The Shotover Canyon Swing is one of Queenstown’s most inventive thrills, and it makes the most of a spectacular setting. Perched on a platform high above the Shotover River in Skippers Canyon, you free-fall for about sixty metres before the rope snaps tight and you swing in a huge arc across the canyon floor. The beauty of the experience is the freedom to choose how you go. Staff offer a whole menu of styles, from a straightforward forward jump to launching backwards, sitting in a chair or being released upside down, and some groups jump in pairs for the full shared scream. The canyon was the centre of a gold rush in the 1860s, and the narrow Skippers Road that winds up to it was cut by hand along the cliffs, which gives the shuttle ride its own sense of occasion. The whole thing is run to tight safety standards, with harness checks and a briefing before you step up to the edge, and the crew are known for keeping the mood playful. It is a shorter and more social experience than a bungy, and it suits people who like to take their adrenaline with a bit of showmanship. Expect to spend a few hours on the full outing.
How to visit
The swing is based in Skippers Canyon, which is reached by a narrow unsealed road that many rental car agreements forbid, so most visitors travel on the operator’s shuttle from the booking office in central Queenstown. The drive up the canyon takes about half an hour and passes the old gold diggings and the dramatic cliffs of the Shotover gorge. Confirm the pick-up point and time when you book, and arrive a little early.
What to expect
After a safety briefing you are fitted with a harness and led out to the jump platform. You choose your style, the crew count you down and you drop. The freefall is the fastest part, and the swing that follows carries you out and back across the canyon several times before you are lowered to the ground or retrieved.
A photo and video package is normally sold separately, and viewing from the platform is usually possible for spectators. There are age, weight and health requirements, and some conditions rule out jumping, so read the information on the booking carefully.
Making the most of it
If you have time for only one big jump in Queenstown, consider what you want from it. The bridge bungy is the classic, the Nevis is the biggest, and the canyon swing is the most playful and varied. Go early in the day if you can, as afternoon wind is more common in the hills, and keep your schedule flexible in case a session is delayed.
Closed shoes, a jacket and a camera strap you trust are sensible, and a phone left safely in a locker is wise. Follow the swing with a relaxed lunch in town or a stroll along the lakefront to bring your heart rate back down.
Good to know
The operation relies on settled weather, so a morning session can move to the afternoon, and rain or high wind can cancel a day. Tie back long hair, empty your pockets and wear shorts or trousers that you do not mind being hauled about in. Most people laugh through the whole thing, and the crew will happily explain every safety check if you want to see how it works before you step forward.
What to expect
The experience
A shuttle ride up Skippers Canyon, a choice of jump styles from a high platform and a freefall of around sixty metres into a giant rope swing.
Best time
Mornings often have the calmest air, and clear days make the canyon walls look spectacular.
How long
Two to three hours including the shuttle, briefing and jump.
Tips
Choose your jump style in advance, wear closed shoes and book the photo pack if you want a souvenir.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Thrill-seekers who want something more playful than a standard bungy.
- Families
- Best for teenagers and adults who meet the age and weight limits, with younger children watching from the platform.
- Couples
- Tandem jumps make this a memorable shared dare for adventurous couples.
- Pair with
- The Shotover Jet, which runs through the same river system, or the Kawarau Bridge bungy.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
How high is the Shotover Canyon Swing?+
The platform gives a freefall of around sixty metres before the rope takes over and swings you across the canyon.
Can I choose how I jump from the Canyon Swing?+
Yes, the crew offer a range of styles, from a simple forward jump to backwards, chair and upside-down releases. Some groups also jump together.
How do I get to Skippers Canyon?+
Most visitors take the operator’s shuttle from central Queenstown, because the Skippers Road is narrow and unsealed and many hire cars are not permitted on it.
Is the Canyon Swing suitable for children?+
There are minimum age and weight requirements, and some health conditions rule out jumping. Check the conditions on the booking page before you go.
Is the Canyon Swing scarier than a bungy?+
Many people find the freefall and the swing equally intense, but the choice of style makes it feel different. It is a matter of taste and nerve.
