All you need to know...
- I need transport from Queenstown
We now offer limited trips with Queenstown departures as noted on our availability and booking page.
These departures include transport from Queenstown to Glenorchy (with commentary and a photo stop) as well as an hour of "free time" in Glenorchy before the departure for the actual zipline trip - you will arrive back in Queenstown approximately 6.75 hours after departing.
Approximate Queenstown trip schedule example (adjust the timing depending on the start time you have booked):
11.15am - pick up in Queenstown - at the bus stop outside the RealNZ Visitor Centre (88 Beach Street) opposite the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
12.15pm - Arrive Glenorchy after the drive from Queenstown including full commentary and photo stops
12.15 - 1.20pm - Free time in Glenorchy to have lunch, go for a walk, explore the small town, take photos etc
1.20pm - Meet the team at our pick up point in Glenorchy (13 Mull Street, Glenorchy)
1.30pm - depart for the zipline experience
5pm - Return from zipline experience to Glenorchy
6pm - Arrive in Queenstown at the pick up pointShould you have a group of 5 or more needing Queenstown transport and are not able to travel on the days listed on our booking page then please do call as we may be able to assist. Please note Queenstown departures are at a cost of $249 per person.
During winter the only other option for getting to Glenorchy is by taxi/Uber or hire car (there are not currently shuttle services to Glenorchy during winter).
From November through until the end of April there are a couple of other options depending on your budget and needs - we strongly suggest booking these at the time of making your booking with us as their spaces do also fill.
The easiest is with Info & Track - www.infotrack.co.nz Phone: +64 (3) 442 9708
Their 8am transport is fine to catch for our 9am trip - they have other options depending on the trip you wish to take:
- 8am (Queenstown to Glenorchy) for our 9am or 10am trips
- 11.15am (Queenstown to Glenorchy) for our 1.30 trip
Their return times are 3pm for either of our morning trips, or 6pm for the 1.30pm trip (you need to also book your space for the return journey).Please put a note when you make your booking with us that you are catching the shuttle so that we can wait for you if they run late.
Info & Tracks price is currently $64 per adult, $48 per child return. If you are comparing costs with the other zipline company remember you also have the $52 per adult, $36 per child gondola charge to add to their prices to get access up there (unless you choose to hike up the hill) and I know you'll find our spectacular scenery worth while both on the drive and the actual zipline trip :)
Of course if you want maximum flexibility you can book a taxi/uber or private transport at a much greater cost.
- Age & Weight, mobility/fitness and pregnancy restrictions
Minimum age of 10 years for participants. Minimum weight 30kg. Maximum weight 125kg.
If a participant is under 18 years old but over 16 years old - a guardian or parent must sign on their behalf.
If a participant is under 16 years old - a guardian or parent must accompany them throughout the tour from start to finish.
The age restriction of 10 years and minimum 30kg has two components:
1 - If your child is very thin, our harness may not fit properly and they wont be able to participate. Minimum waist measurement of our harness is 58 cm (23 inches)
2 - Maturity - our course is set in a natural environment with natural hazards including exposed cliffs. There are also moving parts on the zipline that can be hazardous. Please decide if your child is mature enough for this environment.
Participants will be weighed at site and will be turned away without a refund if they do not comply with any of these restrictions.
Mobility / Fitness / Injury / Pregnancy
You must have good mobility, reasonable walking fitness and reasonable ability to grip with your hands. Maximum weight is 125kg
If you have serious neck/back/joint injuries, a heart condition or have recently had surgery then please check with your doctor first.
Not suitable for pregnant woman – sorry ladies but the waist harness isn't suitable for those who are pregnant.
- Can I cancel or change my trip booking if I need to?
Yes, but please give us as much notice as you can - we'd love someone else to have the chance to go if you can't.
If you have booked directly through us on one of our standard tours, we will refund 100% for changes to booking numbers and cancellations made more than 24 hours prior to the tour date. There is no refund if you cancel within 24 hours of the tour, or if you miss your tour for any reason. Your travel insurance may cover you if you have an injury or other circumstance that results in you being unable to participate in the tour.
If you have to cancel within 24 hours for reasons beyond your control then we will offer to put you on STANDBY for another trip - this does not guarantee you a space, it is only on a standby basis and you will only find out 1.5 hours prior to the trip time if we are able to confirm you.
Please note, if you have booked with an agent, check their terms and conditions as theirs may differ from ours.
Group Bookings:
Final numbers are required to be advised 7 days in advance - this final number is the minimum number charged for regardless of the number that turn up.
