The Fashionable Frequent Flyers

Whether you’re (A) a dedicated thrill-seeker or (B) just fueled by curiosity, this blog post is for you! In a world saturated with choices for epic destinations, allow me to present Queenstown, New Zealand – the unparalleled Adventure Capital of the World! My recent visit to this mesmerizing haven left me in awe by its stunning landscapes and an abundance of heart-pounding activities. Get ready, because in the upcoming sections, I’ll be your guide through the thrilling details of the adventures that made Queenstown an unforgettable chapter in my life!

Paragliding: Soaring Above Remarkable Scenery

The onset of my Queenstown adventure featured an exhilarating session of paragliding. The takeoff had its anxiety filled moments – a mix of excitement and fear as the instructor and I ran then leaped off a hill, letting the wind carry us skyward. Suspended mid-air, I felt like a bird navigating the skies, with the remarkable mountain range and the panoramic view of Queenstown as my breathtaking backdrop. The view? Absolutely everything! Pro tip: don’t forget to pack a jacket; it gets extremely cold up there! Our 20-minute flight unfolded seamlessly, though the landing had its comedic twist – I skipped the post-landing run, resulting in a tumble-nothing crazy!

Semi-Submersible: Riding on Lake Wakatipu

If you like underwater adventures like I do, Queenstown offers a semi-submersible experience on Lake Wakatipu. I won’t deny it – I was immediately captivated at the sight of the submersibles gracefully gliding in the water, and I knew I had to give it a go. Plus, I wanted to experience the POV of a shark! Picture this: the sharklike machine zooming across the water at high speeds, diving in and shooting out – it’s akin to a thrilling rollercoaster ride. I had so much and at the same time I was holding on to dear life! This is truly unique addition to Queenstown’s adventure repertoire. Just a friendly tip: refrain from indulging in a meal within 90 minutes before hopping in; this activity is not for the faint of heart!

Canyoning: Conquering Nature’s Waterways

Entering the heart of Queenstown’s canyons is a challenge that thrill-seekers like me eagerly embrace. Canyoning becomes a riveting journey, guiding us through rushing waterfalls, natural rock slides, and hidden pools – a true test of courage and skill. I’ll admit, the initial moments had me on edge. The fear of the unknown, the prospect of plunging off a tall waterfall, squeezing through tight spaces – it was all there. But, about 15 minutes in, a surprising sense of comfort took over. With our guide’s encouragement, I started trusting my instincts, confidently navigating through the challenges-it felt good. Conquering nature’s obstacles became a rush that I won’t forget, and now, I’m eyeing canyoning adventures in other destinations for the future.

Gliding: Graceful Flight Over Lakes and Valleys

For those looking for a serene yet equally mesmerizing experience, gliding emerges as the perfect choice. This particular activity took me on a scenic journey, a mere two-hour drive from Queenstown, and let me tell you, it was absolutely worth it! There’s nothing quite like the fearless feeling of soaring in a small engineless airplane. That’s right, NO ENGINE! The plane gets towed up into the sky by another small plane, and then uses the wind (like birds) to fly. The pilot and I flew over lakes, glaciers, and valleys, I found myself taking in the tranquility, surrounded by the raw beauty of the landscape. The COOLEST part of this experience was when the pilot allowed me to take full control of the plane which lasted 5 minutes because we started to plunge! Don’t worry, he’s also an instructor so I’m sure this happens all the time! I really enjoyed this experience, it felt very intimate especially because the plane is so small. I would not recommend this to those who have a fear of heights.

All in all, I left Queenstown kicking and screaming! The city’s adventurous spirit had captivated me, leaving a trail of memories that is calling me back. In conclusion, Queenstown, NZ, isn’t just a destination; it’s an adventure waiting to be explored. So, gear up, embrace the adrenaline, and make Queenstown your next adventure destination!