If you call "shotgun" on the drive to Paradise Zipline, be warned, you’ll be expected to jump out and open the gates.
You go off-road to access Glenorchy’s newest adventure offering within the Rees Valley Station which opened in December.
It’s a 1000-metre zipline which criss-crosses steep cliffs and native bush. Designer and owner Chris Russell, who also co-founded Canyon Swing Queenstown, is giddy on the drive in.
Be prepared for some "dad jokes" as the Tauranga native provides witty commentary throughout the tour.
First up, harnesses and a quick safety lesson. The walk to the first drop point is a bit of a grunt but worth the Rees River views. Mr Russell and operations manager Dave Anderson saunter up to the first zipline.
While they connect harnesses we have a yarn about the process.
The project was initially supposed to have three zips.
But after scouting the valley, and a number of trial and error attempts, they realised more were needed.
"It turned out much better than we thought," Mr Russell says, laughing.
The first zip is the highest and my heart rate went up slightly as I took two steps towards the ledge.
Mr Anderson’s words of wisdom were, "you’ll be grand", and as a fellow Northern Irish living in New Zealand, I took him at his word.
Deep breath and go.
My tummy did lurch but the views and thrill were impressive.
Sadly, I was too busy looking at the view which meant I got a jolt when placing my feet on solid ground. Don’t expect polished tracks and trails — the organic features add to the experience.
You walk under giant red and silver beech, mosses and ferns and navigate rooty paths.
Lines include Orc Chasm, inspired by Lord of the Rings and The Flying Scotts, a nod to land owner Iris Scott.
Heading up to Harry’s line, Mr Anderson pointed out some native wildlife, including fantails, tomtits, bellbirds and the New Zealand robin. The remote location is ideal and Mr Anderson admitted skinny dipping during the design stage. I can understand the temptation as the final zip takes me over a natural blue lagoon. I leave buzzing and rather proud of my adventurous self.
