Queenstown: Shotover Canyon Swing 60m Freefall

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Free cancellationExcellent qualityLikely to sell out

1/7

Duration2h 30m

GroupUp to 9

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

That moment before you jump—when your stomach knows what's about to happen

You'll ride the shuttle from central Queenstown to the canyon, get a full safety briefing and harness fitting, then take your 60-meter freefall on the world's first commercial canyon swing with multiple jump styles to choose from. The guide handles all the technical details and encouragement; you just show up ready to jump. Plan for a few hours total, including travel time and the pre-jump prep.

2h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Experience Shotover Canyon Swing

Arrive at Shotover River location
Receive safety briefing from guide
Choose solo or tandem jump
Perform 60m freefall swing
Enjoy 200m swing over canyon
Complete jump and debrief

The Experience

There's a reason your heart starts racing the second you arrive at the Shotover Canyon Swing in Queenstown. You're standing 109 meters above the Shotover River, looking down at a 60-meter vertical drop, and the only thing between you and that freefall is a cable system and a guide who's done this thousands of times. The anticipation is real—but so is the safety. Your professional guide walks you through every detail of the harness, the jump technique, and what to expect when gravity takes over. They're not just there to strap you in; they're there to talk you through the nerves and make sure you actually want to do this.

The swing itself is unlike anything else on the planet. You don't just drop straight down—you swing out over the canyon on a 200-meter arc, which means the freefall happens first, and then you're suspended above the river, swinging back and forth while your adrenaline is still firing. The jump styles matter too. You can go headfirst, feet-first, backwards, or tandem with a friend if you want to share the madness. The whole experience takes a few hours from start to finish, and that includes the mandatory shuttle from central Queenstown (the shop is on Shotover Street, and you need to check in 15 minutes early). If you're staying in Arther's Point, you can arrange a pickup there instead, but you'll need to contact the team beforehand.

What makes this work is the combination of location, equipment, and the people running it. The canyon itself is stunning—steep, dramatic, and the kind of place that makes you understand why someone thought, "Yeah, let's put a swing here." The staff are genuinely encouraging without being pushy, and they've clearly thought through every safety detail. You get a full briefing, all the gear is provided, and the guide stays with you the whole time. Solo jumpers can weigh up to 160kg; if you're going tandem, the combined weight needs to stay under 180kg. Kids as young as 10 can do it, but anyone 13 and under needs an adult with them, and anyone 15 and under needs a parent or guardian to sign the waiver. Pregnant travelers can't participate for safety reasons.

The shuttle leaves from Queenstown's central location, so you're not scrambling to find the canyon on your own. Weather doesn't stop it—they operate in rain, wind, or sun—so bring closed-toe shoes and dress for whatever the South Island is throwing at you that day. Once you're back in town, you'll still be buzzing from the adrenaline, and that's when you realize why people come back to Queenstown just to do this again.

What’s included

Your experience includes a professional guide who stays with you throughout, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points in Queenstown, the mandatory shuttle from central Queenstown (departing from 34 Shotover Street), all safety equipment, a full safety briefing, and your choice of jump styles on the 60-meter freefall over the Shotover River.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Shotover Canyon Swing

Is this one for you?Right for thrill-seekers and first-time jumpers who want the adrenaline rush without worrying about logistics or safety—the guide, shuttle, and all gear are handled. Plan for a few hours total, including the shuttle ride and pre-jump prep, and wear closed-toe shoes since you'll be on your feet before and after the jump.