:: Tandem Park Paragliding, Queenstown ::

For many years I had wanted to try my hand at paragliding after being ill in Queenstown and spending all day in bed watching people doing it off Bobs Peak! Not being too fond of heights I was expecting a bit more adrenalin than the average punter. We decided to go with Tandem Park Paragliding owned and operated by Angus tapper, three time World Champion so it seemed like a safe bet! As you would expect this is a very weather dependent activity and so we called ahead to check conditions which weren’t looking great but as time was not on our side we went for it.

Angus picked us up in town and told us that Coronet Peak, their usual flight area, was too bad and so we were heading for the backup on the Crown Range. We jumped in the van and headed off up the hillside. Once on top we had our first glimpse of what was to come with the valley down below us. Now being height conscious the nerves were coming although I was also excited at finally being able to do this activity. We were assigned our pilots and strapped in the harnesses. While this was going on we got to see some of the group set off – it became quite busy on the hillside with people floating past! Ed hung back to photograph me on my takeoff (nice chap) and I clambered to the edge of the hill ready to roll. My take instructions were simple “just keep running”. Easy you may say but not when a great big bloody parachute inflates behind you… Still we got up into the air and I found it not be scary at all. In fact this activity is very peaceful and relaxing giving you an opportunity to see the surrounding countryside from above. We were in the air for 25 mins although it seemed to go really fast. Being light we actually went higher and landed where we took but Ed was a different story. After takeoff they missed the thermals and headed for lower ground landing in the valley below 15 mins later. Although disappointed Ed was assured of a free second attempt at a later date which is offered to all customers. This is a good idea as it means you are guaranteed a good amount of air time for your money.

Conclusion

For the adrenaline junkies out there this won’t give you the hit of your life (unless you go it alone!) but if you want a unique way of seeing the area and to soar like a bird (so poetic…) then give this a go. As with all weather depend dent activities if you’re short of time have a backup activity or be aware that it may not go ahead as planned. If you want to scare the living daylights out of yourself then try the bungee or skydive!