Canyon swings in New Zealand

A canyon swing is one of the coolest adrenaline activities you can do in New Zealand. Take a look at our featured photo of the Ledge Swing in Queenstown, courtesy of Ledge Swing.

What is this canyon swing you speak of?

Well, first, picture an epic canyon (possibly with a river running through it).

Next, imagine cables spanning the canyon’s width, several hundred feet above the ground.

Then, imagine standing on a precarious-looking platform situated over said canyon, where you’re strapped into a bungee jump style harness, which is in turn attached to the aforementioned cables.

Finally, consider what it might feel like to submit yourself to the whim of gravity, with only your harness and ropes for intervention.

So, it’s just bungee jumping under another name, right?

Actually, no. It’s definitely a different experience. With a bungee jump you pretty much head straight down and straight back up again.

A canyon swing is set up differently. The big clue’s in the name. The thing’s effectively a pendulum, and your body is the bob at the end.

After first ‘jumping’ you freefall for around 200 feet before the swing takes up the slack. After that you’re into two large swings that arc around 650 feet. Along the way you reach speeds of up to 75 mph.

I’m still not convinced! Sounds like a slightly less extreme bungee to me!

The beauty of a canyon swing is the number of ways you can execute your swing.

You can go solo or do a buddy jump with a friend. You can launch off the platform backwards. You can throw front or backward flips into the mix.

Okay. Now I’m convinced. Where can I do it in New Zealand?

See our list below:

Queenstown

Nevis Swing