Having just spent the weekend in Queenstown and with quite frankly too many activities to choose from, I've decided to narrow down the list. So here are my top 3 adrenaline activities, ranging from the slightly hair-raising to mildly terrifying... and no, eating a Ferburger in under 30 seconds is not one of them!
NUMBER 3
Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride
Why?
For an adrenaline thrill that isn't too much to handle. The Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride gives you 25 minutes of high speed excitement on Queenstown's Shotover River. Your Jet Boat driver will dart through the narrow Shotover Canyon and take you scarily close to the cliff walls. You can reach speeds of up to 85kph on water as shallow as 10cm... but the highlight has to be the 360° spins! This is the perfect for the slightly more cautious adrenaline junkie.
Where?
Shotover River, Gorge Rd, Queenstown
How much?
$129
NUMBER TWO
The Nevis Swing
Why?
Because it's the world's fastest and biggest swing. Still not convinced? On this adrenaline activity that even the bravest daredevils shy away from, you'll cross a 70 metre high suspension bridge, 160m above the floor of the valley, choose whether you want to swing backwards or forwards, find yourself hanging at a terrifying height before swinging in a 300 metre arc... sound like your kind of thing? Course it does.
Where?
Queenstown Bungy Centre, Corner of Shotover and Camp Streets, Queenstown
How much?
$210
NUMBER ONE
White Water Rafting
Why?
Well, you start your rafting adventure by driving one of the deadliest roads in the world... Skippers Canyon Road! With vertical drops and tight corners you'll be thankful for some white water rapids. You'll then set sail from Deep Creek 14km towards the exhilarating rapids of the lower canyon, paddling as hard and fast as you can while your raft instructor guides you down stream. Keep your ears open and eyes peeled as your instructor tells you about the history of the canyon. But make sure you pay attention to the 'Toilet Bowl', 'Mother-in-Law', the 'Tunnel' and 'Cascades'... they've been known to take even the bravest of rafters! Once you've made it through safe and sound, enjoy a hot shower and sauna back at base.
With enough adrenaline to get your heart pumping but a dedicated team that will make you feel as safe as houses, for me, Queenstown's white water rafting is the ULTIMATE adrenaline activity.
Where? 35 Shotover St, Queenstown
How much?
$229