Ziptrek prepares to launch from Queenstown's famous Skyline

A two hour, brand new and unique adventure activity action opens next month as Ziptrek Ecotours launches its flying fox operation from Skyline on Bob’s Peak overlooking Queenstown.

Ziptrek was founded in Whistler, Canada, where it is a must-do, award-winning adventure ecotourism business famed for delivering an awareness and appreciation of the natural environment along with a good dollop of adrenaline.

The company has been planning its Queenstown launch on iconic reserve land on Bob’s Peak for over four years and is now completing the low impact specialist infrastructure required to send guests soaring between the trees high above Queenstown.

Company director Trent Yeo of Queenstown is delighted to finally plan a start date for the eco adventure.

“We’ve been building up to this for some years now and truly believe Ziptrek Ecotours will be a fantastic addition to Queenstown’s adventure portfolio. The Skyline location is perfect for Ziptrek because the views from Bob’s Peak are recognisable around the world and the tall Douglas fir trees lend themselves to our tree based architecture. Ziptrek’s flying foxes offer all sorts of people the chance to enjoy the iconic views of Queenstown through a completely unique frame.”

Mr Yeo says the Queenstown operation will retain strong ties with Whistler a resort that has many synergies with Queenstown.

“Like Queenstown, Whistler is recognised the world over as a true four season resort. It is a ski and mountain biking Mecca and also shares a community will for sustainable practice and a huge affinity with the natural environment. The tourism and adventure market in Whistler has some key similarities with the market in Queenstown.”

The Queenstown operation opens in December from treetop platforms carefully constructed in the forest canopy. Guests will enjoy an interpretative, fully guided tour that begins and ends at the top of the Skyline Gondola. The tour is suitable for families, corporate groups, individuals and anyone who wants to enjoy the forest and its sensitive development.

“Our tours are adventure but not high adrenaline. We like to refer to ourselves as an all weather, all abilities, all year operation offering eco exhilaration. It’s great for families, particularly those with teenage kids (how easy is it to find something that both age groups will enjoy?), and fantastic for companies as a team building activity.”

For Mr Yeo, the attraction is setting up a business that has a low impact and promotes respect for the environment.

“Being immersed high in the forest is pretty special. Ziptrek is really about harmonious integration with nature and having fun in the natural environment.”

Guests will be able to book at Ziptrek’s Shotover Street office in downtown Queenstown or can make their way up the gondola or Ti Ki walking track to book at the Ziptrek tree hut just 100 metres to the left of the gondola top station.

“You can leave the bustle of Queenstown and just a few minutes later be playing in a beautiful peaceful environment.”