No refunds given for cancellations within 7 days
Changes within 7 days are subject to availability, if no availability then cancellation policy appliesALL BOOKINGS:
Paradise Ziplines reserves the right to cancel or amend any tour due to weather or other conditions beyond our control that may interfere with the safe operation of our tour. Affected customers will be contacted and offered alternative tour times or a full refund.- What are the risks involved?
As with any activity that takes place in nature, there are some risks involved in taking part in this activity.
We operate in a gorge with natural hazards that include potential rock fall, tree fall, slippery surfaces and fast moving water. Being in the outdoors you may also be exposed to sunshine, rain, wind, cold, heat and insects.
This trip can be physically demanding for some and in places operates at height. It involves an uphill walk of about 500 meters with 100 meters of elevation gain, over uneven ground including steps - good mobility and some degree of fitness is required.
See "Do I Need to Sign Anything" at the bottom of the FAQ page for the full Participation Form details- What should I wear?
Enclosed footwear is a must – think running/hiking shoes or similar. This is no place for high heels or sandals!
In winter - dress similar to how you would to go up the ski field, we'd rather you were toasty warm! If you have them, bring a beanie and thin gloves.
For all seasons - Long sleeves and long pants are recommended – this will make it more comfortable for the harness, it can get chilly in the shade of the forest and sometimes we get sandflies.
Always bring at least one extra layer more than you think you may need – you can leave it in our secure storage area at the base if you decide once you are there that you don't need it for the tour.
We are an ALL WEATHER operation (unless it's unsafe!). Bring a rain jacket if you have one... just in case! The weather is often different than in Queenstown and we operate in pretty much all conditions – you are under the shelter of trees so it doesn't typically get horrid but sometimes a rain coat can be handy - we do have spares on site if needed. If the forecast is for rain you can always bring a change of clothes with you to change into after the trip so you can be totally dry for the trip home.
We provide helmets and gloves for your protection (as well as the harness and all other safety gear of course!)
- Can I bring a camera & what else should I bring?
You sure can bring a camera! Make sure you can keep this secure in a pocket, or have a strap to secure it onto yourself.
You are welcome to bring Go Pros on the tour, but they cannot be attached on top of helmets as it is too close to the zipline. Make sure your Go Pro is strapped on well to you.
If you drop anything on the tour we can't retrieve it for you so it would be gone for good.
Bring a bottle of water if you are the thirsty type – you will be away from Queenstown for around 6 hours.Bring a small backpack for your gear if you have one.
***A sense of adventure!!***
- Is there somewhere to store gear on site?
Yes – we have a secure container at the base so if you think you may need it – bring it along and if you decide you don't want it on the actual tour then it can be stored for you (we are talking an extra layer of clothing etc). Don't bring passports, laptops, important documents, your great grandmothers favourite pearls – these things aren't going to make your tour any better and are best left in a hotel safe!
- Where do I meet?
For bookings ex Glenorchy - Meet us at, 13 Mull Street, Glenorchy (Corner of Jetty and Mull Streets) - Outside the last building on the right as you head to the Lake (Akin Cafe). This is where our tour starts as you are not able to take a private vehicle onto the land we operate on. There is a sign here indicating the pick up spot - we do not have an office. Again be there 10 minutes prior to the advised trip departure time. It depends on traffic as to exactly when we arrive so please be ready but also be a little patient (leave yourself plenty of time if you to get a coffee/refreshment from one of the cafes in town – they are often busy and I'm afraid we can't ask everyone else to wait!)
There is plenty of street parking in Glenorchy and just past our pick up point at the lake end of Mull street there is a parking lot - all parking in Glenorchy is free and without time limits.
For bookings ex Queenstown - Meet us at the bus stop outside RealNZ Visitor Centre at 88 Beach Street - opposite the Crowne Plaza hotel. We do not have an office there or signage but you will see our van which is clearly sign written. Please make sure you are there 10 minutes prior to the departure time - we are not able to wait here for late passengers so please make sure you are on time.
Parking in Queenstown can be difficult so again, please make sure you leave plenty of time should you need to park a vehicle before meeting the van.
- Will the tour still go if it's raining?
Usually – YES! We operate in pretty much all conditions. If we think the weather (or any other factor) is going to make the tour unsafe then we will let you know and look to book you on the next available tour that suits your schedule. If WE cancel the tour and you can't make another time then of course you will be refunded 100%.
Please note, if you have booked with an agent, check their terms and conditions as theirs may differ from ours.
- Do I need experience & how much walking is involved?
