Top Adventure Activities in Queenstown – Thrills and Adrenaline Awaits!

Explore Queenstown’s Best High-Adrenaline Experiences and Outdoor Adventures

Why Queenstown is the Ultimate Adventure Destination

Queenstown, New Zealand, is renowned as the ultimate destination for adventure seekers. It offers a wide range of high-adrenaline activities that will get your heart racing.

Whether you want to feel the rush of jet boating on the Shotover River, experience the freedom of a tandem skydive, or challenge yourself with canyoning and riverboarding, Queenstown has it all.

The adrenaline-pumping activities are made even more exciting by some of the world’s most stunning landscapes. Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital, surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps and crystal-clear lakes. The breathtaking scenery provides the perfect backdrop for thrilling outdoor adventures.

From jet boating on the Dart River to navigating the river in a Funyak (inflatable kayak), Queenstown’s adventure options guarantee there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for heart-racing activities or unique experiences like Funyaks, this adventure destination offers it all.

Whether you’re a first-timer looking for a thrill or a seasoned adventurer seeking the next big challenge, Queenstown has an activity for you. Plan your next adrenaline-fueled adventure today in one of the world’s most thrilling locations!

Explore Queenstown’s Top Adventure Activities

Skydive Queenstown (NZONE) – Skydiving

Experience the thrill of freefalling over one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Skydive Queenstown offers tandem skydiving with views of the stunning Lake Wakatipu, Southern Alps, and the surrounding valleys. With experienced instructors, you’ll be securely strapped in as you take the leap from 15,000 feet. Feel the rush of freefalling for 60 seconds, followed by a peaceful glide back to Earth. This adrenaline-packed experience is the ultimate way to take in Queenstown’s iconic scenery.

RealNZ Jet Boat – Jet Boating on the Kawarau River and Shotover River

Get ready for an exhilarating ride with RealNZ Jet Boat as you zip along the Kawarau River and Shotover River. These thrilling rides take you through narrow gorges, past towering cliffs, and around sharp corners at high speed. Experience the famous 360-degree spins, while taking in the stunning, rugged landscape that surrounds you. With experienced drivers at the helm, this jet boat ride is the perfect combination of adventure and breathtaking scenery.

Shotover Jet – Jet Boating on the Shotover River

Arguably one of the most iconic jet boat rides in the world, the Shotover Jet will take you on an adrenaline-pumping adventure through the dramatic Shotover River Canyon. As you speed through the narrow, rocky canyon, expect hair-raising 360-degree spins, high-speed turns, and an unforgettable experience. The ride offers not only a thrill but also an up-close view of Queenstown’s natural beauty—perfect for those who want excitement and scenery in one package.

Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat – Jet Boating on the Dart River (Glenorchy)

For a more scenic and tranquil experience, the Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat offers a spectacular ride through the Dart River. Located in Glenorchy, this adventure takes you through untouched wilderness, surrounded by towering mountains and dense forests. You’ll experience thrilling speeds and 360-degree spins, but with a more relaxed pace to truly enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. It’s an exhilarating way to discover the beauty of the Fiordland National Park and its pristine landscapes.

Canyoning Queenstown – Queenstown and Wanaka Canyoning

If you’re looking for an adventure that combines physical challenge and natural beauty, Canyoning Queenstown offers the ultimate outdoor experience. Explore hidden gorges and waterfalls in both Queenstown and Wanaka, where you’ll navigate the rugged terrain by jumping, sliding, and rappelling down waterfalls. With qualified instructors leading the way, you’ll safely experience the thrill of descending through the stunning landscapes, all while having fun in nature’s water playground.

Riverboarding – Riverboarding on the Kawarau River

Riverboarding is an exciting and unique way to experience the Kawarau River. Armed with a bodyboard, fins, and a wetsuit, you’ll be floating and swimming through the river’s rapids, ducking and diving as you navigate through the fast-moving waters. Riverboarding offers an immersive, adrenaline-filled experience where you become part of the river, getting up close to the action in a way that traditional rafting or jet boating can’t offer.

K Jet – Jet Boating on the Shotover & Kawarau Rivers

Hop on the K Jet and experience an exciting ride through the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers. This thrilling jet boat ride takes you on a fast-paced adventure through narrow canyons and over rapids, with an added bonus of 360-degree spins that will leave you exhilarated. As you zoom past cliffs and through the stunning landscape, you’ll experience Queenstown’s natural beauty in the most exciting way possible.

Nomad Safaris – 4WD Trips from Glenorchy, Arrowtown & Skippers Canyon

Explore the rugged beauty of Queenstown’s Skippers Canyon, Arrowtown, and Glenorchy with Nomad Safaris. These 4WD tours take you off the beaten path, showcasing the hidden gems of Queenstown’s wilderness. Traverse old mining trails, stop at stunning lookout points, and learn about the area’s rich history. Whether you’re exploring the scenic routes of Skippers Canyon or venturing into the Arrowtown hills, these tours offer both adventure and a glimpse into the region’s past.

Skippers Canyon Jet – Jet Boating on Skippers Canyon

For a truly unique adventure, Skippers Canyon Jet offers jet boating through one of Queenstown’s most iconic and historic locations. Located in the heart of Skippers Canyon, this ride takes you on a thrilling journey through the narrow, steep-sided canyon, where you’ll experience 360-degree spins and rapid twists through the rocky terrain. The combination of adrenaline and scenery in one of the most remote parts of Queenstown makes for a truly unforgettable experience.

Funyak on the Dart River

Take a fun and exciting adventure on the Dart River with a Funyak (inflatable kayak). This unique experience combines jet boating with kayaking as you navigate the river in a two-person inflatable kayak. Your guide will take you on a scenic jet boat ride to the river, where you’ll explore remote wilderness in your Funyak. Paddle through calm, pristine waters and take in the spectacular views of Glenorchy’s mountains and forests, making this one of the most immersive and fun ways to experience Queenstown’s wilderness.

RealNZ Whitewater Rafting – Whitewater Rafting on the Shotover River

Get ready for an exhilarating whitewater rafting experience with RealNZ Whitewater Rafting. Challenge yourself as you navigate the Shotover River, one of the most exciting rivers in the world for rafting. With experienced guides leading the way, you’ll paddle through rapids and waves, all while enjoying stunning views of the canyon’s rugged cliffs. This adventure is perfect for those looking to add some splash to their Queenstown adventure.

Packrafting – Packrafting on the Rees Valley or Wanaka

Packrafting offers a unique, fun, and active way to explore the Rees Valley. With a small, lightweight raft, you’ll paddle down the river, taking in views of the surrounding wilderness from a completely different perspective. This self-guided adventure lets you explore the untouched beauty of the Dart River’s landscape while experiencing the excitement of moving through its rapids.

Southern Lakes Heli-Biking – Mountain Biking with Helicopter Access

For a unique mountain biking experience, Southern Lakes Heli-Biking combines the thrill of a helicopter flight with exhilarating mountain biking. Hop on a helicopter and soar over stunning landscapes before landing on a remote trail where you’ll begin your ride. Enjoy biking through some of the most scenic and rugged terrain Queenstown has to offer. This combination of adrenaline and beautiful views will leave you with lasting memories.

Hydro Attack – Semi-Submersible Shark – Underwater Viewing Adventure

Dive into a unique underwater experience with Hydro Attack – The Semi-Submersible Shark. This one-of-a-kind adventure allows you to sit in an air-conditioned, dry compartment while you watch the world beneath the water. See sharks, fish, and other marine life in their natural habitat, all without getting wet. It’s a family-friendly and thrilling way to experience the underwater wonders of Queenstown’s lakes.