Queenstown is renowned for adventure sports. And there's no better way to cram in as much adrenalin into one day as possible, than doing a combo of activities.
Queenstown Shotover Combos has heaps of ideas to get you started - from jet boating to helicopter rides to white water rafting to bungy jumping. It's all there and waiting for you to get stuck in.
I chose a Shotover Trio, which was an awesome way to get a great big slab of adrenalin.
This included a jet boat ride down the Shotover River Canyons on the Shotover Jet, a spectacular helicopter ride over Skippers Canyon and whitewater rafting down the Shotover River. All up it was five solid hours of no holds-barred adrenalin pumping fun.
We started off with the jet boat which was a great way to blast off any hangovers still lurking from the night before, and after a few 360 degree spins on the Shotover River, my heart was racing and several spins later I was hungry for more excitement.It didn’t come much more out of this world than a helicopter ride through the Skippers Canyon, which was like something out of a wilderness adventure movie as we hovered over jutting rock faces and outcrops, and gracefully rose into the sky as the river meandered through the rockface down below.
That was where we were heading next, and before we knew it we had gently come to a stop on the edge of the river which was racing by, almost enticing us in.We just had to wait a few minutes for the others to catch us up in the van, and before long we were each given a paddle and a safety briefing before jumping in a raft with our newly-found rafting buddies and we were off on the next adventure!
The Shotover River sure was an awesome rafting experience. The rapids were amazing and it was non-stop adrenalin all the way as we rode the river to its limits, especially the very last part, which will remain a secret as I don’t want to spoil the surprise!
And after all that excitement, there was chance to come back down to earth with a hot shower and refreshments at the Rafters Lodge – mmmm pure bliss.
Queenstown Combos is a great way to see and do the best of what Queenstown has to offer…you’ll get a great taste of some wicked adventure activities and all for a bargain price so it’s better than paying for everything separately!
You can include options of jet boating, rafting, helicopter flights, sky diving, bungy jumping, canyon swing, mountain biking, Skyline gondola and luge.
My Shotover Trio combo was a total of five hours and cost $324, but time and price will depend on which combo you choose.
All rafting combos include sauna, hot shower and refreshments at the Rafters Lodge. Access to raft the Shotover River in winter is by helicopter only.
You’ll need to bring swimmers, towel and cash for snacks. There’s also a courtesy coach which will pick you up from central Queenstown.
Queenstown Combos are designed for all levels of adventure.
For more information call 03 442 7318 or Freephone: 0800 423 836. You can also email: queenstown@combos.co.nz or visit www.combos.co.nz or www.totallytourism.co.nz
Rachel stayed at Base Backpackers Discovery Lodge at 49 Shotover Street , Queenstown, which is a great central location. Reception and internet is open 24 hours, and there's an Altitude bar open daily from 4pm until late. There's also a travel desk open from 8am until 8pm daily. For more details call 03 441 1185 or email: queenstown@stayatbase.com
