Queenstown pairs two very different ziplining experiences: Ziptrek Ecotours' network of lines above the Skyline Gondola, and Paradise Ziplines' eight-line run through native forest in nearby Glenorchy. Choose a quick thrill, a longer eco-tour, or a full day out, with views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables along the way.
Queenstown Zipline Adventure in Paradise
Paradise Ziplines runs an eight-line course through the Oxburn Stream valley in Glenorchy, about a 45-minute drive from central Queenstown. The tour covers 1000 metres of ziplining, including the 200-metre Orc Chasm slot canyon, and starts with a 15-minute uphill walk through native red beech forest. Allow 4 hours in total once the drive and walk are included. No prior experience is required, and guides handle the braking and clipping in throughout. Book the Paradise Ziplines tour.
Six-Line Kea Tour With Ziptrek Ecotours
Ziptrek Ecotours' Kea Tour departs from the top of the Skyline Gondola and runs six lines through the forest canopy above Queenstown, including a stretch billed as the world's steepest tree-to-tree zipline, with speeds up to 70kph. Guides give an ecological commentary from platforms built around the trees. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours, and note the Skyline Gondola ticket is booked separately. Book the Kea Tour.
Four-Line Moa Tour With Ziptrek Ecotours
The Moa Tour covers four lines from the same Skyline Gondola base, including a 240-metre run, the longest on the mountain. It is pitched as the family-friendly option, with views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables along the way. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours. Book the Moa Tour.
Two-Line and Drop Kereru Tour With Ziptrek Ecotours
For a short adrenaline hit, the Kereru Tour packs two ziplines and a 21-metre drop into 45 minutes to 1 hour, still departing from the top of the Skyline Gondola. It suits travellers short on time, or anyone wanting a taste of ziplining before committing to a longer course. Book the Kereru Tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for ziplining in Queenstown?
Minimum ages range from 6 to 10 depending on the operator. Ziptrek Ecotours sets the minimum at 6 for its Kea, Moa and Kereru tours, while Paradise Ziplines in Glenorchy requires participants to be at least 10. Guests under 15 need a guardian alongside them, and under-18s need a guardian's signature on the waiver.
Is there a weight limit for Queenstown zipline tours?
Yes, all four tours cap participants at 125kg. Minimum weight varies by tour: the Kereru Tour allows guests from 20kg, while the Kea Tour and Paradise Ziplines set the floor at 30kg. The Moa Tour has no stated minimum weight, only the 125kg maximum shared by every tour.
Which Queenstown zipline tour should I choose?
The Kereru Tour suits a quick, low-commitment thrill in under an hour. The Moa Tour adds two more lines and better views for families with an hour and a half to spare. The Kea Tour is the fastest and steepest of the three Skyline options, running closer to 3 hours. Paradise Ziplines in Glenorchy is the full-day pick, pairing an eight-line course with a scenic drive.
Is Queenstown ziplining safe in bad weather?
Yes, ziplining in Queenstown operates in most weather, including light rain, since the Ziptrek courses run under tree cover and coats are provided. If conditions turn unsafe, both Ziptrek Ecotours and Paradise Ziplines offer a reschedule or a full refund rather than running the tour as planned.
Do I need to book the Skyline Gondola separately for Ziptrek tours?
Yes, the Skyline Gondola ticket is not included in any Ziptrek Ecotours price and must be booked separately, or you can hike the Tiki Trail on foot, which takes at least an hour. Paradise Ziplines does not use the gondola at all, since its course departs from Glenorchy instead.
Local tip: book the earliest Kea Tour departure if you want the treetop platforms to yourself before the gondola crowds arrive.
Whichever line you choose, Queenstown's ziplining sits alongside the rest of the region's Adrenaline activities, from bungy jumping to canyon swinging, if one high-speed forest run isn't enough.