New Queenstown Adventure!!?? Skyline Gondola Is Top-Ranked!!

[TLCOhio]

From the Queenstown News earlier this week, they have this headline: "New zip at Queenstown bungy site" with these highlights: "Queenstown’s AJ Hackett Bungy is ready to launch a new thrill to broaden its historic bridge jump-site’s appeal. The company – which pioneered commercial bungy at the Gibbston Kawarau Bridge in Gibbston 24 years ago – opens its Kawarau Zipride tomorrow. The zipride operates from the bungy viewing platform, with three zip lines each catering for singles or tandems. Riders, seated in a harness, cruise 130 metres down to the Kawarau River’s southern bank at up to 60kmh. At the end of the line, riders are rotated 180 degrees giving them views of the Kawarau River gorge and hopefully bungy jumpers in action. AJ Hackett Bungy co-founder Henry van Asch says: 'We’ve recognised there was an opportunity to offer something new and different to the thousands of visitors who come to the Kawarau bridge to ‘look, but not jump’. It’s less daunting than bungy, but still a great personal challenge for many.' It’s priced at $60 for adults."

 

For those seeking something more "tame" in Queenstown, this might be the answer. From a Budget Travel story earlier this month, they have this headline: "7 beautiful cable car rides around the world". Here are some highlights about Queenstown having one of the top international "superstars": "Skyline Gondola Queenstown: First opened in 1967, the Skyline Gondola Queenstown offers 220-degree panoramic views of some of New Zealand's best natural highlights including Coronet Peak, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak, The Remarkables, and Lake Wakatipu as you rise 1,476-feet over Queenstown. A variety of activities are available once you reach the top of Bob's Peak--a scenic nature walk or take advantage of one of the many area bike trails. The Skyline Queenstown Luge is open year-round, and you can choose between the easy-going scenic track with simple turns and dips, and the advanced track with steeper hills and sharper turns."

 

The article notes that a special section of the mountain is reserved especially for stargazing. There is no light to obstruct your view of the universe. With access to telescopes, you will be able to spot planets and an endless array of stars. There are also cultural experiences, including a performance of Kiwi Haka, a show celebrating traditional Maori music, dance, and legends. Skyline Gondola tickets cost $26 for adults. Gondolas run from 9 a.m. thru 9 p.m. while the luge is open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. during the summer months.

 

They also list top options such as the Sugarloaf Mountain Aerial Tram in Rio, plus such other sky trips as those in Switzerland, China, Switzerland, South Africa, etc.

 

We are looking forward to our first “down under” visit, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Celebrity Solstice sailing, departing Sydney, going from Australia to Auckland/NZ doing 14 days on this ship we loved in the Med in June 2011. While on the cruise, we will be doing the Queenstown overnight trip that allows some "free time" in the afternoon in this town loving called the "Crazy Capital of the World".

 

Any other reactions, comments, suggestions, warnings, insights, etc., from those who have done this cable car ride and/or been experienced in the NZ area?

 

Full stories at:

http://www.scene.co.nz/new-zip-at-queenstown-bungy-site/308192a1.page

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2013/03/18/7-beautiful-cable-car-rides-around-world/

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Celebrity Solstice Visual Highlights? From our June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in France, Italy, Kotor and Dubrovnik, I have pull together a number of wonderful visuals of the Solstice, its features, food, entertainment, options, etc. We are now at 2,146 views for this shorter version started late last week of my larger full review of that cruise and all of the port pictures/details. Check these postings and added info at:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1803477