One of the coolest adrenaline activities you can do is a canyon swing in New Zealand.
What is this canyon swing you speak of?
Well, first off, picture an epic canyon (possibly with a river running through it).
Next, imagine cables spanning the canyon’s width, well over 100 m above the ground.
Then imagine standing on a precarious-looking platform situated over said canyon, where you’re strapped into a bungy-jump style harness, which is in turn attached to the aforementioned cables.
Finally, consider what it might feel like to submit yourself to the whim of gravity, with only your harness and ropes for intervention.
So, it’s just bungy jumping under another name, right?
Actually no. It’s definitely a different experience. With a bungy jump you pretty much head straight down and straight back up again.
A canyon swing is set up differently. The clue’s in the name. The thing’s effectively a pendulum, and your body is the bob at the end.
After first “jumping” you free-fall for around 60 m, before the swing takes up the slack. After that you’re into two large swings that arc around 200 m. Along the way you reach speeds of up to 120 kph.
I’m still not convinced! Sounds like a slightly less extreme bungee to me!
The beauty of a canyon swing is the number of ways you can execute your swing.
You can go solo or do a buddy jump with a friend. You can launch off the platform backwards. You can throw front or backward flips into the mix.
Okay. Now I’m convinced. Where can I do it in New Zealand?
See our list below:
Queenstown
Nevis Swing
- Adult Price: NZ$215
- Height: 160 m
- USP: Largest New Zealand swing
Shotover Canyon Swing
- Adult Price: NZ$215
- Height: 109 m
- USP: 70 different jumps available
Ledge Swing
- Adult Price: NZ$150
- Height: 400 m
- USP: Incredible location
Taihape
Gravity Canyon Swing
- Adult Price: NZ$159
- Height: 80 m
- USP: 50 m free-fall
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
Featured image by bungy.co.nz
