After checking in at the Shotover Canyon Swing shop, we waited at the Station building for our ride to the Shotover Jet. Once we got to the canyon we realised that we probably needed even more clothes than we had. I look like puff pastry and I was still freezing! We suited up with windbreakers and lifejackets then waited for our ride.
The ride was really fun, fast, and a lot more dangerous than I expected. Well, it looked dangerous, I'm sure we were in the good hands of skilled drivers. The turns in the narrow canyon came so close to the rocks I can't believe they don't have crashes every now and then. At certain points the driver would put his arm up and draw a circle in the air meaning he was about to do a 360 turn which meant hang on tight and prepare to get wet. Poor Andrew got the brunt of it because he very kindly let me sit in the middle of the boat.
It's not insanely scary or intense, (well the wind chill is), but it's really really fun and I'd definitely recommend it. Next we took the shuttle bus to the Shotover Canyon Swing which was just long enough to get very nervous. Once you arrive it's a short walk to the office and jumping platform. We then got weighed, got something drawn on our hands that we assume had to do with our weight, then made our way to the platform.
A couple of girls went first, then I went before Andrew. I did that nervous thing of asking too many questions, and the guys at the platform made the most of my nervousness by teasing me about it which actually made it better. I decided to do a forwards jump, and after counting myself down from 3 I ran and jumped into nothing. It was exhilarating! The first couple of seconds are a blur, and you lose your breath as you hit the air. The next couple of seconds after you come to grips with the feeling are amazing, and you start to be able to notice the scenery and enjoy the fall. It was really smooth with no jolt at all, and the way back up gives you a chance to enjoy the cliffs.
Andrew went next, and he went forwards on his first jump too. He ran for it with no hesitation and enjoyed it so much he decided to go for a second jump. Andrew's second go was backwards, and he looked relaxed as he fell backwards from the platform with his hands behind his head. What a pro! The entire experience was great, so professional and well organised. Although we didn't buy them, the videos and photos at the end were really cleverly put together and fun to watch. Another experience that I'd definitely recommend as a must do.
We recovered with lunch at Fergburger which was worth lining up for. Although it looked long, the line and wait for food was only 10 minutes, those guys definitely have the burger production line sorted out. The burger, chips and onion rings were amazing, and even the gluten free bun was great. Andrew also got a hokey pokey gelato milkshake which was wicked but I'm so glad I didn't add that to the pile of things that would give me a stitch.
We checked out the gondolas but decided not to go up, and stopped into the Red Rock for a beer before walking home to the Rees hotel along the lake.
I'm loving our first chance for a lazy afternoon enjoying the view!
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