Queenstown Zipline Experience by Ziptrek

Queenstown’s zipline course sends you through the forest canopy on Bob’s Peak, with Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains as your backdrop. Choose two, four, or six lines: the shortest option ends with a 21-metre drop, while the longest reaches speeds of up to 70 kph.

I like that you can pick a course to match your appetite for height and speed, and that guides make safety part of the experience, checking equipment before each ride. I also like the setting: this is an active way to see Queenstown from above, not just another lookout stop.

The main catch is practical: the Skyline Gondola ticket is not included, and getting to the treehouse takes planning. Weather can also change the view and the feel of the ride, so bring warm layers even if town looks pleasant.

What to know before you book

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• Three courses suit three levels of appetite: Kereru has two lines and a 21-metre drop, Moa has four lines and is described as a good choice for beginners, and Kea has six, longer and faster lines.
• Kea’s final ride is the biggest thrill: Its steepest line drops about 30 stories and can reach speeds of 70 kph.
• You start above town: Check in at the Ziptrek Treehouse near the upper Skyline Gondola terminal on Bob’s Peak.
• The gondola costs extra: You can also hike up via the Tiki Trail, but the walk takes 60 to 90 minutes.
• Guides lead the way: They explain the activity, check harnesses and helmets, and can suggest different poses for the lines.
• Pack for mountain weather and a walk: Wear closed-toe shoes and extra layers. Kea includes a 20 to 25 minute walk through native forest on steep, uneven ground.

👉 See our pick of the 13 Best Guided Tours In Queenstown

Choose your ride: Kereru, Moa, or Kea

Ziptrek offers three experiences, and the difference is more than a question of how many times you leave the platform. The length of the course changes the pace, the physical demands, and how much time you spend among the trees.

Kereru is the two-line option, followed by a swooping 21-metre drop. It is the shortest and least expensive choice, with a listed price from US$73.55. The experience is scheduled for about an hour. That makes it a practical fit if your Queenstown plans are tight or you want a taste of ziplining without committing to a longer tour. The trade-off is simple: two lines may feel brief if you have tried ziplining before or want a longer run.

Moa has four ziplines and is pitched as the beginner-friendly course. The lines build from lower to higher and faster, so you get a gradual introduction rather than being thrown straight into the most intense ride. At a listed starting price of US$96.35, it costs more than Kereru, but the extra lines give you more time to settle into the harness and enjoy the forest setting.

Kea is the six-line course and the most demanding choice. Its longer, faster rides finish with a steep descent of more than 30 stories, reaching speeds of up to 70 kph. It starts at US$124.85 and is described as a three-hour adventure, while the Kereru is about one hour. One important difference is the walk through native forest on steep, uneven ground. If you want the full course and are comfortable with that walk, Kea offers the most time and intensity. If you are unsure about heights or physical exertion, Moa is the gentler starting point.

The advertised overall starting price is US$80.89, while the package prices begin at US$73.55 for Kereru, US$96.35 for Moa, and US$124.85 for Kea. Treat those as starting figures, and check the selected course and date before you book.

Getting to the treehouse above Queenstown

The meeting point is the Ziptrek Treehouse at the top of Skyline Gondola, near the upper terminal on Bob’s Peak. It is about 100 metres from the terminal, and the check-in area is in the forest. You cannot drive directly to the treehouse.

The most straightforward route is to buy a Skyline Gondola ticket and ride up. That ticket is separate from the zipline booking, so include it in your budget and allow time for the ride and any queue. One practical tip: some people have found it useful to buy the gondola ticket ahead of time, especially when the mountain is busy. If you are joining the Kea tour and already have a gondola ticket, show it at treehouse check-in to receive a stamp that lets you ride back up after the tour.

You can also reach the check-in area on foot via the Tiki Trail. The climb takes about 60 to 90 minutes, so it is not a quick alternative. If you use a map app, confirm the route before you set off. The trail is easy to misread, and a wrong turn can turn the approach into an unnecessary workout.

From central Queenstown, the treehouse is on the hill above town. The listed bus options are bus 1 to Steamer Wharf or Crowne Plaza, or bus 1 or 2 to Camp Street. From there, allow an eight to ten minute walk. Arrive at the treehouse 15 minutes before your booked departure. The available listed starts include 10:00 and 14:20, with return times varying by option.

What happens on the course

At check-in, you will need to complete a risk declaration if you have not already done so. Staff provide a full-body harness and helmet, explain the process, and get you ready to ride. Wear closed-toe shoes and light, comfortable clothing; quick-drying fabric is a sensible choice. Bring extra layers, since the activity runs in rain, shine, and snow, and the mountain can feel cold even when town seems mild.

Once suited up, guides accompany the group through the forest and connect each stage of the course. They check your safety equipment before rides, and the repeated checks are reassuring if this is your first time. Guides also coach you on riding positions. You can keep things straightforward or try different poses when invited, though you do not have to perform a stunt to enjoy the view.

On the Kereru, the two lines build toward the 21-metre drop. It is a short course, but the drop gives it a clear finishing moment. If you are choosing it mainly for a long stretch of speed, it may not satisfy you. If you want a compact introduction and a memorable finale, it makes more sense.

The Moa course moves through four lines, with the experience progressing from lower to higher and faster rides. That gradual build is useful for first-timers: you have a chance to get used to the gear and the sensation before the more dramatic lines. Guides may also explain the local ecology and the heritage of the land along the way, adding context to what could otherwise be a series of quick rides.

