Christchurch: Zipline Adventure Park Tour & Chairlift Ride

Summary

Zip above Port Hills with local guides and city views

You’ll feel your heart race as you zip across Port Hills on New Zealand’s longest lines, guided by locals who know every story and shortcut. From gearing up to riding the chairlift and sharing laughs over hot chips afterward, this Christchurch zipline tour packs adrenaline with real warmth—plus those wild city-and-ocean views you won’t forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

I can still see it — that first moment stepping off the platform, legs shaky, wind in my face, Christchurch sprawling out below. It’s like your stomach drops and you’re flying at the same time. Our guide, Jamie, grinned at me and said, “Just wait for line four.” I thought he was joking until I saw how far that last zipline stretched over the valley. The air smelled of pine and something sweet I couldn’t place. Maybe gorse? Or just nerves.

The whole thing starts with a ride up New Zealand’s longest chairlift (which is slower than you’d think — gives you time to look for sheep or just stare at the Southern Alps). You get kitted out at the base — harness, helmet, all that — and they actually make sure everything fits right. I appreciated that because honestly, I was nervous about the heights. Jamie and Li (our other guide) kept things light; Li laughed when I tried to pronounce something in Māori. Probably butchered it but she didn’t seem to mind.

Each zipline gets a bit wilder. The third one is high enough that you can see all the way to the Pacific if you squint through the trees. By the fourth line — over a kilometer long — my hands were sweating inside the gloves but once you launch, it’s just wind and speed and this weird mix of fear and joy. Someone screamed behind me (not naming names) but we all ended up laughing about it at the bottom. There’s a café back at the village where people sit outside with coffee or beer after — I got hot chips because my legs felt like jelly.

I didn’t expect to remember so much about those little moments: Jamie telling us stories about mountain bikers getting lost in fog up here, or how quiet it got before each jump. If you’re looking for a zipline tour in Christchurch that actually feels personal (and not just a checklist), this is it. Sometimes I still hear that wind when things go quiet back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Christchurch Zipline Adventure

• Arrive early at Christchurch Adventure Park
• Enjoy the onsite café and bar
• Complete required paperwork
• Attend safety briefing with zip guides
• Get fitted with harness, helmet, and trolley
• Take chairlift to the top of the hill
• Enjoy views of city, Southern Alps, and ocean
• Walk to Zipline number 1 launch site
• Experience four thrilling dual ziplines
• Reach speeds over 80 kph on ziplines
• Relax at café and outdoor deck after tour

Top questions

How long does the Christchurch zipline tour take?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours from check-in to finish.

Is there a minimum weight or height for the zipline?

Yes, minimum height is 1.2m and weight is 27kg; maximum weight is 120kg.

What should I wear for the Christchurch Adventure Park zipline?

Wear closed-toe shoes and bring extra layers—Christchurch can get cold even on sunny days.

Are guides included on this zipline tour?

Yes, two professional local guides lead every group throughout the experience.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?

The tour runs in all weather except high winds; postponements may occur if conditions are unsafe.

Is lunch or food included in the price?

No lunch included but there’s an onsite café & bar where you can buy food after your tour.

Can I bring my camera on the ziplines?

You may bring a camera for photos or video footage during your adventure.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

No hotel pickup; public transport options are available nearby if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes all safety equipment—harnesses, helmets, trolley—and access to New Zealand’s longest chairlift up Port Hills before four guided ziplines across Christchurch Adventure Park with two local professionals leading every step.