Top Adventures in Queenstown

If you’re chasing thrills, you’ll quickly learn why Queenstown is called the adventure capital of Aotearoa. From leaping out of planes to roaring down rivers, the adrenaline here is unmatched. Once upon a time, Toni and I were happy to dive into these adventures ourselves, but these days we’re just as content to watch the action from the sidelines. Whether you’re leaping, swinging or riding the rapids, these 5 top adventures in Queenstown will get your heart racing and leave you with stories you’ll never forget.

1. Skydive Over Lake Wakatipu

Skydiving in Queenstown is the ultimate rush. The plane ride alone is breathtaking as you climb high above snow-capped mountains and the blue sweep of Lake Wakatipu. Then comes the heart-stopping moment — the door swings open, the wind roars, and you leap into the sky. The freefall lasts less than a minute, but the adrenaline stays with you for a lifetime. This is one of the Top Adventures in Queenstown that defines its extreme reputation.

• Why go: Experience freefall with views of mountains, rivers and lakes.
• What you’ll see: The Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, endless alpine ranges.
• Good to know: Jumps range from 9,000 to 15,000 feet with professional tandem guides.

Skydive Over Lake Wakatipu 👉 Book your tandem skydive in Queenstown and take the leap

2.Jet Boating in Queenstown

The Shotover Jet is pure speed and skill. These custom-built boats skim across shallow water, spin 360 degrees, and dart through canyons at over 85 km/h. Spray flies, cliffs tower, and your heart pounds as the driver threads impossibly narrow gaps. Jet boating was invented here, making it one of the most iconic Top Adventures in Queenstown.

• Why go: Iconic Queenstown thrill ride.
• What you’ll see: Narrow canyons, turquoise river spray, towering cliffs.
• Good to know: The Shotover Jet is the original and still the most popular.

Jet Boating in Queenstown👉 Reserve your jet boat ride and feel the spray of Queenstown’s rivers.

3. Bungy Jump at Kawarau Bridge

Leaping off Kawarau Bridge is a rite of passage. At 43 metres, it’s not the tallest, but it is the world’s first commercial bungy jump. Standing on the edge, toes curling over the platform, the river rushing below, your nerves fire. Then you dive, the cord stretches and you bounce back up laughing and screaming. No wonder it remains one of the Top Adventures in Queenstown.

• Why go: Leap 43 metres from the historic suspension bridge.
• What you’ll see: Kawarau River rushing below, fellow jumpers cheering.
• Good to know: You can even opt for a tandem jump or a water dip.

Bungy Jump at Kawarau Bridge👉 Secure your Kawarau Bridge bungy jump and dive into history.

4. Canyon Swing

If a bungy feels too tame, the Canyon Swing is next-level. You’ll freefall off the edge before being swept sideways across a canyon on a giant swing. The build-up is half the terror — cheeky staff are known for surprise countdowns that make your stomach drop before you’ve even moved. With over 70 jump styles, from backflips to chair launches, this is one of the boldest Top Adventures in Queenstown.

• Why go: Massive swing experience with a gut-dropping freefall.
• What you’ll see: Canyon cliffs and rushing rivers beneath you.
• Good to know: Multiple jump styles available, from standard to daredevil.

Canyon Swing👉 Book your Canyon Swing and choose your wildest jump style.

5. White-Water Rafting

For adrenaline with teamwork, white-water rafting is unbeatable. Guided trips tackle everything from bouncy Grade 2 waves to thundering Grade 5 rapids. You’ll paddle hard, get soaked in spray and then drift through quiet stretches where the scenery takes your breath away. It’s one of the Top Adventures in Queenstown that blends natural beauty with pure excitement.

• Why go: Crash through rapids with expert guides.
• What you’ll see: Remote river gorges, native bush, fast-flowing waters.
• Good to know: Options range from beginner-friendly trips to Grade 5 rapids.

White-Water Rafting 👉 Lock in your rafting trip today and ride Queenstown’s rapids.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.