Baby boomers seeking thrills don’t have to look far to find heart-thumping excitement in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Want to dangle from a long rubber band? A visit to Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump will satisfy your need to bounce upside down from a 43-metre platform. After the thrilling experience, a wine tour in the Gibbston Valley will calm your nerves. Taste wine in the former church at Waitiri Creek Winery or go futuristic at Peregrine Wines where the sloping metal building seems to spring from the earth.
When you’re ready for the adventure to begin again, head to Queenstown proper. Take Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak then paraglide over the valley before gliding to a stop in the city. Rather keep your feet on the ground? Try the luge track or hike one of the many trails leading from the mountain. Back in the valley, water lovers will find their thrills on an adrenaline pumping jet boat ride on either the Dart or Shotover Rivers.
Alan and I visited Queenstown at the conclusion of an 8-day trip down the South Island’s west coast with Tailored Travel. Our accommodations at The Dairy allowed us to walk to the gondola for the trip to Bob’s Peak. For those boomers who would rather observe the fun, stake out a picnic table on Bob’s Peak to take in the action. I confess, that’s what we did. And, when it was time for dinner, we walked from The Dairy to the intimate Solera Vino. Sipping a Peregrine Valley Pinot Noir while enjoying a New Zealand lamb dinner is the perfect ending to any adventurous day.
Do you have a favorite Queenstown adventure? Post a comment to tell me about it. We’ll definitely be returning.
