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Queenstown in New Zealand should appeal to every adrenalin junkie. Of course, for now, it remains a post-COVID-19 dream. But dreaming’s free, and one day, hopefully, normality returns to the world. Certainly, planning and researching an extreme adventure while the virus keeps so many people stuck at home might help with COVID blues. So, let’s take a look at the exciting things that await you.
Queenstown in New Zealand: beauty and adrenalin all in one place
We already mentioned the beauty and funky lifestyle in the hidden valley of Takaka on the South Island. And, the excitement of gold panning in designated protected areas of New Zealand. Now, it’s time for a celebration of beauty and sheer adrenalin in the adventure capital of the country. Whether you enjoy water sports, mountaineering, cycling, jumping out of planes, bungie jumping, and more, it seems there’s sufficient adrenalin to go around in Queenstown.
And, don’t forget to enjoy the sheer beauty of the area. Nestled on the shores of the stunning Lake Wakatipu on the South Island, the backdrop looks surreal. Painted across the sky the Southern Alps beckon. And, if you enjoy the snow, then winter brings fantastic fun as the town transforms into a resort that offers four ski areas. The best time of the year for snowboarding and skiing comes between June and October.
Hiking, biking and wellness for the less adventurous souls
Queenstown also caters to people who love nature but don’t fancy too much adrenaline. So, you’ll still be welcome. Hike, bike the trails, take a scenic flight over paradise, or find a spa and spoil yourself. But, if you want more, then hop on a plane and go skydiving. Or, tandem paragliding’s another option. Bungie jumping’s become synonymous with the area. So go and terrify yourself. Or, enjoy a “freefalling swing ride & zip lines over sheer river canyon walls.” It’s the “world’s highest cliff jump!”
Not keen on the weather or the outdoors? Well, look no further than Queenstown for indoor thrills in New Zealand. Indoor Skydiving’s fun and so is the Fear Factory Haunting – if you’re’ brave enough. They keep a record of those who “chicken out.” And it reached 16k people, who found it too frightening. The scary destination’s “rated as a top 5 haunted experience in the world by the AHA.”
Water activities
While you might prefer a gentle cruise on the lake, other more radical sports satisfy adrenalin junkies. Queenstown New Zealand Info noted, “whitewater rafting or river surfing. Take your pick from heli-rafting…and river boarding.” Or, choose a terrifying ride on jets boats as you flash through gorges and cliffs on a river. If that sounds boring, then the world’s first Hydro attack craft should feed your soul. The shark boat jumps 18 feet out of the water, dives down underwater, and reaches thrilling speeds of 80km (49.7 miles an hour). And, that speed happens inside of four seconds.
Extreme biking in Queenstown allows the maxim fun from downhill courses. And, save your legs because lifts take you up to the top. Or, save your legs altogether and exercise your knuckles in some extreme 4 x 4 fun. In a special off-road machine, let your pro-driver take up impossible looking hills, down steep descents, and over some really crazy-looking places.
Queenstown for kids
If you travel with family Post-COVID-19, the kids also find their own thrills with special activities on tap. Some zip line options bring a safer experience for kids. Or, take them go-karting. They might enjoy the skyline Gondola, and definitely the indoor skydiving option. And when they’re all tuckered out, why not wind them down with an interesting walk through the Kiwi Birdlife Park. Or visit some of the Lord of The Rings film sites.
Every day’s an adrenaline day in Queenstown, New Zealand, and it all awaits you once travel restrictions lift. While the country goes over the top with what looks like risky fun, the government certainly didn’t risk their population when it came to COVID-19. So for now, only citizens and residents may fly into the place. And even then, it comes with strict quarantining.
But once you can travel again, you probably choose a destination with one of the best records of coronavirus management in the world.
Clean and green New Zealand – things that bite
If you like wilderness and extreme adventure, you might not necessarily wish to encounter snakes. Well, relax on that one. They simply don’t exist there and never did. But, you might see a lizard or two. Sit on a rock or tree stump without worrying about scorpions and other venomous insects. But, keep an eye out for Australia’s import – the venomous redback and white-tailed spiders. Luckily, they’re quite scarce.
Then, lucky they have my only one of their own native venomous spiders but it’s so rare, that some people might become excited to see a katipō.
Thrills and adrenalin spills probably allow you to meet up with sandflies. They just love the shady riverbanks in the country. Sandflies bite in swarms. The bites won’t hurt you, but they itch like crazy. And, scratching just makes it worse. So, insect repellent’s a must-buy item in the country. It also helps keep the mosquitos away. While they won’t make you sick, they can be irritating.
So pack up your COVID-19 blues, and your insect repellent as soon as the borders open. Head for paradise-like beauty and adrenalin-filled adventure in Queenstown, New Zealand.
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