Queenstown: Nevis Swing & Catapult Combo

Hold tight, then let gravity take over. Queenstown’s Nevis Swing and Catapult combo packs two very different thrills into one remote alpine outing: a 150m catapult launch at 100kph followed by a giant swing across the Nevis Valley. I like the sharp contrast between the rides, and I like that photos and videos are included rather than sold as a surprise extra.

The main drawback is the price: $310 per person is a serious spend for a four-hour activity. You also need to meet the 45kg to 127kg weight range, and anyone under 15 must come with an accompanying adult.

Key points before you book

• The Catapult fires you 150m forward: You reach 100kph in about 1.5 seconds, with acceleration of up to 3G.
• The Swing changes the sensation completely: After the forward launch, you drop 70m and travel through a 300m arc above the Nevis River.
• You can ride solo or tandem: The Swing allows different directions and styles, including forwards, backwards, and upside down.
• The setting is remote and rugged: A 4WD journey carries you from Queenstown into the Nevis alpine canyon.
• The package includes your media: Photos and videos of the Catapult and Swing are included in the $310 price.
• The group is limited to six people: That small format should make the day feel more personal and easier to manage.

Two rides, two completely different kinds of fear

I like this combo because it avoids giving you the same adrenaline hit twice. The Nevis Catapult is sudden and direct. The Nevis Swing is longer, more open, and driven by the strange feeling of falling before sweeping out across a huge arc.

The Catapult sends you 150m across the Nevis Valley at up to 100kph. Its standout figure is the acceleration: about 1.5 seconds to reach full speed, with as much as 3G of force. That makes it less about a long scenic ride and more about a powerful, short launch.

The Swing works differently. You first drop 70m, then travel through a 300m arc above the Nevis River. The motion lasts longer, and you can choose to ride solo or with another person. You can also choose your direction and style, including forwards, backwards, or upside down.

That choice matters. If you want the simplest version, ride in a conventional forward position. If you want the full story to tell later, the more unusual positions are available. The supplied information does not specify how each style is assigned or selected, so ask the crew on the day if you have a particular preference.

The 4WD road into the Nevis Valley

The trip starts at the Queenstown Bungy Centre inside The Station building, on the corner of Shotover Street and Camp Street. You need to check in 30 minutes before departure, and the mandatory shuttle takes you from Queenstown CBD toward the Nevis site.

The approach is part of the experience. This is not a ride beside a city street or a quick stop near central Queenstown. You travel by rugged 4WD vehicle into a remote alpine canyon, which gives the day a stronger sense of occasion before either ride begins.

The transport is also practical. The activity site is away from Queenstown, so the included return shuttle saves you from arranging your own route. Transport can also be arranged from the Kawarau Bungy Centre, but you need to contact the reservations team before your trip time.

Allow the full four hours. The published timing also appears as two to four hours, depending on availability and the day’s schedule. I would not plan a tight restaurant booking, airport transfer, or another major activity immediately afterward.

The Nevis Catapult: a 150m forward blast

The Catapult comes first. You are launched 150m across the valley, reaching 100kph in around 1.5 seconds. Up to 3G of acceleration gives this ride its sharp physical punch.

The useful thing to understand is that the Catapult is not simply another bungee-style fall. The motion is forward, fast, and forceful. You do not spend the whole ride waiting for the main event. The main event arrives almost at once.

For some people, that short burst is the appeal. You get an intense hit without committing to a long swinging motion. For others, the speed and acceleration may be the more intimidating part of the combo. If you are trying to decide which ride sounds harder, the answer depends on your personal reaction to speed versus height and suspension.

Photos and videos are included, which is especially useful here. The Catapult happens quickly, and it can be difficult to remember much of the ride afterward. Having the footage means you do not need to rely on a friend trying to capture the action from the platform.

The Nevis Swing: 70m down and 300m across

The Swing follows with a completely different rhythm. You drop 70m, then move through a 300m arc over the Nevis River. The scale is the point: this is not a small amusement-park swing with a short back-and-forth motion.

You can ride solo or tandem. That gives you two different ways to approach it. Solo riding keeps the moment focused on you, while tandem riding lets you share the ride with another person. The available directions and positions also add variety, especially if you are taking both rides as a pair.

The Swing is described as the most famous in the world, but the important detail for your decision is its physical layout. The 70m drop supplies the initial shock, while the 300m arc gives you more time to take in the canyon and river below. The Catapult is over almost before your brain catches up. The Swing gives you a longer sequence of falling, accelerating, and moving across open space.

The setting helps both rides. You are not looking at a city skyline or a built-up attraction. You are surrounded by the Nevis Valley and a dramatic alpine canyon. That remote setting is a big reason the combo feels like a destination activity rather than a quick fairground thrill.

What the small group format means

The group is limited to six participants. I see that as a real benefit for an activity with equipment, harnesses, instructions, and two major rides.

A six-person group should make the day easier to follow than a large coach outing. You have fewer people moving through the same process, and it should be simpler to listen to the English-language instructor and keep track of the sequence.

The exact waiting time between rides is not specified, so I would not promise a completely nonstop schedule. You may have pauses while the crew prepares participants or manages the group. Those pauses are part of the practical rhythm of a major adventure activity, not wasted time.

The crew is described as professional, and instruction is in English. If you need information in another language, no other language support is listed.

Price, savings, and what the package includes

The price is $310 per person, with a stated saving of $100. That is expensive, but the value depends on how you view the day.

