Published: 08.12.2025
Queenstown doesn’t just welcome us – it literally swallows you whole. This village feels as though it were designed solely to push people to their limits, challenge them, bring them to life. Everywhere you see these sun-kissed surfer types, the long-haired, the crazy ones, those who dive headfirst into the unknown. And right in the middle of it all, I realize: This is where I truly feel right.
Even the first short loop from the hotel was a taste of what was to come. Beautiful, picturesque – yes, like other places too. But Queenstown has a different pace, a different rhythm. I immediately sent a short video to my family. Words wouldn’t have sufficed anyway.
And then the real adventure began: the gondola to the top. Up high, like in a massive ski resort, meter by meter, until the town below was just a toy.
At the top – the view, the wind, the freedom. And then: the bungee jump. Honestly, I felt a wild rush inside me. One voice said: “Do it!” A second voice, that of Dr. Eberhard Wenzel, advised: “Under no circumstances.” And I admit: I do listen to him. But the temptation… it doesn’t go away. It stays alive in me.
Next was the luge track. Helmet on, briefing, and then this track – like a racetrack, designed to fling you into pure joy. We raced, laughed, played like children who suddenly feel what unbridled excitement is. A whole hour, maybe longer. Time dissolves when you laugh like that.
And then that moment, which had already grabbed me from afar: a sign.
“For the older ones: 50% discount.”
I had to go right over. And as if that weren’t enough, you could also win something. I participated – and actually won. Besides the 50%, I got an extra $50. My indoor sky flying is now booked for Wednesday. And yes – I’m already nervously excited.
Despite everything, one thing runs like a pulsating undertone:
Rafting. Level 5.
Just the thought of it burns itself into me everywhere. This will be my personal boundary experience.
The evening was then the perfect counter to all that adrenaline: a gigantic pizza, shared with Canadians and Americans. An international group, lots of laughter, nice conversations. But the fatigue is palpable – because tomorrow is the longest day of the trip: start at 7:20 AM, return at 8:00 PM. The crew said we will see things that will leave us speechless. I don’t want to look ahead. I’ll let myself be surprised. Only one thing is clear: We need clothes that keep us dry. That sounds promising.
Now it's off to bed. And as I write this, I feel the excitement for tomorrow – and the deep resonance of a day that has not only shown adventure but has lived it.
