There’s some “foxy” business happening in Queenstown’s Shotover Canyon

There’s a world first happening in Queenstown’s Shotover Canyon and it’s guaranteed to start a new ‘fox’ revolution.

Shotover Canyon Swing, the world’s highest cliff jump operator, has taken ‘scariness’ to whole new levels with its latest product – a gnarly ‘Zipline/Flying Fox with freefall’.

It’s also introduced a new word to the adventure tourism vocabulary - foxing.

The much anticipated Shotover Canyon Fox drops adrenalin junkies from the world’s first ‘rail launch’ system 182m above the Shotover River.

The Canyon Fox takes adventure-lovers out on the rail system before dropping about 5m into thin air before ‘foxing along’ to the other side.

Once there, you’re attached to a more traditional zipline (Line 2) which takes you back to base.

General Manager Matt Hollyer describes the drop from the rail on Line 1 as “truly epic”.

“You don’t see when you’re going to drop or where gravity will take you until it’s too late to pull out,” he says.

“We spent nearly three years designing a rail drop system that literally was designed to scare the pants off people.

“Your stomach rises to your throat when you transition from the ‘holding rope’ on the rail to the main line for a wild 240m zip across the canyon which you can do frontways, sideways, backwards or by taking a ‘leap of faith’ off the edge.

“We love inventing new stuff and this is the world’s first running, flying, and dropping activity that culminates in a buttock-clenching freefall drop. It’s a blast.”

The Fox launches a whopping 75m higher than its sister Canyon Swing.

Depending on thrillseekers’ “ply-o-meter of scariness”, foxes can chose from multiple drop styles, with new ones always in development.

Initial customer rave reviews include “terrifyingly fun”, “madness” and “It’s definitely no ordinary flying fox”.

Mr Hollyer says the company is proud to have started a “fox revolution”.

“We made up the term ‘foxing’ because we can,” he says simply.

“We’ve had great fun testing this within an inch of its existence and pride ourselves on our development and innovation levels.

“This was a fantastic opportunity to offer something new and different and we had the height of the canyons to ensure it was the highest flying fox in New Zealand.

“We recommend people combo with the Swing, as the Fox leaves you feeling pumped and wanting more.”

Prices start from $165 for a single ride or a Fox/Swing combo package is $344. Costs include transport from town, with regular departures for 2.5 and 3.5 (combo) hour round trips.

Guests can capture the whole foxing thing on their own GoPro camera with suitable wristmounts or alternatively both are available for use on site.

For more information and to book your experience go to www.canyonswing.co.nz

ENDS

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