Nelson Skywire: 800m Zipline & Native Forest Ride
Twelve Minutes Strapped Into a Racing Seat, Falling Through New Zealand Air
You ride a 4km forest drive to a platform 300 metres up, then strap into a racing seat for a 12-minute dual-direction zipline that hits 100km/hr. The cable carries you 800 metres forward and backward, with scenic glide sections in between, finishing where you started. The whole experience, including the van journey and check-in, takes 1–1.5 hours from the base.
Step-by-step itinerary
Skywire zipline adventure at Cable Bay
- Check in at booking office
- Enjoy coffee or cheese scone
- Board mini-bus to launch platform
- Listen to forest commentary
- Experience Skywire zipline ride
- Return to base area
What’s included
Your experience includes free parking, a commentated 4-kilometre mini-bus journey through native forest in an air-conditioned 4X4 van with a professional driver, the 12-minute Skywire zipline ride with dual forward and backward sections, and all safety equipment (racing car seat with five-point harness). Check-in at the booking office is required at least 10 minutes before departure.
Times
- Every day 09:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 17:00
Before you book
Operated by Cable Bay Adventure Park
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
"You're going backwards now," the guide said as the platform tilted and the forest disappeared behind us. That's the Skywire at Cable Bay, Nelson. You launch forward at nearly 100 kilometres per hour, then the harness swings you around mid-air and you come back the same way you went, only facing the opposite direction. The whole thing takes about 12 minutes, which sounds short until you're 300 metres above sea level with nothing between you and the canopy but gravity and a cable.
The day starts at the Base Cafe, where you check in at least 10 minutes before your slot. If you're early, grab a cheese scone. They're famous enough that people mention them. Then you board one of the air-conditioned 4X4 vans for a 4-kilometre drive up through native forest to the launch platform. The driver and guide talk the whole way: stories about the trees, the region, what you're about to do. It's not filler. It settles your nerves and fills the time so you don't just sit there thinking about what's coming. The Skywire zipline experience takes up to four people at a time, seated side by side in individual racing car seats with five-point harnesses. Forward 800 metres, then 700 metres of scenic glide before the turnaround, then the same in reverse. Nearly 12 minutes of it.
The whole return trip from the base takes between one and one-and-a-half hours, so it's not an all-day commitment. Operations run daily from 10am, with the last departure at 3pm, and the experience is weather-dependent: heavy rain or high winds shut it down, which is why bookings are recommended, especially in summer. You need to be at least 1.2 metres tall. Children 15 and under get child rates, and there are family packages for two adults and two kids if you call ahead. Parking is free while you're there.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want a single, self-contained adrenaline experience without a full day's commitment: the 1–1.5 hour window from base to base and the fixed 10am–3pm schedule mean you can fit it around other plans in Nelson.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How fast does the Skywire go?
Up to 100 kilometres per hour. You travel 800 metres in each direction at speed, with 700 metres of slower scenic glide on the return.
How long is the actual zipline ride?
Approximately 12 minutes for the complete forward and backward journey.
What time do departures run?
Daily from 10am, with the last departure at 3pm. Check in at least 10 minutes before your slot.
How many people go at once?
Up to four people, seated side by side in individual racing car seats with five-point harnesses.
What's the minimum height requirement?
Participants must be at least 1.2 metres tall. Children 15 and under qualify for child rates.
How long does the whole experience take?
Allow 1–1.5 hours return from the base, including the 4-kilometre forest drive up and check-in time.
Is parking included?
Yes, free unlimited parking during opening hours.
Can the experience run in bad weather?
No. The Skywire is weather-dependent and cannot operate in heavy rain or high winds.
Can spectators come along?
Yes, spectators can journey to the launch platform on the 4X4 van for an extra cost.
What if I arrive early?
The Base Cafe is open from 9am and serves coffee and food, including the famous cheese scones.
Nelson Skywire: 800m Zipline & Native Forest Ride
1h 20m · EN
from NZ$ 115 per person
≈ US$ 66 in your currency
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