conditions. Summer and autumn (December to April) offer the best temperatures and clear skies.

Phil’s Insight: “Ziptrek Ecotours offers an exciting and educational experience. The combination of speed and learning about sustainability makes it a unique adventure. Perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike.”

Mountain Biking

Queenstown offers world-class mountain biking trails for all levels of riders. From the easy lakeside tracks to the challenging downhill trails at the Queenstown Bike Park, there’s something for everyone. Mountain biking in Queenstown has grown significantly since the early 2000s, with dedicated trails and events making it a premier destination for riders. Depending on the trail you choose, you can expect anything from leisurely rides along scenic paths to adrenaline-pumping downhill descents. The Queenstown Bike Park provides easy access to the area’s best trails.

Skyline offers a Gondola Uplift service and bookings can be made online through their website. Alternatively, there are several access points for pedaling into the Queenstown Bike Park – including the Skyline Access Road or Wynyard (in Fernhill). Bike rentals are available at several shops in Queenstown. Always wear a helmet and protective gear. Ensure your bike is in good working condition. Follow trail etiquette and be aware of other riders.

Mountain biking is best from late spring to early autumn (October to April), when the trails are dry and the weather is favorable.

Phil’s Insight: “Queenstown’s mountain biking trails are some of the best in the world. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s a trail for you. The views are incredible, and the community is welcoming.”

Skyline Gondola

The Skyline Gondola offers a scenic ride to Bob’s Peak, providing panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains. At the top, you can enjoy dining, hiking, and the thrilling Skyline Luge. The Skyline Gondola is also the gateway to one of the greatest hikes in Queenstown, the Ben Lomond day hike. The gondola ride takes about 10 minutes, and at the top, you’ll find a range of activities and attractions. The Skyline Luge offers a fun, gravity-fueled ride down a winding track, suitable for all ages. For those looking for a hiking adventure, the Ben Lomond track starts from the gondola station and offers a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning views.

Bookings can be made online through the Skyline Queenstown website or at the ticket office. Follow all safety instructions for the gondola and luge. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes for the luge. Take your time to enjoy the views and the attractions at the top.

The Skyline Gondola is open year-round. Clear days provide the best views, and the luge is a popular activity in both summer and winter.

Phil’s Insight: “Riding the Skyline Luge is always a blast, and I can get pretty competitive! If you’re up for a hike, the Ben Lomond track is accessible from the top of the gondola and offers some of the best views in Queenstown. It’s a challenging hike but worth every step.”

To Sum it up!

Queenstown is a paradise for adventure seekers, offering a diverse range of activities that cater to all levels of thrill and excitement. From the heart-pounding leaps of bungee jumping to the serene glides of paragliding, there’s no shortage of ways to get your adrenaline fix.

Ready to embark on your next adventure in Queenstown? Check out our 7-Day South Island Adventure Tour and 12-Day South Island Adventure Tour for guided experiences that include some of these thrilling activities. Let The Conqueror Adventures help you discover the best of Queenstown’s outdoor beauty and adventure.