Flying High in Kaikōura: Our Ziplining Adventure with EcoZip

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Flying High in Kaikōura: Our Ziplining Adventure with EcoZip

Kaikōura is known for its stunning coastline, snow-capped mountains, and epic wildlife—but if you’re looking for a little adrenaline to go with the views, EcoZip Kaikōura is an absolute must-do.

We kicked off our experience in the heart of Kaikōura township, where EcoZip’s check-in office is located. After a warm welcome and a safety briefing, we had the option to purchase a handy phone holder that hangs around your neck. At just $15, it’s a no-brainer if you want to capture footage of yourself literally flying through the air—highly recommend!

From there, we hopped into a shuttle and were whisked away to EcoZip’s base, where we met our friendly guides for the day. These guys were awesome—super knowledgeable, fun, and made the whole experience feel safe and exciting. They helped us gear up with harnesses and helmets, then gave us a quick run-through of the safety basics (all very simple and easy to follow).

Next up: we climbed aboard their custom-built Unimog 4×4, and that ride was a whole adventure in itself! We bounced our way through farmland, splashed through a shallow river, and gradually ascended to the top of the breathtaking Rakanui Station, where the ziplines begin.

The Ziplines:

There are five epic ziplines in total, ranging from 250m to 610m long. Altogether, you soar over 2.2km of pure exhilaration, with each line offering more jaw-dropping views of the Kaikōura mountains and sparkling sea below. The best part? Twin lines let you zip side-by-side with a friend or partner, which made the experience feel even more special.

I’ll admit it—I felt a little nervous as I approached the first platform. Standing at the edge and hearing the “3, 2, 1, GO!” made my stomach flip. Meanwhile, Steve took off like Superman, arms out, loving every second of it! It wasn’t until the third zipline that I built up the courage to let go of the straps and just fly—and wow, what a feeling!

Watching the others take their turns was just as fun. There’s something so joyful about people pushing their limits and laughing their way through it.

Star Flight: Ziplining Beneath the Cosmos:

If you think that sounds incredible, wait until you hear this: EcoZip Kaikōura now offers a night-time ziplining experience called Star Flight, and it’s truly one-of-a-kind.

In September 2024, Kaikōura was named one of only 22 official Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world. That means minimal light pollution and some of the clearest, most vivid starry skies you can imagine.

Partnering with renowned astro- and adventure-photographer Rachel Gillespie, EcoZip has created a surreal stargazing adventure like no other. Imagine gliding through complete darkness, suspended in the air, with nothing but a sea of stars above you—including the brilliant Milky Way, distant galaxies, and maybe even a shooting star or two.

During the experience, guests stop at selected points to hear Rachel explain the constellations and celestial highlights, and she even teaches you how to capture your own astral photographs. EcoZip’s co-founder describes it as “spellbinding and almost dreamlike,” and honestly, it sounds like magic.

Star Flight runs one evening per month from April to October, aligning with the new moon for optimal stargazing conditions. There’s even a special event for Matariki, the Māori New Year, in June. Spots are super limited—just eight people per night—so it’s intimate, immersive, and bound to sell out.

Final thoughts:

After our fifth and final zipline, we took a short walk back to the Unimog with huge smiles. What an adventure!

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a new way to take in the magic of Kaikōura, EcoZip is an unforgettable experience—and the night ziplining option just takes it to another level.

This article was written by Luxury Adventures Director Dee McKean