You are paying for two major rides, return transport from Queenstown CBD or the Kawarau Bungy Centre, and photos and videos. The four-hour duration also means this is not a ten-minute add-on squeezed between sightseeing stops. It takes a substantial part of your day.

I think the included media improves the value. Adventure photos and videos are often charged separately, and these rides happen too quickly for you to record yourself. If you already plan to do one Nevis activity, combining both may be more economical than booking separate outings, although the supplied information does not provide individual ride prices for a direct comparison.

The $50 spectator fee is an important extra. It includes access to the Swing and Catapult Bridge platform and transport, but it is not included in the participant price. If a non-riding friend or family member wants to accompany you, budget for that additional charge.

The package includes:

• Nevis Catapult
• Nevis Swing, solo or tandem
• Photos and videos
• Return transport from Queenstown CBD or Kawarau Bungy Centre

It does not list food, drinks, or any other personal expenses, so do not assume those are covered.

Age, weight, and access rules

The minimum age is 13. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied, so a 13 or 14-year-old cannot simply arrive alone for the activity.

The weight range is 45kg to 127kg. This is a firm planning detail, not a minor note. Check the limits before paying, especially if you are booking for a group with children or several adults.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. That is useful information, but the supplied details do not explain the exact transfer arrangements, vehicle setup, or ride-specific access process. If you use a wheelchair, contact the provider before departure and ask how the Catapult and Swing access works for your needs.

The activity is not suitable for children under 13. The combination includes a 70m drop, a 150m launch, high speed, and strong acceleration, so the age and weight rules should be treated seriously.

Planning the Queenstown departure

The central meeting point is easy to locate: The Station building sits at the corner of Shotover Street and Camp Street, and the Queenstown Bungy Centre is inside it. Check in 30 minutes before departure rather than arriving at the last minute.

The return shuttle is mandatory from Queenstown CBD. Transport may also be arranged via the Kawarau Bungy Centre, but you need to contact the reservations team before your scheduled trip.

The activity lasts about four hours, and departure times vary. Check availability for the exact start time before building the rest of your day around it. The remote setting and return drive are part of the timing, so the listed duration is much longer than the two rides alone.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Queenstown schedule is still changing. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. That gives you some flexibility, but the 24-hour cutoff matters.

Who will enjoy this combo most

I would choose this for someone who wants two distinct rides in one outing and does not want to settle for a single Queenstown thrill. It suits confident adventure seekers who like speed, height, and a remote setting.

It also works well for friends or couples because the Swing can be ridden tandem. The solo option makes it suitable for people who want to keep the experience individual rather than share every moment.

The combo may not suit you if you dislike sudden acceleration, large drops, or the idea of spending much of a day on one adventure. The price can also be hard to justify if your main goal is simply to see the Nevis Valley. This is an active ride package, not a sightseeing excursion with a small thrill attached.

The small group limit of six is another reason to choose it over a larger activity. If you prefer a more contained outing with a professional English-speaking crew, that format should appeal.

How the two rides compare

The Catapult is the faster and more explosive ride. Its key figures are 150m, 100kph, 1.5 seconds, and up to 3G. I would choose it for the sensation of being fired forward.

The Swing is the more spacious and adjustable ride. Its key figures are a 70m drop and a 300m arc, with solo, tandem, and unusual riding positions. I would choose it for the longer movement and the chance to look across the canyon as you travel.

Doing both creates a better overall day than repeating one type of motion. The Catapult gives you the launch. The Swing gives you the fall and the arc. One is compact and forceful, the other is expansive and theatrical.

A verified rating of 5 out of 5, with the short response awesome, matches the basic appeal of the package: it delivers a lot of action in one visit. Still, one rating is not enough to judge every detail of the operation, so I would place more weight on the clear inclusions, physical requirements, timing, and price.

Should you book the Nevis Swing and Catapult Combo?

Book it if you want Queenstown’s big adrenaline package and can spare four hours. The combination of a 150m Catapult launch and a 70m Swing drop gives you two different experiences, while included transport and media reduce the number of extras to arrange.

Think twice if $310 is beyond your activity budget, if you only want scenic views, or if the weight, age, or access rules create a problem. Also budget another $50 if a spectator is coming along.

For the right person, the strongest reason to book is the contrast: a fast 100kph launch followed by a huge 300m swing over the Nevis River. You get a remote canyon setting, a small group, two headline rides, and a record of the day in photos and videos. That is a costly outing, but it is also a focused way to make one Queenstown afternoon count.

FAQ

Where does the Nevis Swing and Catapult Combo depart from?

Check in at the Queenstown Bungy Centre inside The Station building, at the corner of Shotover Street and Camp Street in central Queenstown.

How early should I check in?

You should check in 30 minutes before the trip departs.

Is transport included?

Yes. Return transport is included from Queenstown CBD or the Kawarau Bungy Centre. Transport from Queenstown CBD is mandatory, and Kawarau arrangements must be made with the reservations team before the trip.

How long does the activity take?

The stated duration is four hours. The activity information also gives a range of two to four hours, so check the available starting time and allow up to four hours.

How much does the combo cost?

The price is $310 per person, with a stated saving of $100.

What rides are included?

The package includes the Nevis Catapult and the Nevis Swing. The Swing can be ridden solo or tandem.

Are photos and videos included?

Yes. Photos and videos of the experience are included.

Is there a spectator fee?

Yes. The spectator fee is $50, and it includes transport and access to the Swing and Catapult Bridge platform.

What are the age and weight requirements?

The minimum age is 13, and anyone under 15 must be accompanied. The weight range is 45kg to 127kg.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can reserve now and pay later. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.