Swings are the adrenaline junkie’s latest alternative to bungee jumping. After being strapped into a harness that is attached to twin rope system, you launch yourself off the edge and free fall before the ropes change your direction and swing you in a giant arc.
There are three swings in Queenstown: The Ledge and Nevis Swings, both operated by bungee jumping pioneer AJ Hackett and the Shotover Canyon Swing.
The Ledge Swing
AJ Hackett’s Ledge Swing operates from the same site as the Ledge Bungy. It is the cheaper – and most centrally located – of Queenstown’s three swings and it also offers the best views over Queenstown.
The Ledge Swing is 47m high (around the same height as a 12-storey building) and you’re strapped into a harness and then you pull the release cord yourself to swing out over Queenstown.
Most people take the Skyline gondola to The Ledge Swing (you can’t drive up, but there are a couple of hiking trails). This means that you need to budget the cost of the gondola when budgeting for your day, although it does make sense combining it with the Skyline luge for a great day out.
Nevis Swing
The Nevis Swing is Queenstown’s biggest, giving you the option of jumping from AJ Hackett’s Nevis Highwire bungee platform and swinging in a massive 300m arc.
The Nevis Swing is accessible by AJ Hackett’s 4WD Swing Bus that departs from AJ Hackett’s bungee centre at the corner of Camp and Shotover Streets in Queenstown.
Shotover Canyon Swing
The popular 109m Shotover Canyon Swing is Queenstown’s original swing. The Canyon Swing is 109m above the ground with a 60m freefall before the swing kicks in and sends you in a 200m arc. At the lowest point you are only 7m from the Shotover River.
The bus to the Canyon Swing site departs from the Shotover Canyon Swing office at 34 Shotover Street, Queenstown.