Nevis Catapult

Imagine being hurled 150 metres into a vast, wind-scoured canyon at speeds that make your stomach drop before you even leave the platform. The Nevis Catapult, a giant bungee slingshot suspended 134 metres above the Nevis River, is New Zealand's most extreme launch — a pulse-pounding, scream-inducing ride that flips you head over heels twice before you pendulum into the abyss. This is adrenaline tourism at its most audacious, set against a backdrop of schist rock, tussock grass, and the distant peaks of the Southern Alps.

Highlights & What to See

• The Catapult Ride: Strap into a body harness, get winched backward, then released to fly face-first into the canyon — you'll reach speeds over 100 km/h and experience 3 Gs of force.
• Nevis Bungy — the highest bungy jump in New Zealand (134 metres) — a freefall that feels like it lasts forever, with the option to touch the river below.
• Nevis Swing: The world's largest swing, with a 300-metre arc that lets you swing in tandem or solo, choosing your own style — from graceful to chaotic.
• Gondola Ride to the Pod: A thrilling 4WD wagon ride followed by a cable car across the valley, offering stunning views of the Nevis Valley and surrounding mountains.
• Observation Deck: Even if you're not jumping, the pod's platform lets you watch others take the plunge — and soak in the raw, dramatic landscape.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least half a day (4–5 hours) for the Nevis Catapult experience, including check-in, safety briefing, and the journey to the canyon pod. If you're also doing the bungy or swing, plan for a full day — the adrenaline high will leave you buzzing, but the remote location means you'll want to savour the scenery and maybe grab a coffee at the base lodge. Most people combine it with a morning or afternoon in Arrowtown or Queenstown.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Arrowtown — a historic gold-mining town with charming cottages, a Chinese settlement, and excellent cafés like Provisions.
• Queenstown — the adventure capital, with the Skyline Gondola, Lake Wakatipu cruises, and endless dining and nightlife.
• Gibbston Valley — wine country just east of Arrowtown, known for pinot noir and the Gibbston Valley Winery.
• Crown Range Road — a scenic drive connecting Queenstown to Wanaka, with lookout points over the Nevis Valley.

Please check official sources for current details.