No experience is needed; full training is provided by our friendly guides on our practice line before you start the actual course to make sure you are comfortable with what will happen. There will be a guide at each take off and landing platform, where you will be secured onto the zipline and taken off at the other end – this ensures you are safe and in good hands at all times.
The tour starts with an uphill walk over uneven ground through beautiful native red beech forest. There is about 100m of elevation gain over 500m of trail. This walk includes plenty of stops to catch your breath and usually takes around 15-20 minutes, good mobility is required. There is also a 4 minute undulating walk in the middle of the trip.
- Do I have to pay to make a booking?
Yes – payment in full is required at the time of booking. We run small groups on this tour and we'd hate for someone else to miss out!
- What does Ex Glenorchy / Ex Queenstown mean?
This refers to our tour start (pick up) location. We have just one Zipline course - an eight line adventure in stunning native wilderness. You are not able to drive yourself directly to our site as we are on private land so you must meet us at the pick up point noted on the confirmation of your booking.
Zipline ex Glenorchy = self drive to Glenorchy - $199 per person (Allow 1 hour to drive yourself there from Queenstown). Allow 3.5 hours Glenorchy to Glenorchy.
Zipline ex Queenstown = pick up from Queenstown - $249 per person. This is more expensive as it covers the cost for the transport from Queenstown to Glenorchy as well as the zipline.
The Queenstown departures include transport from Queenstown to Glenorchy (with commentary and a photo stop) as well as an hour of "free time" in Glenorchy before the departure for the actual zipline trip - you will arrive back in Queenstown approximately 6.75 hours after departing.
Approximate Queenstown trip schedule example (adjust the timing depending on the start time you have booked):
11.15am - pick up in Queenstown - At the bus stop outside the RealNZ Visitor (88 Beach Street - opposite the Crowne Plaza Hotel)
12.15pm - Arrive Glenorchy after the drive from Queenstown including full commentary and photo stops
12.15 - 1.20pm - Free time in Glenorchy to have lunch, go for a walk, explore the small town, take photos etc
1.20pm - Meet the team at our pick up point in Glenorchy (13 Mull Street, Glenorchy)
1.30pm - depart for the zipline experience
5pm - Return from zipline experience to Glenorchy
6pm - Arrive in Queenstown at the pick up point- OTHER QUERIES?
If you have other queries not mentioned above then email us at info@paradiseziplines.com and we will get back to you pronto! This is usually faster than calling as our phones are not always able to be manned so replies to phone messages are often slower than email replies!
If your question is regarding a tour today then please call and do leave a message with a number we can contact you on and we will get back to you just as soon as we can, but please do ALSO EMAIL.
- Terms and Conditions
Zipline Conditions
- Please be at your pick up location 10 minutes prior to your departure time
- Minimum age is 10 years. 10 - 16 years require parental/guardian consent and must be accompanied by an adult. Young children must be accompanied by 2 adults for supervision at both ends of the ziplines.
- Minimum weight is 30kg, maximum is 125kg
The age restriction of 10 years and minimum 30kg has two components:
If your child is very thin, our harness may not fit properly and they wont be able to participate. Minimum waist measurement of our harness is 58 cm (23 inches)
Maturity - our course is set in a natural environment with natural hazards including exposed cliffs. There are also moving parts on the zipline that can be hazardous. Please decide if your child is mature enough for this environment.
- Closed toes shoes are required - suitable for outdoor walking
- Please wear clothing suitable for the outdoors with long sleeves and long pants
- We operate in most weather conditions. We operate in the rain. If in doubt please contact us
Cancellation/amendment policy
Individual bookings:
Changes may be made up to 24 hours prior to the trip when booking directly with us.- A full refund will be given if you need to cancel up to 24 hours prior to the trip
- No refund given for cancellations within 24 hours for any reason - Changes within 24 hours are subject to availability - if no availability then the cancellation policy applies
- If you miss your pick up for any reason, no refund will be given
- We suggest you invest in travel insurance as we are unable to be flexible on our cancellation policy
Group Bookings:
- Final numbers are required to be advised 7 days in advance - this final number is the minimum number charged for regardless of the number that turn up.
- No refunds given for cancellations within 7 days
- Changes within 7 days are subject to availability, if no availability then cancellation policy applies
Paradise Ziplines reserves the right to cancel or amend any tour due to weather or other conditions beyond our control that may interfere with the safe operation of our tour. Affected customers will be contacted and offered alternative tour times or a full refund.
All prices are in New Zealand dollars and include GST (15%).
If you have booked with an agent, please check their terms and conditions and theirs may differ from ours.
