Ziptrek Ecotours

High on the slopes of Bob's Peak, where ancient beech trees have stood sentinel over Queenstown for centuries, Ziptrek Ecotours offers something genuinely special - New Zealand's first zipline eco-adventure that marries heart-pumping thrills with meaningful conservation education. What started as a pioneering concept has evolved into Queenstown's most immersive forest experience, where you'll glide silently through the canopy like the native birds these tours are named after. The magic begins with the Skyline Gondola ride up Bob's Peak, but while other visitors stop at the restaurant, you'll venture deeper into pristine native forest that feels worlds away from the bustling town below. Choose the family-friendly Moa tour for a gentle introduction, or tackle the legendary Kereru 6-line adventure featuring the world's steepest tree-to-tree zipline - a 35-degree descent that'll have you screaming with delight as you rocket between 200-year-old trees at speeds that would make a falcon jealous. What sets Ziptrek apart isn't just the adrenaline rush, but the passionate guides who transform your adventure into a masterclass in New Zealand ecology. As you pause on elevated platforms between lines, you'll learn to identify native bird calls, discover how these ancient forests survived ice ages, and understand the conservation battles being fought today. The forest floor far below teems with life most visitors never see - from prehistoric weta to rare native orchids. Insider tip: Book the first tour of the day around 9am when the forest is still dewy and bird activity is at its peak - you might spot rare native birds like tui or bellbirds. The morning light filtering through the canopy creates magical photo opportunities, and you'll have the forest largely to yourself before the crowds arrive. Wear layers as it's noticeably cooler in the forest canopy, and those grippy gloves they provide are a godsend on longer tours.