Fancy doing a canyon swing in New Zealand?

A canyon swing is one of the coolest adrenaline activities you can do in New Zealand.

What is this canyon swing you speak of?

Well, first off, picture an epic canyon (possibly with a river running through it).

Next, imagine cables spanning the canyon’s width, several hundred feet (well over 100 metres) above the ground.

Then imagine standing on a precarious-looking platform situated over said canyon, where you’re strapped into a bungee-jump style harness, which is in turn attached to the aforementioned cables.

Finally, consider what it might feel like to submit yourself to the whim of gravity, with only your harness and ropes for intervention.

So, it’s just bungee jumping under another name, right?

Actually no. It’s definitely a different experience. With a bungee jump you pretty much head straight down and straight back up again.

A canyon swing is set up differently. The clue’s in the name. The thing’s effectively a pendulum, and your body is the bob at the end.

After first “jumping” you free-fall for around 200 feet (60 metres), before the swing takes up the slack. After that you’re into two large swings that arc around 650 feet (200 metres). Along the way you reach speeds of up to 75 mph (120 kph).

I’m still not convinced! Sounds like a slightly less extreme bungee to me!

The beauty of a canyon swing is the number of ways you can execute your swing.

You can go solo or do a buddy jump with a friend. You can launch off the platform backwards. You can throw front or backward flips into the mix.

Okay. Now I’m convinced. Where can I do it in New Zealand?

See our list below:

Queenstown

Nevis Swing

Adult Price: NZ$180
Height: 160 metres
USP: Largest New Zealand swing

Shotover Canyon Swing

Adult Price: NZ$199
Height: 109 metres
USP: 70 different jumps available

Ledge Swing

Adult Price: NZ$150
Height: 400 metres
USP: Incredible location

Taihape

Gravity Canyon Swing

Adult Price: NZ$159
Height: 80 metres
USP: 50 metre free-fall

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Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…

(Featured image: Ledge Swing)