There are several competing Jet Boat companies in Queenstown, but Lord of the Rings fans will want…read moreto go with Skippers. $159NZ isn't the cheapest, but this includes a very scenic, and scary, 4WD bus tour of Skippers Canyon and Shotover river where you'll see some LOTR shooting locations for Mordor and the part where Arwen uses river magic to kill the ring wraiths. If you're really scared of heights, you might want to skip this, no pun intended. Skippers Canyon Road is a narrow gravel road that goes alongside dangerously steep cliffs...thank goodness for our expert driver!. But the entire one hour drive there and back is very scenic with stops for gorgeous photo opportunities of Mordor. The jet boat ride itself is thrilling fun, be prepared to get wet! Midway through you'll see the location where Arwen fought off the ring wraiths. There is an opportunity to use the toilet after the boat ride, but I'd highly recommend going wee wee before you hop on the bus.

This was a great jet boat tour. We picked it to get the tour and history with the jet boating, and…read moreit didn't disappoint. They stopped a few times for pictures, the first time at a beautiful overlook. They told us lots of lord of the rings trivia if that's your thing, and there are lots of lots of the rings backdrops along the way. The drive took maybe an hour in, less time out. The jet boat time is about 25 minutes, faster down than up. The driver is very good but the ride wasn't as white knuckly as I expected. We stopped by a house with bathrooms afterwards. We'd paid for a longer tour with museum stop and gold panning but it was a cold drizzly day so they nicely offered us the chance to switch to the shorter tour, which we did. They take a typical amusement park photo at the beginning. They pick up the the station bus stop on camp street, which is labeled as such, and which is a tourism store, not a city bus stop or anything like that. It's at the end of camp street closer to arrowtown. We were able to book on very short notice, but it was low season.

Zip trek ecotours did an excellent job helping us zip line down the mountain in Queenstown…read more Initially, I was very scared as I have never zip lined in my life and harbor a fear of heights. However, I truly had nothing to fear as the adrenaline and awesomeness of zip lining down a mountain quickly overwhelms your senses. Zip lining is fairly safe as the guides equip you with a helmet and harness. One guide zips to the bottom of the run to make sure they are ready to brake you when you reach the bottom. The guides check your harness and straps before sending you down the stairs. And yes, you do initiate the zipping by walking yourself off the steps to no where. The guide also shows you some neat tricks for the more adventurous, such as zipping backwards or upside down. I wasn't quite brave enough to try the upside down trick but the group seemed to have lot of fun doing it. Ziptrek also gives you tidbits of information on increasing conservation efforts of natural resources in between each zip line. Although nothing truly new is learned, it's admirable that the company is trying to be ecologically sound with their business. The six line tour is the best, since your last line is the steepest zip line in the world. You do take a small hike down the mountain inbetween the 5th and 6th lines. This can be a bit hard on your knees. There are also no railings so if you are the cautious type, move to the back of the group. A truly fun and awesome experience that made me realize I am no longer scared of heights. Take a chance and try this sport. You won't regret it!

Well HELLO QUEENSTOWN! Definitely a pretty amazing introduction to this quaint little ski town!…read more The second my friend and I got off the plane, we taxied over to Queenstown and went straight for an information desk (I would review the bitch of a lady at the desk but this isn't the right yelp page for that). We signed up for Zip trek zip linning immediately, but seriously, immediately, we signed up for the 11am trek (4 zips, as opposed to 6) and it was 10:30! Up the gondola (which costs $30- you can get discounted rates if you buy luge tickets too) and to the left in the dense trees (down a little hill, we got lost ha ha) there you'll find the check in for Ziplining! We were harnessed and placed in a group of 5 other people and then we were off! We had two guides taking care of everything, they tightened our harnesses, latched us on the ropes and told us exactly what to do when we were ready to ZIP! I have never been zip lining before in my life... And if you're the type to get a stomach knot when riding a Rollercoaster or a water flume at an amusement park like me, be warned, you'll experience that knot the first 2 or 3 zips! Oh and if you're scared of heights, yaaaaaa just don't go to Queenstown since the biggest tourist attractions in this town are sky diving, bungee jumping, paragliding and ziplining! While I experienced some stomach knots and can remember myself thinking WTF AM I DOING during the first zip, my fears subsided a little bit as we carried on. At each tree house the guides would talk to us a bit about sustainability (you've been warned, if you don't like that kind of stuff) and at the last tree house, we were told that some of our admission $ would be donated to a charity. Zipping through the trees and donating to charity? Can't say that's a bad thing!!! When we were done with our 4 zips, we had to hike back up, not a terrible hike but if you're not In shape.... You may wish that Ziptrek offered mules to ride up on! Whether you do the 4 or 6 zips, you'll get stunning views of Queenstown, a little history, a little sustainability information and loads of funny memories.... They take your picture at some lines and let's just say, my first picture involved a SPREAD EAGLE.... The guides will probably keep that photo and post it on the wall of embarrassing fame, if they have one.... Ha Ha Ha, but I could care less! ;)

