I forced myself to look down as I shuffled my way to the edge of Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand, the same spot A.J. Hackett launched the first-ever commercial bungee operation in 1988. The couple in front of me clung together for moral support while the singlet-clad stag party behind me bantered about who among them would be brave enough to touch the river on their jump. I, on the other hand, was alone, determined to overcome my nerves and take part in the 34-year-old Queenstown tradition.
A Foo Fighters’ song blared from the speakers behind me as I took my turn on the platform, until the band suddenly went quiet. A power outage on a bungee platform doesn’t do anything but suck adrenaline from the jumper, exactly what it did to me as I was encouraged to jump in silence. With no one to cheer me on, I turned to the boys behind me and begged for support. Mustering up courage, I spread my arms wide and leaned forward off the bridge as a group of soon-to-be wedded Kiwis sang the only song they could collectively come up with, “Happy birthday to you …”.
Adrenaline is woven deeply into the Queenstown experi- ence — dubbed New Zealand’s adventure capital — where immersing yourself in the stunning natural landscape lies just one tour away. Simple forest bathing involves soaring down the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline with Ziptrek Ecotours (Queenstown’s first carbon-neutral tourism activity), while exploring Queenstown Canyons takes place on a thrilling (90 kmh) jetboat tour with Shotover Jet. You can walk Queen- stown Gardens, where an 18-basket disc golf course awaits, although you’ll go deeper into the region on half- or full-day hiking trips with the guides at Alpine Luxury Tours. Aerial views are popular in Queenstown, where you can get a view and a sandwich atop Bob’s Peak, accessible via Queenstown Gondola, but booking a heli-tour through Over the Top will have you soaring above the most breathtaking scenic vistas, including Central Otago Wine Region, where you’ll land for some necessary wine tasting.
Alpine Luxury Tours runs private tours throughout the region that let you customize your experience. You’ll travel in comfort as you traverse the land, sky and lakes that make this slice of New Zealand so mesmerizing.
Just like the wines of the region, Queenstown’s beauty pairs best with any tour that gets you out amid nature … whether you choose to plunge, soar, stroll, drive or dive into it is up to you.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 18, 2024Explore the Secrets of the Distant Stars with Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas’ New SKY Gurus
Have you ever looked up at the sky and questioned the mysteries of the universe? For travelers looking to learn more about the stars and their secrets, head to SKY at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas.
Sponsored Content
L’Ermitage Beverly Hills: A Discreet Hideaway Awaits
Nestled between the palm-lined boulevards of residential Beverly Hills, L'Ermitage evokes a sense of refined elegance and unparalleled service. This Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond haven continues to captivate discerning travelers and Angelenos with its unwavering dedication to personalized hospitality.
Daily
Apr 18, 2024Exclusive Golf and Tennis Itineraries from Kensington Tours
Kensington Tours recently announced a limited series of luxury itineraries centered on golf and tennis, including world-famous events like Wimbledon.
Bhutan
Apr 17, 2024Mindfulness City in Kingdom of Bhutan Unveiled as Future Economic Hub
In front of an audience of 30,000 Kingdom of Bhutan residents and officials, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck presented his vision for a new economic hub in Bhutan. Located between India to the south and China to the north, Bhutan is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Bhutan came late to global tourism. It opened its borders to international visitors in 1974 and, while tourism definitely increased, residents are enduring “light” rush-hour traffic in Thimphu, its capital city, as the only Asian capital without traffic lights.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Don’t risk losing all the money you’ve spent if you must cancel your trip at the last minute. Allianz Travel Insurance can give you:
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 17, 2024Amansara Review
It was more than a car journey; it was a transition between worlds. At our first hotel in Siem Reap, huge coaches constantly pulled up outside the lobby to deposit or receive international tour groups; we departed in very different style, in a 1965 black Mercedes limousine once owned by King Sihanouk. The mundanities of mass tourism were left behind. We progressed through the chaotic Cambodian streets in regal comfort and soon arrived at a solid gate.
Regent Santa Monica Beach to Debut This Summer
Daily
Apr 17, 2024Birder’s Delight at Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa
eFlyer Deals
Apr 17, 2024eFlyer Deals
Apr 17, 2024Love and Let Fly at Sandals, Beaches Resorts
On Feb. 24, American Airlines launched a new, nonstop flight (AA4407) to the Caribbean Riviera. To celebrate the new flight, Sandals and Beaches Resorts launched the Love and Let Fly offer, honoring both spring and a stronger connection between the Caribbean and U.S. travelers.
eFlyer Lead
Apr 17, 2024Brazil to Require Travel Visas from American, Canadian, Australian Travelers in 2025
Next year will see Brazil establish a new visa system for travelers coming from the United States, Canada and Australia. Similar to the European Travel Information and Authorization System in the European Union, American, Canadian and Australian travelers planning to visit Brazil must apply for an e-visa online.
ShareThis