8 Reasons Queenstown Is Perfect For Adrenaline Seekers

Ever wondered why Queenstown is such a hit with thrill seekers? Well, New Zealand’s most popular tourist destination is packed with adrenaline fuelling activities — inland, on its shores and right up in the sky. With a world of ‘firsts’ under its belt, and a naturally exhilarating landscape, here are eight reasons why this resort town is the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Queenstown started the bungy jumping craze

A.J. Hackett’s first bungy jumping installation, on Queenstown’s Kawarau Bridge, is credited as the world’s first commercial operation of its kind. Since that first leap of faith in 1986, New Zealand’s love affair with the extreme activity has been unmatched and ongoing. The original jump spot is still very much in action, and attracts tourists all year round. Kawarau Bridge is also the only place in Queenstown you can try your hand at a tandem bungy.

Queenstown is also home to the world’s largest swing

Queenstown is the prime tandem skydiving destination

NZONE, which has been thrilling Queenstown’s visitors since 1990, is New Zealand’s first tandem skydiving operation. Even the novice skydivers can get in on the action: no matter your skill level, you’ll be harnessed up to an experienced jump master who will lead you on a heart-stopping 4572-metre (15,000-foot) free-fall. The 60-second plunge is a sensory experience that’s hard to beat. If you want to solidify those memories, NZONE can arrange for photos and videos to be taken during the plummet.

The Dart and Shotover Rivers are a jet boating dream

Imagine shooting over a river canyon, on a small jet boat, at 80 kilometres (50 miles) per hour. Now, picture yourself getting into a few 360-degree spins as you zoom across those crystal-clear waters. That’s what you can expect from Queenstown’s jet boating adventures. The Dart and Shotover Rivers are the local go-tos for this adventurous ride. The journey is as scenic as it is epic, with plenty of jaw-dropping landscapes to admire as you circumnavigate those rocky outcrops.

White water rafters will relish the local canyons and rivers

The Shotover River, the Skippers Canyon, and the Kawarau River are the local hot-spots for white water rafting. If you want to immerse yourself on those rafts, expect to traverse an array of narrow river rapids and cascades. Beginners and experts alike can get a solid adrenaline fix, as each route is graded according to difficulty. Many operators offer jet boating and white water rafting combos as well, so don’t feel like have to choose between one or the other.

There are plenty of places to get into mountaineering and abseiling

Mt Aspiring, Mitre Peak, The Remarkables, Milford Sound, Mt Earnslaw, Mt Brewster…saying that Queenstown is surrounded by mountains would be a huge understatement. If you want to get up close and personal to those scenic mountain ranges, there are plenty of ways of doing so. For instance, Via Ferrata offers a unique twist to outdoor rock climbing — you get to support yourself on fixed iron steps as you climb up the rocky cliffs. As for mountaineering and abseiling, Queenstown Mountain Guides and Climbing Queenstown are the main companies who will get you exploring the alpine horizons.

A Milford Sound expedition is right on your doorstep

Head over to Fiordland National Park, so that you too can revel in the majestic Milford Sound. From there, you’ll have access to two of New Zealand’s Great Walks: the Milford Track and the Routeburn Track. Both of these take multiple days to complete — you can either camp on-site or book a hut in advance. If you want to familiarise yourself with the area’s pristine waters, kayaking is another adventurous activity worth pursuing.

Ski fields are aplenty

Queenstown is home to some of New Zealand’s prime skiing destinations. Its main terrains are The Remarkables, Cardrona, Coronet Peak and the Snow Farm Ski Field, all of which are a short drive from the town centre. If you’re heading into Wanaka, Treble Cone is another popular spot to put on your to-do list. Each of these world class facilities offer slopes for all abilities and skill levels. Keen powder shredders can also grab special season passes that will grant them unlimited access to some of the best ski resorts in the vicinity.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.