Nzone Skydive is one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had in my lifetime! First of all,…read moreI would like to thank the manager Alex for being so accommodating with the circumstances that we had in regards to our flight and the cancellations, and without him we wouldn't have been to even do the skydive in the first place. Additionally, I would like to thank my tandem, Lima! He was an amazing instructor and was hyping me up the whole way! This is a must do in Queenstown and a once in a lifetime experience! Thank you NZone!

Very nice staff and instructors, very enjoyable experience, all in all one of the best things I've…read moreever done, would recommend!

VISIT: end of February 2020 TOUR: Glenorchy Islands Safari…read moreTour BOOKING: We booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, booking also available directly through their site GREAT FOR BEGINNERS: 5 stars EXPERIENCE: wayy more than 10 stars TOUR GUIDE: 5 stars This was probably one of the most life changing and beautiful things I have ever done. When we started coming across Kayak tours, my husband was very excited, but I was a bit nervous as I have never kayaked (neither has he haha). I could not be more happy that our first kayak experience was THIS and with these guys. The owner picked us up from our hotel and drove us to the spot and was very friendly and knowledgeable. We were able to leave stuff in the van, if needed and they were able to accommodate and bring things in the kayak that we'd like with waterproof bags, etc. We got extremely lucky and the water was like glass and just absolutely beautiful this day. Our tour guide did a great job of explaining the kayaks and where we would be going, sharing great stories of the islands and history of New Zealand. I am so impressed with the New Zealand way of life with our tour guide saying that a lot of what he talked about he learned in school - which in America we wouldn't learn that extensively about our environment. He was also so patient and willing to stop when we wanted to take our many photos :O) We stopped on an island where he talked about the history of the island, the plants and the animals. I saw a review that said they didn't like this part and I can see how some wouldn't. But if you keep an open mind and submerge yourself into the culture and what the tour guide is talking about, my husband and I loved it and it had some spectacular views! I should also note that it was just our tour guide in his kayak and us in another. As this was RIGHT before the pandemic started reaching these areas we had a private tour. FOOD/DRINKS: our tour guide did have snacks and drinks in his kayak with him BATHROOMS: there is a small port-a-potty type toilet right as you get to the kayaks (where you get in them/out of them) BEGINNERS: I highly recommend them for beginners, as we were. I was extremely apprehensive when booking this trip, but cannot be thankful enough that we ended up with Rippled Earth.

We chose Jucy because we figured we'd take advantage of the half-priced driver promo…read more The cruise wasn't busy at all. We had originally booked the 9:45am departure but decided it was just too early. I actually emailed them and it was changed to 11:45am by their customer service rep (thanks again!). We paid the difference in price upon arrival at the ferry terminal. Since the rain was ongoing, we actually preferred a shorter trip. Some of the other companies offer a longer cruise at a slightly higher price. We were happy with what we got. The weather... It was rough. The views though, gorgeous. The waterfalls were probably at their maximum due to the rainfall. I stayed outside for most of the time on the second level where there was coverage. This was not a five star only because I think if they actually reached capacity (200 people) it really would not have been enjoyable. Under our conditions and circumstances, it was a solid 4 star experience. The captain was very friendly and I was able to chat with him for a bit. That was cool.

Awesome trip, the company/driver will to their best to make it as memorable as possible…read more Limited time long day so stops are bit hurtied at some times but understandable why. Would recommend to get the buffet lunch or even if you have a time pack your own or bring something you would enjoy, we got the rolls/burritos and they were just Okey.

