Media release from AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand

13 November 2008

The wait is over - Queenstown’s latest thrill activity ready to open

Iconic tourism pioneer AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand is launching Queenstown’s latest thrill activity.

The world leader in challenge and adventure will open the high velocity Nevis Arc – the highest swing in the world -- this Friday 14 November.

The Nevis Arc, a 120m, 125kmh ‘swing’ in the heart of wild and rugged Central Otago, will be accessed from a 70m-long walkway and launch pad suspended over the Doolan’s Creek Gorge spanning the Horn and Carrick mountain ranges, alongside the world-famous 134m Nevis Highwire Bungy.

In a huge feat of engineering and technology innovation, 150 tonnes of concrete was poured into anchor blocks drilled deep into the hillside either side of the gorge, from which four 550m-long cables have been suspended to hold the walkway and launch pad.

“The wait is finally over for everyone in the company who has visualized and worked on this multi-million-dollar project for more than two years,” said AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand founder Henry van Asch.

“The anticipation amongst those in the adventure tourism industry in Queenstown and throughout New Zealand has been tremendous, and there’s no doubt the Nevis Arc will join the Nevis Highwire Bungy as one of the ‘must-do’ thrill and adventure activities in New Zealand.

“I guarantee people will be blown away – you’ll accelerate six – and – a - half seconds towards rock faces and reach speeds of 125kmh or more.

“People will swing out over the valley in a massive arc of 80m or 120m, depending on the ‘fear level’ they’ve chosen, and they can do it forwards, backwards, alone or with a friend.

“It will be extreme and exhilarating all at once.”

A brand new, architecturally-designed 220sqm rural-urban style base building has been built between Nevis Highwire Bungy and Nevis Arc to cater for thrillseekers.

The sunny glass-panelled building maximises views of the unique landscape and adventure activities, and houses internet kiosks boasting latest model iMacs for people to instantly upload their jump or arc images and share them with friends and family around the world.

“We envisage that the Nevis area will become an adventure tourism destination in its own right, an unforgettable experience that incorporates the Nevis Highwire, Nevis Arc and other activities we’ve got planned for the area,” said Henry.

The new Nevis Arc will cost $170 for adults, $110 for children, and a tandem arc will cost $300. Those keen to do the ‘ultimate combo’ of both Nevis Arc and Nevis Highwire Bungy can do so for just $350.

ENDS

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