Queenstown; Tastes, Views and Thrills

Written on Sunday, January 1, 2023 by Emma Whiting Travel

Queenstown has always been known for adventure and right from the moment you dip through the clouds, the almighty mountains that flank the runway beckon.  It wasn’t my first visit to Queenstown, and it won’t be my last, every time I go I vow to come back and stay for… just a little longer.  With such a short break and with so much on offer, my partner and I divided our time between revisiting old favorites and delving into new adventures.  In time honored fashion we ate our fill at the world renowned Fergburger restaurant and marveled at the scenery from the top of the Skyline Gondola. We tested our nerve on the luge track and spent hours at different viewpoints, aghast at the scenery in front of us. In the evenings we strolled the harbor and botanical gardens at sunset and watched the lights of town twinkle reflections from the stillness of the lake. Later we feasted on Otago’s delectable cuisine and treated ourselves to cocktails with a view.

This time however it was our experience on the infamous Shotover Jet Boat that made the trip for us. A short 20 minute drive to Arthur’s point from Queenstown is the staging area for the adrenaline filled, white knuckle ride and after a brief check-in and safety briefing, we were ushered down onto the sandy banks of the Shotover river to await our turn. In the distance you could hear a cacophony of thunderous engine roars and as one of the boats rounded the corner of the canyon, it was like standing behind a Boeing 747 with a Lamborghini strapped to the side!  After we had taken our seats and strapped in, the acceleration was absolutely incredible. The V8 twin engines did their thing and we were catapulted up-stream at speeds of close to 90 kph. Screaming impossibly close to obstacles and outcrops and with the odd 360 spin thrown in for good measure, the guides were knowledgeable, experienced and incredibly professional. After 25 minutes we were back on dry land and with a shake in the legs and a wobble in the knees, it was decided that a dip in the hotel jacuzzi was in order to soothe the fraying nerves. An amazing experience in an amazing place. We will be back again for certain.

 

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