Jump off a cliff in Queenstown, New Zealand
2010-07-27
Adventurers know that Australia and New Zealand travel provides for some truly unforgettable experiences. Whether its climbing Mount Cook in New Zealand or exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the natural delights of the South Pacific have kept travelers coming back.
That's also true of one of the more interesting manmade endeavors in the region, the Shotover Canyon Swing in Queenstown, New Zealand. This rope system launches brave tourists over the edge of a canyon, swinging them right by the cliff face before bringing them up again. The ride has proved popular, and many have returned to go again - including one American couple who went 17 times, according to Stuff.co.nz
While some may feel that it sounds extremely dangerous, the company behind the thrill ride focuses on safety as their top priority. All staff are expertly trained, and the system is designed to hold the weight equivalent of four cars.
In addition, there are a variety of jump styles that offer different experiences. According to the company, the easiest is swinging forward, legs first. A medium-intensity jump might be gliding out like Superman. For the extra-brave, there's "gimp boy goes to Hollywood," an "eyeballs-first" experience that has become a favorite of the 17-timer couple.
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