Canyon Swing
Shotover Canyon Swing is the world's highest swing!
Our jump platform is on the edge of a cliff 109m/360ft above the Shotover River. Standing on the platform you will see the cables running from cliff to cliff over the river - this is the pivot point for the pendulum. From the middle of the cables two ropes run back to the platform ready for you to be harnessed to them - You act as the end of the pendulum!!
After a safety briefing you are led to the platform where you are placed into a full body harness then attached onto our twin rope swinging system. It is then over to you to jump into the unknown! The beauty of The Swing is that you can jump off any way you like. We have well over 10 jumps available and many more up our sleeve for 'special occasions' - our jump staff are only too willing to help your choice!
Once you 'depart' the platform you will freefall 60m/200ft down into the canyon until the ropes smoothly pendulum you into a giant 200m arc at approx 150kph. You will then complete a couple of massive swings before you slowly come to rest approximately 100m below the platform you departed from. We then winch you back up to the platform with a huge smile on your face and a memory you will not forget in a hurry. When you get back to the platform you have the choice of doing more jumps.
Jump Styles
Because you are attached in a full body harness you can depart the platform anyway you want. The great thing about this is you can jump off 100 times and still not get bored plus we can tailor your jumps to suit your previous freefall experience. You have the option of going forwards, backwards, face first with 'Gimp Boy Goes To Hollywood', upside down with 'The Elvis Cutaway', backwards on 'The Chair' or any other way you can imagine. We have a special launch boom that puts you in some of these whacky positions, but it also allows you to be released if you can't bring yourself to jump. If you can think of it, it is has probably already been done, from wheelchairs to kayaks, bikes and skis.
If you have never jumped from anything before then definitely jump yourself because it's such an awesome achievement to throw yourself off a 109m high cliff!
Our 10 main jump styles (and their scary factor out of a possible 5 *'s)
The Cutaway *
Forwards Jump ***
Pin Drop *****
Backwards Jump *****
The Chair ***
Flips ***
Osama Bin Laden *****
Indian Rope Trick *****
The Elvis Cutaway *****
Gimp Boy Goes to Hollywood *****
Check out our website www.canyonswing.co.nz for full jump style explanations.
The different jumps styles only change your perspective on the platform, making it more or less scary depending on your jump/release option. You will not get twisted or tangled in the jump lines and you will always end up sitting upright at the bottom of the swing. The forward flip record is seven!
Safety
The swing, its ropes, attachments, harnesses and safety devices are inspected on a daily basis and regularly maintained and upgraded to provide you with an extremely safe and professional environment. The swing was designed by Structural and Mechanical engineers, is registered and approved by the Department of Labour (under O.S.H), is independently audited by the Bureau De Veritas and has a permit to operate by the Queenstown Lakes District Council (amusement device #938). You swing on 2 independent ropes which each have a breaking strain of 2.8tons (enough to lift 4 Subaru cars without breaking!). The only thing you need to worry about is bringing a change of underwear!
The swing is very smooth because the ropes pull you into a giant arc and air friction (drag) slows you down. You are also in a fully padded body harness which ensures you remain in an upright position. It is very difficult to tell when you finish your freefall and begin your swing. One of our most common comments from our swingers is that they can't believe how smooth and comfortable it is.
Location
Queenstown is New Zealand's adventure capital with the world's highest rope swing adding to the adrenaline options. The Swing operates on private land 2km upstream from Shotover Jet. Access to the site is only possible in our courtesy shuttle 4WD vans - where space permits, spectators are welcome. After a 10 minute trip from downtown in the van there is a 5 minute bush walk to our platform and viewing areas.
Trip Times
During summer there are 8 trips, during the shorter winter months there are 6 trips. We depart daily rain, hail or shine from the Info and Track Centre (ITC) at 37 Shotover Street at the following times:
8:30am* , 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm , 3:00pm, 4:30pm , and 5:30pm*
* Dependent on sufficient daylight
From pick-up to drop-off the total trip duration is 2.5 hours.
Prices
All prices quoted in NZ dollars, include NZ GST and are valid until 30/09/2010
- Jump $199
- Additional jumps $39
- Spectators $20 (refunded if upgraded to jump)
Retail
At our shop on site you can buy photo proof that you've been there, jumped that! We have a selection of
T-shirts, Caps, Beanies, photos and soon there will be a Video/DVD too...
Contacts
Bookings: +64 3 442 6990
Freephone: 0800 2 SWING
0800 279 464
info@canyonswing.co.nz
www.canyonswing.co.nz
Office: +64 3 442 5279
Fax: +64 3 442 5966
Shotover Canyon Swing
P.O. Box 736
Queenstown
New Zealand
Sales and Marketing
Marie Hendren
marie@canyonswing.co.nz
Office: +64 3 442 5279
Cell: 027 293 0045
