Queenstown turned canyon swinging into a global drawcard, with launch platforms hanging above the Shotover River, the Kawarau Gorge and the remote Nevis Valley. Every swing here trades a straight bungy drop for a freefall that tips into a wide, sweeping arc, solo, tandem or, at one site, triple. Six swings run out of Queenstown today, from a 43 metre gorge swing to the biggest swing on the planet.
Shotover Canyon Swing
The Shotover Canyon Swing launches from 109 metres above the Shotover River for a 60 metre freefall into a 200 metre arc through the canyon. More than 70 jump styles are on offer, from backwards launches to a seated Chair release, solo or tandem. The full experience, including return transfers from Queenstown, runs two to two and a half hours.
Nevis Swing
The Nevis Swing holds the title of the world's biggest swing, dropping 70 metres before sweeping through a 300 metre arc above the Nevis River. It runs solo or tandem, forwards, backwards or upside down, with no upper age limit, just a minimum weight of 35 kilograms and a maximum of 160 kilograms solo or 220 kilograms combined for tandem. Return transport by 4WD from Queenstown takes the round trip to about four hours.
43 Metre Kawarau Swing
At the original AJ Hackett site, the 43 metre Kawarau Swing runs solo, tandem or triple over the Kawarau Gorge, the only Queenstown swing that lets three people go together. The minimum age is eight, with a minimum weight of 30 kilograms and a maximum of 150 kilograms solo or 240 kilograms combined, and swingers under 14 need written consent from a parent or guardian.
Nevis Catapult Queenstown
Nicknamed The Thriller, the Nevis Catapult launches riders 150 metres across the Nevis Valley at up to 100 kilometres an hour in just 1.5 seconds, pulling three Gs along the way. It runs from the same Nevis Playground as the Nevis Swing, with return transfers by four wheel drive bus from central Queenstown.
Combine Your Nevis Adventures
For a bigger day at the Nevis Playground, the Nevis Bungy and Swing Combo pairs New Zealand's highest bungy jump with the world's biggest swing, while the Nevis Thrillogy adds the catapult for all three Nevis Playground activities in one visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for a canyon swing in Queenstown?
The Kawarau Swing sets the lowest bar at eight years old, with a minimum weight of 30 kilograms and swingers under 14 needing written consent from a parent or guardian, while the Nevis Swing has no age limit at all, only a minimum weight of 35 kilograms.
Which Queenstown canyon swing is the biggest?
The Nevis Swing is the world's biggest, with a 70 metre drop into a 300 metre arc above the Nevis River at speeds of up to 120 kilometres an hour, compared with the Shotover Canyon Swing's 60 metre freefall and 200 metre arc over the Shotover River at up to 150 kilometres an hour.
Is there a weight limit for the Kawarau Swing?
Yes, the Kawarau Swing requires a minimum weight of 30 kilograms and allows up to 150 kilograms for a solo swing or a combined 240 kilograms for tandem and triple swings, with the minimum age set at eight years old for anyone taking part.
Which canyon swing can a group of three do together?
The 43 metre Kawarau Swing is the only Queenstown option with a triple swing, letting three people go over the Kawarau Gorge at once, while the Nevis Swing and Shotover Canyon Swing run solo or tandem only, each from its own platform above a different river.
Can I combine a canyon swing with bungy jumping in Queenstown?
Yes, the Nevis Bungy and Swing Combo pairs a 134 metre bungy jump with the Nevis Swing's 300 metre arc, and the Nevis Thrillogy goes further again, adding the Nevis Catapult so all three Nevis Playground activities are covered in one visit.
Does the Nevis Swing still run in bad weather?
Yes, the Nevis Swing operates through light to moderate rain and only cancels in high winds or unsafe conditions at the exposed Nevis Playground, and if that happens you can reschedule for another date or claim a full refund.
Local tip: book the Nevis Swing or Catapult for an early morning departure, the Nevis Playground gets busy with 4WD convoys by early afternoon.
Book your Queenstown canyon swing above, or browse the wider range of Queenstown adrenaline activities for more ways to get the heart racing.