New adventure tourism activity zips to Queenstown

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Ziptrek staffer Kate James checks out the view

Press release from Ziptrek Ecotours
7 December 2009

New adventure tourism activity zips into Queenstown

Queenstown’s newest adventure tourism activity is set to launch this Friday (11 December).

Ziptrek Ecotours is a spectacular two hour flying fox operation and interpretative guided tour in the forest canopy atop Skyline Gondola, high above Queenstown.

Ziptrek was founded in Whistler, Canada, where it is a must-do, award-winning adventure ecotourism business famed for delivering an awareness and appreciation of the natural environment along with a good dollop of adrenaline.

Managing director Trent Yeo says the activity is an eco-adventure which has low environmental impact and is heaps of fun for people aged 7 and up.

“Ziptrek is perfect for families, individuals and groups. It’s adventure, but not too scary and the views are just spectacular. People get to see the iconic views of Queenstown in an entirely new way, through a completely unique frame.”

Guests ride the Skyline Gondola then check in at the Ziptrek guest services tree before zipping from tree to tree on a carefully crafted journey that combines exhilaration, adventure and ecological exploration. There are four flying foxes that traverse beautiful, architecturally designed treetop platforms and aerial staircases.

“From the moment our guests enter the guest services tree until the moment they complete the tour, they’re in the trees, high above ground. It’s an awesome experience,” says Mr Yeo.

“Ziptrek is about harmonious integration with the environment and having fun in the outdoors. Our goals are to build environmental awareness in a truly exhilarating and enjoyable way and we are looking forward to becoming part of Queenstown’s adventure tourism offering,” says Mr Yeo.

Bookings can be made through Ziptrek’s new website (www.ziptrek.com), via the booking office which is at 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown, or by calling 0800 ZIPTREK (0800 947 8735) (New Zealand only) or +64 3 441 2102. Tours depart throughout the day, 365 days a year and costs $119 for an adult and $69 for youth (14 and under) and seniors (65 and over). Children under 30 kg can tandem zip with a guide. Guests under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

ENDS

About the company
Ziptrek Ecotours was founded in 2001 in Whistler, Canada, when business school graduates Charles Steele and David Udow came together to create an adventure ecotourism business. Their goal was to provide a unique experience combining nature-based learning with a rush of adrenaline. Not satisfied with traditional business models they set their sights on getting ‘back to nature’ in a way that would marry their business sensibilities with their love of the outdoors and passion for the environment.

Trent Yeo, an Australian by birth and New Zealander by residence, joined the company as an employee and soon committed to a partnership that would open a Ziptrek operation in Queenstown, New Zealand. He has spent four years in the resort town researching sites and developing the business which will run to similar exacting standards as Ziptrek Whistler. The activity is expected to become an integral part of Queenstown’s adventure tourism menu.

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