- Want to work for Paradise Ziplines?
GUIDING ROLES:
We are currently fully staffed for the 2023 summer season however if you are super enthusiastic about working in the outdoors and sharing a culture of safety and fun with your team mates and our customers then send your resume and an email letting us know why you'd make a great addition to our team to kirsty@paradiseziplines.com.We are usually starting our search for additional guides in late August for a late September start for the summer season (and beyond).
OFFICE MANAGER:
As a Paradise Ziplines Office Manager you will be in charge of all the office functions of the business including accounts, marketing, customer communication, general administrative duties. In a perfect world you will also be open to being trained as a part time/fill in guide and/or driver if you require full time hours. The office based role is part time hours which vary throughout the year (more in summer and less in winter) and can potentially be flexible around school hours/other commitments. If this may be of interest to you reach out for a chat about how this might be your ideal job :)
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in NZ and already hold relevant visa's etc, I'm sorry but we can not offer sponsorship :(- Do I need to sign anything before zip lining
Yes - As with all adventure tourism activities in New Zealand (and around the world), there are some risks involved and some conditions you need to be made aware of, so before zipping you will need to sign a form to acknowledge that you are aware of these things.
Below is the information included on this form:
Paradise Ziplines Participation Assumption of Risk Form
WARNING: Under New Zealand law it is extremely unlikely that you will be able to sue anyone if you are injured. New Zealand's Accident Compensation Act 2001 provides limited assistance for injury. Visitors to New Zealand are strongly recommended to have full insurance covering injury, illness and cancellation.
Risks:
I accept that by participating in the adventure activities provided by Canyon Adventures Ltd, trading as Paradise Ziplines (PZ) I will be exposed to risks and potential hazards inherent to this type of activity and that there is a risk of serious injury or death when undertaking these activities. While the staff and management of PZ will take all practicable steps to identify and minimise potential dangers, I acknowledge that I must follow the instructions of the guide and use the safety equipment when instructed at all times and acknowledge that I am solely responsible for my own safety while undertaking the activities. I also acknowledge that I will not be directly supervised at times.
I acknowledge that I will be exposed to the elements, potentially including, but not limited to:
sunshine, rain, wind, cold, heat, and insects. We operate in a gorge with natural hazards including potential treefall, rockfall, slippery surfaces and fast moving water. This trip can be physically
demanding for some and in places operates at height.Health and Impairment:
PZ reserves the right to withdraw any person who in their opinion is likely to endanger themselves or others. This exclusion includes the overuse of alcohol and/or recreational drugs. I also recognise that PZ reserves the right to cancel, modify, or curtail any activity, if my safety or that of any other person becomes a concern. I certify that I am physically fit and able to participate in PZ activities and I have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical person. I have disclosed to my PZ guide (or will so disclose before undertaking the activities) any medical condition, previous injury or medication that I am taking. I am not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and am capable of walking uphill for 15 minutes. I consent to receive any medical treatment that may be deemed necessary in the event of injury, accident or illness while undertaking PZ’s activities.
Age/Height restrictions:
I am over 10 years old and weigh between 30kg and 125 kg. I am not pregnant.Photographs/Images:
I consent to PZ to taking, retaining and using photographic images, audio or video recordings of me undertaking these activities and publishing or selling the images for the purpose of marketing,
promotion, advertising or training and that these images may be altered. I waive any right to inspect the final form of the images and understand that I will not receive any payment or compensation for the images. PZ agrees to handle the Images in accordance with the Privacy Act 1993 and the terms of this waiver.Legal:
By participating in the activities provided by PZ I agree to assume the risks personally and, in the unlikely event of an accident, to the maximum extent permitted by law, I release PZ and its
employees, officers and agents from any liability, claims, losses, damages or expenses (including, without limitation, personal injury or death, loss of belongings and property damage) and any other losses which arise from my participation in PZ's activities (other than a claim under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993).
I agree that this waiver is contractually binding on myself, my successors, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin and assigns and that should I or any of my successors, executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin or assigns assert a claim in contravention of this waiver the asserting party shall be liable for all the expenses (including legal fees on a solicitor client basis) incurred by the other party or parties in defending the claim.
I also agree for PZ to be able to use my email address (if supplied) to send an initial followup communication to on the day of my trip. Should I wish to remove myself from their mailing list I can unsubscribe from the initial email.
In the event of any claim or dispute arising from my participation in an activity with Paradise Ziplines I agree that only the Law of New Zealand will apply.By signing below I/we agree to the above terms and conditions of participation