AusLeisure

Queenstown-based Ziptrek Ecotours has launched a new zipline experience with its Kereru 2-line + Drop Tour.

The new tour is in addition to its four-line and six-line Moa and Kea tours, and for those not in the know is named after New Zealand’s iconic (and somewhat large) native wood pigeon.

The Kereru is known for the distinctive sound of its wing beats in flight, precarious landings on branches, and is somewhat famous for getting drunk on berries and dropping out of trees, which inspired the Ziptrek team to name the tour after the Kereru (pronounced ‘care-re-roo’).

The tour is a whole new way to experience Queenstown for those looking for a heightened thrill level of a unique adventure in the shortest amount of time. It includes two existing ziplines through the trees and a 21 metre drop to the forest floor.

As part of the tour, passionate guides tell the fascinating conservation story of Zealandia’s creation and Ziptrek’s role in the preservation of the natural landscape, removal of invasive species and protection of native wildlife, fauna and flora.

Ziptrek Sales and Marketing Manager Nicky Busst explained “we’re giving guests the opportunity to ‘find their wings’ and finish with a swooping drop that leaves them a fledgeling no more.

“Over the years we’ve had some feedback from guests who are time-poor but would love to zipline, so we’ve developed a totally innovative tour that enables them to enjoy the best Queenstown experience on offer in just under an hour.

“Having said that, we’re not short-changing them on the fun and adrenalin factor! It’s pretty challenging standing on the launch platform, about to step off before the big drop, even though you know you’re fully harnessed and the fear factor is all in your head.”

Busst said the Kereru Tour would cater not only for new visitors but for Ziptrek’s many repeat customers who wanted to come back and try something different.

Adding that naming it the Kereru Tour fitted perfectly with Ziptrek’s ongoing conservation ethos and work with the Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust, Busst stated “the Kereru is a protected species so we’re also working closely with the nearby Kiwi Birdlife Park which runs a Kereru conservation programme, with wildberry trees planted in the landing area as a ‘kereru garden’ to encourage them to visit a safe natural habitat.”

Leading the way in zipline innovation and sustainable business practice, Ziptrek Ecotours launched in New Zealand in November 2009 and since then has completed nearly three-quarters of a million zips through the forest canopy on Queenstown Hill on ‘gravity fed ziplines’.

The new tour costs just $95 and will be available from 1st February 2018.

For more information go to www.ziptrek.co.nz

Images: Ziptrek Ecotours’ new Kereru Tour (top) and the unique treetop experience with Queenstown’s Ziptrek Ecotours (below).

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