Queenstown adventure goes tandem

Queenstown’s newest adventure activity is set to become even more popular with families after it launches its ‘tandem zipping’ experience today (26 January).

Ziptrek Ecotours, the all-weather, all abilities, all year-round flying fox eco-adventure located in the forest atop the Skyline Gondola, is now able to offer tandem tours for children seven and older with no minimum weight limit.

Tandem zippers are fitted with a Ziptrek custom-designed climbing harness and attached to their guide who looks after them and ensures they have the best possible experience.

Managing Director Trent Yeo says the team is delighted to get the tandem tour off the ground.

“It’s perfect for families with younger children or kids who might be a bit nervous about going by themselves. It makes them feel super safe - they can just let go and have fun.
 

“Heaps of families are zipping already and I would expect to see more now that we’re offering tandem rides. Ziptrek has enjoyed fantastic feedback from all sectors in its first month of operation and we’re delighted to add an element that can extend the age and size range of those who can take part,” he says.

Ziptrek Ecotours takes guests on a guided two-hour flying fox journey through the forest high above Queenstown. Guests step off a series of architecturally designed and beautifully constructed aerial launch platforms to “zzziiiip” down four separate cables from tree to tree. Each ride is controlled by a guide and a patented braking system but zippers can enhance their thrill factor by zipping in different styles such as cannonball, upside down and Spiderman. Between the four different flying fox lines, Ziptrek guides deliver an interpretive commentary with an ecological focus.

Ziptrek tours can be booked at the company’s summer location on Shotover Street in downtown Queenstown or at the Ziptrek Treehouse located 100 metres to the left, from the top of Skyline Gondola.

ENDS

About Ziptrek
Ziptrek Ecotours is a spectacular two-hour flying fox operation and interpretative guided tour in the forest canopy atop Skyline Gondola, high above Queenstown.

‘Zippers’ either ride the Skyline Gondola or walk up the Skyline track to check in at the Ziptrek Guest Services tree.

From the moment guests check in, to the moment they complete the tour, they are in the trees, high above the ground, and privy to stunning panoramic lake and mountain views of Queenstown and its surrounds.

Ziptrek’s all-weather, all-abilities tour operates year round and is perfect for families (min. age 7), individuals and groups.

About the company
Ziptrek Ecotours was founded in 2001 in Whistler, Canada, when business school graduates Charles Steele and David Udow came together to create an adventure ecotourism business. Their goal was to provide a unique experience combining nature-based learning with a rush of adrenaline. Not satisfied with traditional business models they set their sights on getting ‘back to nature’ in a way that would marry their business sensibilities with their love of the outdoors and passion for the environment.

Ziptrek has now become a must-do, award-winning adventure ecotourism business famed for delivering an awareness and appreciation of the natural environment along with a good dollop of adrenaline.

Trent Yeo, an Australian by birth and New Zealander by residence, joined the company as an employee and soon committed to a partnership that would open a Ziptrek operation in Queenstown, New Zealand. He has spent four years in the resort town researching sites and developing the business which will run to similar exacting standards as Ziptrek Whistler. The activity is expected to become an integral part of Queenstown’s adventure tourism menu.