Queenstown Tandem Hang Gliding: A Review of the Experience

Queenstown, which is basically the adventure capital of New Zealand (maybe the entire world!), offers pretty much a buffet of pulse-raising activities. Skydiving, bungee jumping, jet boating – that stuff is kind of Queenstown’s bread and butter. I recently got to scratch another crazy item off my bucket list, tandem hang gliding. Yep, you read that right. Me, hanging off a glider, soaring above some of the most mind-blowing scenery you could possibly picture. What I’m gonna do, is to give you the lowdown on the whole shebang, like what to expect, the thrills, a bit of practical info, that kind of thing.

Getting Ready for Takeoff

Okay, so, before I found myself strapped into the glider, there were steps. Obviously! Like first off, you’ll check in with the crew, probably get some waivers signed (standard stuff), and meet the person you are gliding with. These guys, or gals, tend to be serious pros, tons of flights maybe even a couple decades of experience. They explain, in very plain words, pretty much everything that’s gonna go down. We’re talking about going over the equipment, how you’re strapped in, launch protocols and the communications you’ll need. What I mean is, it’s good to listen up. I found it seriously helped to ease those initial butterflies.

Then comes the harness fitting. Think of it as kind of putting on a slightly weird, yet super important backpack. The harness is really how you’re connected to the glider, so, you know, they make sure it fits just right. After that, you do a quick practice run on the ground. You kind of simulate what it’ll feel like to launch, get the stance down, listen to directions, those type of thing. Trust me; your future self is gonna really thank you for paying attention here.

The Lift-Off Experience

Right, so, launch time. We bundled into this jeep, it felt like a rollercoaster ride, right to the peak of a pretty sizable slope. Once you’re all clipped in, standing with your instructor, staring into what feels like an ocean of air, that’s a wild sensation. There’s like, zero turning back now! When your instructor gives you the go-ahead, you, in essence, run. It’s perhaps three or four powerful strides, that kinda thing, then boom! The earth falls out from beneath you.

That moment when you go from solid ground to literally suspended in mid-air… that’s unreal. I’m talking about like an intense rush coupled with something that feels weirdly peaceful? Very quickly you stop thinking about running, then focus on soaking up the feeling of soaring, like an actual bird. The initial climb has that bit of exhilaration, then it mellows into a super graceful, unbelievably smooth glide. If you’re one who thinks they get scared pretty easy, trust me; even I was giggling like a kid just moments into the flight. This is a great alternative from being stuck on a sightseeing bus.

Soaring Over Queenstown: Views That Will Make Your Jaw Drop

Queenstown’s landscape? Picture this: jagged mountains sort of plunging into mirror-smooth lakes, and greenery for absolutely days. Seeing all that while quietly gliding, that has a special type of impact. From above, things look rather different. Everything, anyway, appears to be spread out far, which means you sort of appreciate the enormity. The Southern Alps look intensely dramatic; the lake looks endless, pretty much glittering down beneath you.

What’s neat is you get to chat with your instructor during your trip. They might show you the highlights, throw in a couple tidbits regarding the geography or local trivia, maybe even some talk about what it’s like being a hang gliding pilot. Feel like experiencing an adrenaline boost? They might, I dunno, pull off a smooth trick to add some flair. I asked my instructor if it’s possible to feel so overwhelmed that you never want it to stop, and I could just hear him laughing!

Safety Aspects

Okay, this needs saying. Safety always comes before, right? All responsible tandem hang gliding businesses really prioritize safety. This tends to start with their equipment: gliders are reviewed routinely. Harnesses and helmets, those things need looking at often. The instructors? Well, they are pretty much certified and seasoned pros, usually they log thousands of hours of flight. You can chill out knowing that you’re in capable hands.

What’s kind of cool too is that the gliding happens based on the conditions outside. That means wind velocity, climate and visibility. Basically, they do not go if things aren’t just perfect. I experienced a small delay due to the wind choosing to get funny on us, so, honestly, this only increased my faith in how strictly they follow their processes.

Things to Consider Before You Fly

Okay, some things you might keep in the back of your head. First, wearing the correct stuff: I was thinking about like cozy, comfy clothing that kinda allows some movement. Layering happens to be key, ’cause up there it’s generally chillier than you’d think. Next: sturdy, closed-toe footwear. Lose the flip-flops and sandals. It really needs saying. As for cameras, most companies allow you to bring a tiny action camera (like a GoPro), mainly so you can catch your experience. Talk with them ahead to verify their regulations on cameras and holding devices.

Concerning any physical or wellness issues, always tell the company prior to booking. Weight restrictions might apply; honestly, they’re normally quite clear regarding it when you are booking. People having heart concerns, some other stuff, really needs getting the okay from a doctor beforehand. Look after you, you know?

Making the Booking

To reserve your spot, there are numerous approaches. Loads of businesses have webpages that contain all their pricing and availability; booking direct can be good since you’re obtaining the data right directly from the business themselves. Furthermore, internet travel resources such as GetYourGuide, Viator and a few other places usually provide Queenstown hang gliding deals via numerous operators. It usually is smart to analyze pricing and reviews, to compare operators prior to determining which best matches that experience you hope to have.

Take into account seasons influence rates and occupancy. Booking ahead of schedule, particularly when you plan your holiday during busy season, that usually is highly advised. Take a look at cancellation policies too, simply because stuff does crop up, does not it? Understanding the agreement saves you aggravation in the future.

Is Tandem Hang Gliding Worth It?

Okay, now for like the important question. Should you commit money on Queenstown tandem hang gliding? In short, probably yes. I mean it. You receive remarkable surroundings, exhilaration, the excitement that one gets, basically something unforgettable. Sure, it may be pretty steep when you compare to things to do, it’s not cheap in some respects, but for a singular experience like drifting quietly over possibly the most breathtaking panorama globally? That sensation cannot be beat.

Other Awesome Things to Do in Queenstown

I already mentioned Queenstown has so many activities. If hanging on a glider, pretty much thousands of feet above land, isn’t exactly the right speed for you, perhaps have a go on these others. Bungee leaping! Queenstown is home to a few commercial bungee jumps around. The Nevis Bungy, for example, is for adrenaline fanatics, since it happens to be New Zealand’s tallest. Skydiving! When bouncing downward toward land really is not high-octane enough, next give skydiving. Multiple locations provide skydives for beginners and even professionals. Experience falling openly at two hundred km/h.

Looking for something less high octane? There is rafting excursions on the Shotover and Kawarau streams. If, possibly, that’s too sedate for you personally, think about jet vessel excursions. The vessels pretty much fly via little canyons and do pretty neat techniques while visitors hold on for dear life! Gondola trips are rather soothing as one climbs Bob’s Peak, where stunning city vistas plus hiking paths. If that does not fill your day, take the luge lower following your hike. The alternatives really seem endless, they do!

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