What the Shotover River canyon swing involves
The Shotover River canyon swing is an organised experience above the gorge near Arthurs Point. The platform stands 109 m above the river, with about 60 m of free fall followed by a 200 m swinging arc. The crew then brings participants back up. The movement combines a drop and a pendulum-like swing, so it is a different experience from a bungy jump.
Participants can step off themselves or have the crew release them. That choice concerns the start of the same activity, rather than a separate canyon route. Listings through different booking platforms also refer to the same swing experience. For the wider choice of activities, use the Shotover tour comparison; for where the nearby bridge and river base fit, read the Arthurs Point guide.
Minimum age, harness fit and health
The minimum age is 10. Children aged 10 to 13 need a parent or legal guardian present and a signed form. Those aged 14 to 15 need the required signature, while an accompanying adult is not required by that age rule. These conditions are specific to the swing and should not be transferred to jet boating or rafting simply because the activities share the river setting.
The maximum total weight is 210 kg, including for a tandem swing. The harness must fit. Disclose injuries and all health conditions honestly during check-in, and seek medical advice beforehand if you have concerns. Pregnancy is unsuitable for participation. The crew can decline participation on safety grounds, so a reservation should be made with the full needs of the participant in mind. Discuss individual suitability directly rather than relying on an approximate weight rule copied from another activity.
Our pick: canyon swing
Return transport and experienced guides are included in this swing outing.
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The swing with return transport
Experienced jump masters, the Shotover swing and return transport are included; arrange spectator places separately.
Check-in and the return shuttle
The bookable experience linked here includes the swing, experienced jump masters and return transport. Its Queenstown start is at 34 Shotover Street. Allow about 2.5 hours for the outing, rather than treating the short period of free fall as the whole visit. That planning time covers an organised experience with transport and preparation, and it needs a clear place in the day.
Access to the swing site is controlled. Use the arranged shuttle and the meeting instructions for the booked departure. The activity also offers pickup at the jet boat base, which needs to be arranged as the appropriate meeting choice. Do not walk from a bus stop or the river bridge expecting to reach the platform independently. The getting-there guide distinguishes local buses from activity transport.
The path, stairs and spectators
The approach to the jump includes a 300 m gravel path downhill and 61 steep steps. Consider both the descent and the return when assessing mobility needs. The riverside setting and shuttle transport do not remove the walking and stair demands. Describe those needs when organising the visit so that the physical approach is part of the participation discussion, alongside the harness and health declaration.
Spectators need advance arrangements and a separate spectator booking. Their access is controlled rather than an unrestricted viewpoint visit. If one person wants to watch while another takes part, organise both places together instead of arriving with an unbooked companion. Photos and video are separate extras; select any media purchase deliberately rather than treating it as a complimentary part of the swing ticket.
Bungy on the Kawarau River
For a different style of jump, read about bungy on the Kawarau River. That activity has its own location, eligibility conditions and transport plan. The swing above the Shotover is not a different name for that bungy, and a booking for one does not describe the physical experience of the other. Choose by the activity itself as well as the setting.
The swing’s published operating pattern is daily throughout the year except Christmas Day. Advance booking at least 48 hours ahead is recommended, with same-day participation dependent on spare places. Select an actual departure rather than interpreting office contact hours as jump times. Keep a buffer around the return transport before another timed activity, and use the activity planning guide when building a day around different check-ins.
Frequently asked questions
How old must a participant be?
At least 10. Ages 10 to 13 require a parent or legal guardian present and a signed form. Ages 14 to 15 require the relevant signature under the swing’s participation rules.
Can a non-participant come to watch?
Arrange a spectator booking in advance. Site access is controlled, so a companion needs an organised place rather than simply following the shuttle or walking to the platform.
Is the approach step-free?
The approach includes a 300 m downhill gravel path and 61 steep steps. Consider mobility needs before booking and discuss the physical route as well as harness fit with the activity team.
Are photos and video included?
Media packages are separate extras. The linked activity includes the swing, jump masters and return transport, so decide separately whether you want to buy a photo or video package.