
3. Go Skydiving with NZONE
Location: Shotover Street, Queenstown, NZ
Sensing a thrill-seeking theme here? Queenstown wouldn't be Queenstown without the rushes it provides, and skydiving takes things to another level. During the free fall, you'll reach speeds of up to 200km/h with crystal clear lakes and snow-capped mountains to admire on the way down.
Skydiving in itself provides an inherent rush as you free fall from an airplane from several thousand feet above the ground; add to this the incredible Queenstown scenery that awaits below and you have yourself a combination that makes for an unmatchable drop that will get even the most stone-hearted of thrill seekers' blood pumping.
As the birthplace of tandem skydiving in New Zealand, Queenstown serves as the ideal destination for a drop zone, which is located at the base of the majestic Remarkables mountain range, further adding to the panorama that unfolds below as you drop from a maximum height of 15,000 feet.
During the drop, you'll reach speeds of up to 200km/h, and with everything going on with your body plus what your eyes are taking in – crystal clear lakes, snow-capped mountains, fellow skydivers and even Queenstown itself - the sheer sensory overload makes for an incredible experience.
"Add to the skydiving the incredible Queenstown scenery that awaits below and you have yourself a combination that makes for an unmatchable drop that will get even the most stone-hearted of thrill seekers' blood pumping."
The plane ride aboard the provided light aircraft is no slouch when it comes to scenery either, although most will probably be too psyched for the upcoming dive to fully appreciate it!
Skydiving operator NZONE definitely know their stuff as well, having been in operation since 1990 and providing prospective skydivers with all the latest, safest and most state-of-the-art equipment at all times. They run a tight ship, with an operation that is famously professional while still aiming to alleviate the nerves of first-timer skydivers and help them feel safe for what is many a true self-examination as far as confidence goes.
Both professionally-taken photo and USB packages are available for skydivers to purchase after their jump, and while fairly expensive, they're well worth the investment to document what for many will likely only be a once-or-twice in a lifetime experience.
With great service, outstanding views and one of the world's best jump environments, if you're ever planning to skydive at least once in your life then there are few better spots in the world to take the plunge than Queenstown.