Calling All Adrenaline Seekers: South Island's Kaikoura Just Launched 600 Metres of Ziplines

Queenstown is often regarded as New Zealand's official adventure capital, but the small South Island town of Kaikōura may just be giving it a run for its money.

Kaikōura is now home to EcoZip Adventures, a venture launched by thrill-seeking Kiwis Chris Hollister and Gavin Oliver back in 2012, beginning with a site on Auckland's Waiheke Island. After 10 years of dreaming about its second location, EcoZip Adventures has expanded down South, erecting five ziplines across the 3000-acre Rakanui Farm, just out of Kaikōura.

The company had its sights set on Kaikōura as its next destination due to the natural beauty of the area, whether it be its stunning green landscapes or proximity to the sea. In the words of Gavin Oliver, "Kaikōura is a must-see destination for travellers in the South Island and we wanted to contribute a unique land-based option to complement the fantastic sea and air activities that already exist here."

EcoZip Adventures isn't just about appreciating natural beauty, but contributing to it too, with the company pledging to look after the native flora and fauna found in the area. "The goal is to support the biodiversity of the site so we are able, over the years, to show our guests what this beautiful, natural taonga looked like before colonisation changed the landscape," Oliver said.

The new ziplines range between 250–613m, with the ziplining experience taking adrenaline seekers just over three hours to complete. Their adventure begins at Kahutara River, with the group off-roading across the Rakanui Station and up into the mountains, heading towards the first zipline of the day. Partakers will then sail across the vast terrain, with Kaikōura's South Bay and the Seaward Kaikōura ranges as their backdrop.

Zipliners will also learn about the local area thanks to two expert guides who'll accompany the journey. These guides will share stories of Kaikōura locals, the town's history and the work EcoZip Adventures is doing to look after the Rakanui Station.

EcoZip Adventures begins at 11 West End, Kaikōura and is open seven days a week, with tours running from 9–2pm. The three hour experience costs $149 for an adult, $99 for a child and $417 for a family. To book your adventure, head to EcoZip's website.