:: Skyline Luge, Queenstown ::

I think I have found the most fun and easily affordable activity in Queenstown…The Skyline Luge !! To those of you that have never heard of a ‘luge’ it is basically carting…on concrete…down an 800 metre track, winding downhill, though bends while holding on for dear life !!

The Queenstown luge is part of the Skyline complex above the town on Bobs Peak. Skyline is definitely worth a visit, whether you are visiting for a short period or longer. Take a short trip on the Gondola, or chair lift, to experience THE BEST views of Queenstown, without taking a flight. Once at the top of Bobs Peak you can dine at the very impressive restaurant while overlooking the town, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding spectacular mountain ranges.

I have to say that this still remains one of my favourite all time activities in the whole of New Zealand…and it’s relatively cheap too ! For those of you that are not ready for the adrenaline rush of the ‘Advanced Track’, you can try the tamer ‘Scenic Track’. For Chris and I, it was the Advanced Track all the way ! You ride three wheeled carts, which apparently have a unique braking system (good job !) allowing you to go as fast (Ed) and as slow (Chris !) as you like !! They are controlled by the handlebars so the rider has total control !! This is a great activity for a group of fellow backpackers, trust me it gets very competitive ! Therefore I would recommend going in a group…it may not be as much fun on your own. Full of twists, turns, tunnels and hairpin corners – it had me grinning for hours ! Although it is more comfortable racing in the dry, the Luge still operates in wet weather and we unfortunately experience a hail stone battering…very unpleasant, but the victory made me forget all about that !

There are various price packages for the Luge and the Gondola, but I would go for 5 rides of the luge every time. At only $20 I think this is more than reasonable.

You can spend just an hour out of your day visiting the Skyline and I can highly recommend doing so, but you could really spend a longer walking around and taking in the amazing views. Along with the restaurant and Luge, there is a café, gift shop, paragliding and the AJ Hackett Ledge Bungy. There is also a good Maori Concert there now which we visited. For being in a complex the presenters gave a great show and so if you are unable to get up to Rotorua to experience come Maori culture this show will give you a basic introduction.