Queenstown: Shotover Canyon Swing with Pickup & Safety Gear

Summary

Leap over Shotover River with wild freefall jump styles

You’ll feel your heart race as you step onto the Shotover Canyon Swing platform in Queenstown, guided by locals who know every inch of the cliff. Expect a full safety briefing, plenty of encouragement (and jokes), and your choice of wild jump styles—all with shuttle pickup included. That moment when you drop? It stays with you long after you land.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it—I almost backed out. Standing on that platform above the Shotover River, my knees were doing their own thing (not helpful). Our guide, Jamie, cracked a joke about “gravity always working,” which weirdly calmed me down. The canyon looked even deeper than I’d pictured from photos—sort of a raw slice through all that green and stone. You could smell the river below, sharp and cold, even from up there.

The safety briefing was actually kind of fun—lots of banter and not as stiff as I expected for something called the world’s first commercial canyon swing. They checked our harnesses about three times (I counted), and then gave us a choice of jump styles. I went for the classic forward dive; my friend tried something called “the chair,” which is exactly what it sounds like. When you finally step off… well, it’s 60 meters of pure freefall before the swing kicks in. My stomach dropped so fast I forgot to scream until halfway down.

It’s loud—wind in your ears, river rushing somewhere below—and then suddenly you’re swinging out across this huge space with Queenstown behind you. Jamie yelled something encouraging that I barely heard over my own laughter (or maybe panic?). Afterward we just sat on the rocks for a bit, shoes full of dust, trying to process what just happened. Still not sure if my hands were shaking from adrenaline or relief.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Experience Shotover Canyon Swing

• Arrive at Shotover Canyon Swing site
• Receive safety briefing from guide
• Choose solo or tandem jump
• Perform adrenaline-fueled canyon swing jump
• Enjoy freefall and swing over river
• Complete jump and debrief with staff

Top questions

How high is the Shotover Canyon Swing?

The platform is 109 meters above the Shotover River with a 60-meter freefall before swinging out over 200 meters.

Is pickup included for the Shotover Canyon Swing?

Yes, shuttle pickup is included from central Queenstown at the Shotover Canyon Swing Shop on Shotover Street.

What is the minimum age for the canyon swing?

The minimum age to participate is 10 years old.

Can children do the Shotover Canyon Swing?

Children aged 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult; those 15 and under need a parent or guardian to sign their waiver.

Is it safe? What about equipment?

All safety gear is provided and there’s a thorough safety briefing before your jump; staff check harnesses multiple times.

Can I do tandem jumps on the canyon swing?

Yes, you can jump solo or in tandem with a friend as long as combined weight limits are met.

Are there different jump styles available?

Yes, there are multiple jump styles to choose from—including classic dives and creative options like “the chair.”

Is it wheelchair accessible?

The activity is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

What’s included

Your experience includes shuttle pickup and drop-off from central Queenstown or Arthurs Point if arranged ahead, all necessary safety equipment, a detailed safety briefing with expert guides who know every detail of the canyon swing setup, plus plenty of encouragement before your leap over the river.