Queenstown's favourite rope swing experience appeals to new and older markets

Shotover Canyon Swing, the world’s highest cliff jump operator, is renowned as an ‘undie-staining’, high-speed adrenalin activity that involves throwing caution to the wind by launching yourself off a platform at the top of a very high cliff edge.

And while that might seem like the obvious domain of young adventure-seeking travelers, after nearly 10 years of operation it appears the company’s now also appealing to an older market – one that isn’t afraid to add a swing or two to their bucket list of ‘must do’ experiences.

Solo or in tandem, adrenalin seekers reach speeds up to 150kph as the rocky cliff face rushes past them in a 60m vertical freefall, before the ropes smoothly pendulum them into a giant 200m swing in an incredibly picturesque location above the famous Shotover River.

“As we’re getting better known and understood we’re definitely seeing a broadening in our customer base to those that are a little bit older than we’ve seen over the years,” said General Manager Matt Hollyer.

“Just because they’re not 25 anymore doesn’t mean they can’t have huge amounts of fun or a great adrenalin rush.

“They like the fact that we’ve got a choice of a Tandem Cliff Jumps that enables them to share the rope swing experience if they’re worried about making a solo leap of faith, and that we’re fully certified after passing our national outdoor safety audit with flying colours.

“All in all we’ve got 70-plus jump styles to suit the most timid swingers or adventurous adventure junkies, and everyone loves the level of interaction they have with our crazy but professional jump operators.”

Mr Hollyer said Shotover Canyon Swing was also proving popular with Indian visitors, which he put down to the company getting better known and appealing to a wider base of customers.

“The fact that people can enjoy some absolutely stunning scenery in a remote location while deciding exactly how much they want to scare the crap out of themselves obviously has great appeal across all markets and age groups!” he said.

Each year Shotover Canyon Swing raises funds for a charity of its choice during the month of May. Those who experience a Swing are offered another swing in exchange for a minimum donation, waiving the usual $39 extra jump charge. Last year the company raised more than $10,000 for earthquake-damaged Mt Pleasant School in Christchurch.

Shotover Canyon Swing is a Qualmark-endorsed visitor activity and also holds a Qualmark enviro-bronze award for its sustainable practice. For more information on Shotover Canyon Swing visit www.canyonswing.co.nz.

To become a fan of Shotover Canyon Swing on Facebook visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shotover-Canyon-Swing/47078212798 or follow the team’s blog on www.canyonswing.co.nz/blog.
Picture Caption:

Fun for all ages - La Cavanagh and her 11 year old daughter Jette from Wanaka smile for the camera before launching into a Tandem Cliff Jump with Shotover Canyon Swing in Queenstown.


About Shotover Canyon Swing:

Not your average backyard experience, the Shotover Canyon Swing is an undie-staining, adrenalin stimulating activity achieved by launching yourself from a platform perched on top of a very high cliff edge. Reaching speeds of up to 150kph as the rocks rush towards you in a 60m freefall, the ropes then smoothly swing you out across the famous Shotover Canyon.

From mild to mindblowing, we’ve got a jumpstyle to suit the most timid of swingers and the most adventurous adrenalin junkie, including a Tandem Cliff Jump, specially designed for two.

Shotover Canyon Swing is a multi-award winning, OutdoorsMark certified and Qualmark-endorsed activity.

All Shotover Canyon Swing experiences are safe, fun and rewarding. Safety considerations are fundamental to every aspect of the operation with the best crew, training, equipment and procedures in place to give ensure the best experience.  Swingers are secure in a chest and seat harness and swing on 2 independent ropes, each with a breaking strain of 2.8 tonnes, enough to lift four cars.  All aspects of the swing satisfy industry safety requirements and are regularly inspected, maintained and upgraded. Experienced and extensively trained jumpmasters ensure your safety at all times. Regular rigorous inspections ensure the highest standards of operation.

Awards

• Best Experience in New Zealand 2007, 2008 and 2010 The TNT Magazine Golden Backpacks Consumer Voted Awards
• Humour in Business Supreme Award 2007 and 2008
• Best Bungy/Swing at the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Rankers NZ Traveler Awards
• New Zealand Tourism Industry Association’s 2008 ‘Adventure Category Award’