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Ziptrek Queenstown: Skyline Gondola Zipline Adventure over Lake Wakatipu

Ziptrek Queenstown: Skyline Gondola Zipline Adventure over Lake Wakatipu

Launch from the Skyline Gondola Treehouse and zip through treetops with Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables as your backdrop. This two-hour Ziptrek tour combines steep, technical lines and an environmental focus—perfect for thrill-seekers who want context as well as speed.

Queenstown, Otago
2 hours
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Complete the waiver online

You must fill out the participant consent form before arrival; guides will not allow you to join without it.

Book extra time for the gondola

Gondola tickets aren’t included—allow 40–60 minutes from the base terminal, or more during peak season.

Respect weight and age limits

Maximum weight 125 kg (275 lbs); Kea tour minimum 30 kg (66 lbs); youths under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Dress in layers and wear closed-toe shoes

Temperatures at the Treehouse are cooler and windier than town; closed-toe shoes are mandatory.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Walk a short way along the ridgeline near the Treehouse for unobstructed views of the lake’s full arc
  • Visit the Skyline summit helipad viewpoint early in the morning for quieter vistas and possible kea sightings

Wildlife

  • Kererū (wood pigeon)
  • Tūī

Conservation Note

Ziptrek promotes low-impact construction and small-group tours; stay on designated platforms and follow guide instructions to minimize disturbance to native vegetation.

The Wakatipu basin was shaped by Pleistocene glaciers and carries rich Māori history as a seasonal resource area; modern adventure tourism sits atop those deep physical and cultural layers.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Golden hour (sunrise/sunset), Late morning for clearer skies, Overcast for even light on action shots
Key viewpoints:
  • Ziptrek Treehouse platforms at the summit
  • Midline zips with Lake Wakatipu in the frame
  • Terminal platforms where guides stage quick photo stops
Subjects to capture:Wide lake-and-mountain landscapes, High-action zipline riders, Native birds perched on canopy branches

What to Bring

Closed-toe hiking shoesEssential

You’ll be on platforms and occasionally scrambling; secure shoes keep you safe and stable.

Light insulated/windproof jacketEssential

Wind at elevation can be sharp year-round—bring a layer you can zip on and off.

Warm gloves

Helpful in colder months for comfort while waiting on platforms and during exposed zips.

Sunscreen and sun hat

Reflective lake surfaces and high-altitude UV make sun protection important on clear days.

Common Questions

Are gondola tickets included?

No—gondola tickets to access the Skyline complex are not included; allow additional time to purchase and ride the gondola from the base terminal.

What are the weight and age restrictions?

Maximum weight for any Ziptrek tour is 125 kg (275 lbs). The Kea tour has a minimum weight of 30 kg (66 lbs). Youths under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Do I need to complete any forms before arrival?

Yes—completing the online Participant Consent Form is mandatory prior to arriving at the Treehouse.

What happens in bad weather?

Tours run in most conditions, but Ziptrek may cancel for safety if winds or storms make zipping unsafe; check cancellation policies when you book.

Is prior zipline experience required?

No—guides manage all technical elements and provide instruction; the tours are suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.

Can pregnant people or those with back/heart problems join?

No—zipline tours are not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious spinal, heart, or cardiovascular issues.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

2 hours

Location

Queenstown, Otago

Difficulty

moderate

Fitness Level

Average fitness—comfortable walking on uneven platforms and managing short stair sections; no advanced conditioning required

Free cancellation available

Ready to Explore Queenstown?

Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.

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