Queenstown has a new option for cruises on Lake Wakatipu with Queenstown Lake Cruises.The boat is called the Queenstown Princess and departs from the Queenstown Waterfront. They take you over to Hidden Island around the bottom of Cecil Peak and then into Frankton Arm stopping at points of interest along the way and including two 360 degree turns for the ultimate panoramic photo. The ride is 1 and a half hours long and great value for money at $30 for an adult and $15 for a cruise. It also includes a free cup of coffee or tea and a muffin or biscuit.
Book your Queenstown Lake Cruise and enjoy a cruise amongst this beautiful scenery.
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The ‘new kid on the block’ Ziptrek Ecotours is Queenstowns’ newest activity in 6 years. Based on Bob’s Peak next to Skyline Gondola they have cleverly blended into the mixed alpine forest a series of tree-houses and ziplines (or flying foxes) which uses only gravity to move through the course on a guided tour.
With a choice of two different tours, there is something in it for everyone. The Moa tour is great for families or those wanting a ‘taster’ of what ziplining is all about, the Kea is the high velocity, adrenaline pumping 6 zipline/flying fox tour that also has the steepest tree to tree flying fox in the world! This epic finale is 300m long and drops 30 storeys, top speeds on this line reach about 70km’s. As the tours are guided, there is no need to connect yourself onto the lines or control your speed or how to stop, an ingenious braking system (controlled by the guides) brings you to a gradual stop before entering the next tree house allowing us guests the freedom to do whatever we like while on the line, as for me my favourite was going upside down!
I was most surprised about the eco message that Ziptrek guides deliver while on the tour, to sum it up its subtle, entertaining, relevant and interesting….these people talk the talk and walk the walk of sustainability so much so that they have won awards for it. Ziptrek Ecotours’ recently won the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce Sustainability award and have also been Qualmarked endorsed with Enviro-Gold status.
This is a must do in Queenstown. They currently rank 4 on Trip Advisor out of 55 tours which shows how popular they have become after operating just over a year. The thrill of the ride and the scenery you see while up the gondola or during the ride is well worth the price. To find out more information or to book your ride visit Ziptrek Ecotours.
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A skydive is perceived as many things to a lot of people, terrifying, death defying, crazy but my experience with NZONE Skydive for my sky-dive literally blew this misconception out of the proverbial sky. I describe it as exhilarating, liberating and the most mind blowing fun I have ever had in my life.
I went through the emotional roller-coaster that got me to the ‘Drop Zone’, I threw my inhibitions to the wind and booked my jump, followed by the realization of the gravity of my undertaking in said task – literally, I find myself imagining the experience and contemplating the physics as my mind tries to rationalize the fear……my heart is already in my throat.
Now that I’m at NZONE Skydive’s ‘Drop Zone’ located at their airfield just out of Queenstown, watching the instructor demonstrate how to ‘exit the aircraft’ and all I can think is ” I hope I don’t stuff it up”. Thankfully I have a trained jump-master attached to me to remind me of every instruction. At 12,000 feet above Lake Wakatipu I feel the cool high altitude alpine air enter the cabin of the plane – the door is open and the moment of truth has arrived. I cannot even begin to describe what free fall is like……no wonder the birds sing, I’m having the time of my life with the most spectacular view of the world below. Now that I’m relaxed in this state I start to have a bit of fun with my free falling photo/video guy and start posing – superman style, sleeping style, two thumbs up and yahoo-ing as loud as I can.
The chute is pulled and we slow down quickly, my video guy disappears as he plummets to the earth still then pulls his chute. I yell with delight, I suddenly realize how quiet it is now that the air isn’t rushing past us and I quickly apologize to my jump master for my lack of volume control. We float towards the ground again in a series of spins and turns and the landing was much easier than I had originally thought.
So how do I feel now back on solid ground……? On cloud nine! If there is only one crazy thing you could do in your life, make it a sky-dive with NZONE Skydive, trust me, you won’t regret it!
Book your NZONE Skydive
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Great news, Climbing Queenstown has just been added to our website. You can book your adventure with Climbing Queenstown with ease on our site.
What do Climbing Queenstown do
Climbing Queenstown offers a number of activities including Via Ferrata, half and full day rock climbing and abseiling. Our NZOIA (New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association) qualified guides tailor-make each experience based on ability, from beginners to experienced.
Climbing Queenstown adventures
Via Ferrata – Adult $139/ Child $99
Experience the only Via Ferrata in the Southern Hemisphere! Clients will scale the cliffs of Queenstown Hill using metal rungs mounted in the side of the mountain. This is a great introduction to climbing and a fantastic journey for clients that can test all abilities.
Half Day Rock – Adult $139/ Child $99
Full Day Rock – Adult $260/ Child $180
The half day rock is our most popular product, perfect for beginners and those with a little experience. The trip includes an easy warm up before progressing onto more challenging climbs. The full day takes you to some of the best climbing around Queenstown. The instructors will help you improve and learn new skills.
Abseil – Adult $139/ Child $99
This trip gives clients the chance to lower themselves over the end of a cliff! It’s an easy ten minute walk to the cliff and a great way to get an adrenaline rush without the physical demands of rock climbing. Step over the edge and enjoy this thrilling half day adventure.
Do book this adventure visit Climbing Queenstown
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