The Kea course gives you the longest outing and its most dramatic descent. You should expect a 20 to 25 minute walk through native forest on steep, uneven ground as part of this tour. That terrain is worth taking seriously, especially if stairs or uneven paths are difficult for you. The advertised three-hour duration also means Kea needs more room in your day than the one-hour Kereru.

After the course, plan for the return to the check-in area. The exact arrangements can vary, and some routes involve another uphill walk. A vehicle may be available, but do not assume there will be room for everyone. If you are concerned about the walk, ask the staff about the return plan before the activity begins.

The views, weather, and real-world comfort

The great draw is the combination of forest and open views. You are high above Queenstown, with Lake Wakatipu and the mountain range in view between the trees. The zipline itself is the point, of course, but these views give the ride a strong sense of place. You are not just moving from one platform to another; you are seeing the town from Bob’s Peak.

Weather has a big effect on that payoff. Ziptrek operates in rain, shine, and snow, so poor weather does not automatically mean a cancellation. But mist can obscure the lake and mountains, while heavy rain or snow can make the experience cold and less comfortable. A past experience in thick fog and heavy snow is a useful reminder: dress for the conditions on the mountain, not just the forecast for town. If weather looks extreme, ask the operator what to expect before you head up.

Bring a camera only if it can be secured in a zipped pocket. Loose items are not allowed during the activity, and anything that slips from a hand or pocket could be lost below. Bags, purses, and backpacks must be left behind; you can leave them where possible or drop them at the Queenstown booking office at 45 Camp Street. Tie back long hair with an elastic or hair tie.

Is it good value for your Queenstown budget?

The right way to judge the price is by the course you choose and what you want from it. Kereru costs less and takes about an hour, but two lines may leave you wishing you had booked more. Moa costs more but gives first-timers four chances to get comfortable and enjoy the forest. Kea costs the most, yet it also offers the longest outing and the boldest ride.

Remember the extra cost of the Skyline Gondola. The gondola is not included, and a return trip may be needed to reach the treehouse and get back to town, depending on your route. That can make the total spend noticeably higher than the zipline price alone. On the other hand, the gondola ticket also gets you to the mountain setting where the tour begins, so it is part of the access rather than an optional add-on once you have chosen this activity.

For a compact sampler, Kereru is reasonable value if you have not ziplined before and want to keep your schedule open. For a first-timer who wants more time on the course, I would lean toward Moa. Kea is the best match for someone who wants a longer, faster adventure and is comfortable with the walk. The overall rating provided for the activity is 4.7 out of 5 from 79 ratings, and Ziptrek Ecotours has a 95 percent good-review rate across 119 reviews. That is encouraging, but it does not remove the weather, walking, or extra transport costs.

Who will enjoy this most

Moa is the safest bet for a mixed-ability family group, provided everyone meets the age and weight rules and is comfortable with heights. Children must be at least six and accompanied by a full-paying adult. Children aged 6 to 14 have a child ticket; those aged 15 and older are charged the adult rate. Participants must weigh between 20 kg and 125 kg.

Kereru works for a visitor who wants a shorter activity or is curious about ziplining but not sure about a long course. Kea suits the person who sees the steepest line as the main event and is ready for the walk and longer time commitment. The guides help make the activity feel approachable, but this is still an adventure at height, not a passive sightseeing ride.

The activity is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, asthma, other serious medical conditions, or for pregnant women and people with disabilities. It is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible. Review the risk information before booking and contact the operator if you are unsure whether the activity is suitable for you.

Should you book Ziptrek?

Book it if you want a hands-on way to see Queenstown from above and you like the idea of gliding through native forest with a guide keeping an eye on the equipment. For most first-timers, Moa offers the best balance: enough lines to enjoy the course, a gradual build, and less commitment than Kea.

Choose Kereru if time or budget matters most, but know that the two-line course is brief. Choose Kea if speed and a dramatic final descent are worth the higher cost, extra time, and uneven forest walk. Whichever course you pick, budget for the gondola, arrive early, secure your belongings, and dress for cold or wet weather.

FAQ

How long does the Ziptrek Queenstown experience take?

The Kereru two-line course is listed as about one hour. The Kea six-line tour is described as a three-hour adventure. Allow enough time for your chosen course and the gondola journey.

What are the differences between Kereru, Moa, and Kea?

Kereru has two ziplines and a 21-metre drop. Moa has four lines and is described as suitable for beginners. Kea has six longer, faster lines and finishes with a descent of more than 30 stories.

Is the Skyline Gondola ticket included?

No. The Skyline ticket is not included and must be purchased separately if you plan to take the gondola to the treehouse.

Where is the meeting point?

Check in at the Ziptrek Treehouse near the upper Skyline Gondola terminal on Bob’s Peak. The treehouse is about 100 metres from the terminal.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least six years old. Children aged 6 to 14 need a child ticket and must be accompanied by a full-paying adult. Participants aged 15 and older are charged the adult rate.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Participants must weigh between 20 kg and 125 kg.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear light, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, preferably hiking shoes, and bring extra layers. Cameras must fit in a zipped pocket. Bags, purses, and backpacks are not allowed on the activity.

Does the Kea tour involve walking?

Yes. The Kea course includes a 20 to 25 minute walk through native forest on steep, uneven ground. The activity also involves some stairs and hiking.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, using the destination’s local time. If extreme weather or an unforeseen event leads the operator to cancel, you can reschedule or request a full refund.