{"id":32698,"date":"2014-04-18T07:04:42","date_gmt":"2014-04-17T21:04:42","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=32698"},"modified":"2015-03-11T13:24:49","modified_gmt":"2015-03-11T03:24:49","slug":"zooming-with-ziptrek-ecotours-queenstown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/zooming-with-ziptrek-ecotours-queenstown\/","title":{"rendered":"Zooming with Ziptrek Ecotours, Queenstown"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
It feels so fitting, that as I\u2019m flying into Queenstown<\/a>, a.k.a the adventure capital of New Zealand<\/a>, the plane’s descent feels like I\u2019m on a theme park ride. It twists and turns, manoeuvring between the mountains and giving us the most amazing views. We haven\u2019t even landed, and I already feel a rush.<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
<\/p>\n
\"Queenstown<\/a>

Queenstown<\/p><\/div>\n

As soon as my feet touch the ground, it\u2019s straight up the Skyline Gondola Hill to the top of Bob\u2019s Peak to start my Ziptrek Ecotour Adventure<\/a>, an obstacle course of flying foxes or gravity-fed zip lines that take you from tree to tree. The views of the Remarkables and down to Lake Wakatipu from up here are just breathtaking \u2013 there\u2019s no other word for it.<\/p>\n

Hot Tip<\/strong> \u2013 leave some time in your itinerary to enjoy the spectacular views while you’re here, wear comfortable clothes and make sure you have a big breakfast for energy- it\u2019s going to be a big day!<\/p>\n

On arrival, we meet our friendly guides Jess and Jags, who are our guardian angels for the next three hours. The tour I\u2019ve chosen is the Kea 6-Line Tour \u2013 a.k.a, the full monty.<\/p>\n

\"Renee<\/a>

Jess, me and Jags, our guardian angels.<\/p><\/div>\n

We head down into a treehouse (a platform hanging out over the treetops- eek!) and get harnessed and helmeted up with all the necessary equipment (safety first for these guys).<\/p>\n

\"One<\/a>

One of the amazing tree platforms that we swing between.<\/p><\/div>\n

Jess and Jags chat to each of us as they tighten our harnesses, asking where each of us is from, cracking a few jokes, and making everyone feel at ease. On tour, we have a French couple, an Englishman, a Dutch family, and a couple of token kiwis.<\/p>\n

\"Our<\/a>

Our group just before the fun!<\/p><\/div>\n

We head down to the first zip line, and as no one else is offering to go first, I bravely volunteer. After my equipment is fastened and checked, I launch myself off the platform, let out a bit of a squeal and go flying down the first line, relaxing when the next tree house comes into view.<\/p>\n

\"Zooming<\/a>

Zooming down the zip line<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Ziptrek<\/a>

Weeee!!<\/p><\/div>\n

The first couple of lines are a breeze, so on the second and third we\u2019re encouraged to try going upside down, and from then on it\u2019s just free styling, seeing who can do the best tricks \u2013 the splits, upside down, the cannonball, and the \u2018trust zip\u2019 \u2013 where you fall backwards off the platform with your hands behind your back!<\/p>\n

\"Ziptrek<\/a>

The ‘upside down!’<\/p><\/div>\n

I\u2019d recommend the Kea 6-Line Tour for the fact you get to experience the world\u2019s steepest tree to tree zipline. It is SO exhilarating- can I do it again?<\/p>\n

During the tour, we learn about sustainability, and how passionate Ziptrek Ecotours are about minimizing impact on the environment. Jags recites a few Maori legends about the local area which are interesting and amusing. It\u2019s so peaceful up in the trees with just the sounds of birds tweeting and leaves rustling in the wind. An afternoon well spent, and a definite must-do in Queenstown<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Zipline Ecotours run every day of the year. Book your own Zip Trek Eco Tour<\/a> here.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s your favourite thing to do in Queenstown?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n