Nevis Swing
The Nevis Swing is not for the faint-hearted. Suspended 160 metres above the Nevis River canyon, this is the world's largest swing, offering a heart-stopping 300-metre arc through the dramatic Otago landscape. It's an adrenaline experience that combines the free-fall of a bungee with the soaring rush of a giant swing, all set against a backdrop of rugged alpine scenery that will leave you breathless even before you jump.
Highlights & What to See
- The Swing Itself: Choose to go solo, tandem, or even backwards for an extra thrill. The ride lasts about 1.5 minutes, but the memory lasts a lifetime.
- The Canyon Views: The swing is set in a stunning gorge – you'll have plenty of time to take in the views while waiting for your turn (or working up the courage).
- The Nevis Bungy: If you're feeling extra adventurous, combine your swing with a bungee jump from the same platform – one of the highest in New Zealand.
- Queenstown: While not within the immediate area, this adventure hub is the main base for booking Nevis experiences and offers countless other activities.
Suggested Time to Spend
Allow at least half a day for the Nevis Swing experience. The trip from Queenstown includes a scenic drive and a 4WD ride into the canyon, plus check-in, safety briefing, and your jump. If you're combining with the Nevis Bungy, plan for a full day. It's best to book in advance and arrive with a flexible schedule – the weather can affect operations, and you'll want to savour the experience without rushing.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Arrowtown: A historic gold-mining town just 20 minutes from Queenstown, with charming streets, boutique shops, and the Arrow River trail – perfect for a relaxing afternoon post-adrenaline.
- Glenorchy: A picturesque lakeside village at the head of Lake Wakatipu, about 45 minutes from Queenstown, known for its stunning scenery and as a gateway to hiking trails like the Routeburn Track.
- The Remarkables: A dramatic mountain range offering skiing in winter and hiking in summer, with spectacular viewpoints accessible from Queenstown.
- Wanaka: A laid-back lakeside town about an hour's drive from Queenstown, offering a different vibe, with the famous Wanaka Tree, Puzzling World, and excellent hiking.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Arrowtown — Bgabel / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Queenstown — Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand / CC0
- Glenorchy — Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia / Public domain
- The Remarkables — Nick Bramhall from Tillicoultry, Scotland / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Wanaka — Hagai Agmon-Snir حچاي اچمون-سنير חגי אגמון-שניר / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Nevis Bungy — Spy007au ( talk ) / CC BY-SA 3.0