People call Queenstown the adventure capital of the world, because of all the extreme sports offered there, like bungy jumping, river surfing, or canyon swinging. Being slightly less adventurous types, we opted for zip lining and jet boating.
Queenstown was our first ever zip line experience. We totally loved it and became addicts, jumping at every opportunity to do it again in subsequent vacations.
The company was called Ziptrek Ecotours, and we took the Skyline Gondolas up to the starting point. (Apparently they offer a luge these days too, but not when we were there!)
Lovely view of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu at the top!
The jet boats were perhaps a little less memorable in comparison, but still fun. Jet boats are essentially a gigantic jet ski that can go up rivers, and I remember our jet boat driver being taking some improbable hairpin turns and making crazy waves.
A less adrenaline-filled Queenstown highlight was seeing the kiwi exhibit at Kiwi Birdlife Park. They're shy, nocturnal, and endangered, so it's difficult to spot one in the wild, and we weren't allowed to take flash photography in the dark room, but they looked like big furry squeezable chickens with a long beak. We watched the presentation and were particularly struck by the ratio of egg to internal organs in this picture of a mama kiwi. Doesn't look comfortable...poor mama kiwi.
Restaurants We Enjoyed in Queenstown
Fergburger – Delicious and interesting burgers (though we've forgotten exactly what was on the menu). We braved the long line and ate them by the lake, just a couple blocks away, with many envious sea gulls and ducks watching enviously.
Flame Bar and Grill – WOW, MEAT COMA...see the picture below. Come hungry!! I actually think we ate almost the entire thing. I don't remember which menu item this was (maybe the mixed grill?) but Chris says whatever it was, he'd totally order it again.
See more photos from our stay in Queenstown.