My husband and went to Queenstown especially for the adventure sports and as a base for seeing the…read moreglaciers. We decided on the 'Triple Challenge' as neither of us were brave enough for the 'Awesome Foursome' which includes a bungey jump! The Triple Challenge consists of a ride on the Shotover Jet, followed by a Helicopter Ride onto some White Water Rafting. We met at the base in Queenstown for a quick briefing then went straight to the Shotover Jet where we had the most exhilerating fast paced ride of our lives! The ride lasts about half an hour and you are with a small group of people in the jetboat (around 8 plus the driver) Straight after the jetboat you are whisked off for your 'heli rafting' experience. You go the rafting lodge where you meet the guides you will be rafting with are given full wetsuits to change into, there are changing rooms to use for this. Some people will transfer by minibus but if like us you booked the Triple Challenge you will then be taken to the helipad for your amazing ride down to Skippers Canyon , it doesnt take long but is an experience that will stay with you forever. Before you embark on your rafting you are given safety instruction from the guide and basic maneouvre information and technique. You then set off in your raft and group of people there were 6 of us plus the guide and you raft for around 2 hours. This is an amazing experience, exciting, scary, fun and wet! Do expect to get wet, its great fun, not by falling in though i hasten to add, though it can happen. Just riding those rapids with the raft hurtling over them gets the water shooting over you and down your wetsuitbrrrr its icy cold even in summer! Part of the rafting went through a tunnel where my husband was asked to guide the raft laying on his back using his feet on the walls, he loved doing that! Great fun and experience. Once you have reached the end of the rafting experience you go back to the lodge for a hot showe, refreshments and a bit to eat which is all included in the cost. The guides are superb , the experience amazing, if you only do one thing in New Zealanddo this!

Booking online was super easy! As I was a first time rider, they were very patient with the 1000X…read morequestions I had prior to making the reservation. Do not be late (if you are being picked up from downtown Queenstown) as they do not wait more than 10 mins, which is fair! As a first time rider, I was a little nervous but everyone who worked there was very encouraging. Before I knew it, I was exploring the beautiful area on a horse. We paid a little more ($30) for a private session and it was worth every penny ! We ride at our own pace, stopped to take pictures whenever we wanted to , and with a personal guide, we could ask heaps of questions. Our tour guide was a young lady on her vacation-work visa here in NZ but she was very knowledgeable about horses and explained a lot about the area. This is no adrenaline rush activity like 90% of activities offered by Queenstown but this is a good fun for all age groups. Highly recommended!

Super fun first rafting trip for me!…read more I'll admit I was very anxious at first. I get very motion sick and I have a terror of the open water because of how sea sick I can get. BUT... my husband kept telling me that if his 60+ year old grandma could do it way back when... what am I supposed to be afraid of? This operation is very safe. They get you into a two piece wet suit, water shoes, a helmet and a lifevest on. Really, you're SUPER safe. Once you're in your gear, they take you on a drive through the canyon (about 45 minutes) and then set you up for a 1.5-2 hour rafting experience through Shotover Canyon! Our guide, Adam, was great. We didn't flip (thankfully, since I was terrified) and I had an overall great time. I did slightly roll on my ankle but that's more on my form than anything else. After 2 days, I'm on a quick road to recovery. Thanks for the first experience! I'll be doing this more in the future!

What is it with rafting guides? There must be a checkbox during their job interview that asks Rate…read moreyourself on an asshole scale of 1-10. They all seem so bitter to be taking care of tourists....But when you give it back, they get really butthurt.....I guess that happens when you live off Ramen and gut rot beer. Anyway, we were lucky enough to Grace as our boat guide and she was awesome! She asked loads of questions and seemed wholly interested in our boat of 6 but she was also no nonsense and stern when it came to our safety. She practiced with us over and over how to navigate the boat however I think we were all aware that she was doing the majority of the work. The whole set up was fine....board a bus from Queenstown. Get to a shop where you get your wetsuit, helmet, booties, and vest. This is the area where you just shake your head listening to many of these asshats berate their clients in their effort to be witty. Changing rooms with one locker for your valuables. Then another bus ride to the start of the river where you get an extensive safety talk...much appreciated. Hop in and you're off for 2 hours. Afterwards, there is a hot shower room before bussing it back to the city. Again...Grace the guide....made it great!