Queenstown: Shotover Canyon Swing 60m Freefall

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.

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.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 15:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteNZ$ 25

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

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.

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Top questions

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.

What's the age requirement for the Shotover Canyon Swing?

Minimum age is 10 years old. Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and anyone 15 and under needs a parent or guardian to sign the waiver form.

Can I do the swing if I'm pregnant?

No, pregnant travelers are not eligible to participate due to safety restrictions.

What's the weight limit?

Solo jumpers can weigh up to 160kg. For tandem jumps, the combined weight must stay under 180kg.

Where does the shuttle pick up from?

The mandatory shuttle departs from the Shotover Canyon Swing Shop at 34 Shotover Street in central Queenstown. Check in 15 minutes before your trip time. Arther's Point pickup is available if arranged in advance with the reservations team.

Does weather affect the swing?

No, the swing operates in all weather conditions. Dress appropriately and wear comfortable closed-toe shoes.

What's included in the experience?

Your guide, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, all safety equipment, a full safety briefing, and the shuttle from central Queenstown are all included.

Can I jump solo or do I have to go tandem?

You can jump solo or in tandem with a friend. Both options are available.

Is this suitable for first-time jumpers?

Yes, the experience is designed for both first-time jumpers and experienced thrill-seekers. The guide provides full instruction and encouragement.