May brings another round of exciting product updates — and this month we’re leaning into adventure, altitude and authentic experiences. From a Queenstown adrenaline park with big new offerings on the horizon to some of the most exhilarating summer mountain activities in New Zealand, a legendary helicopter company celebrating over 50 years in the air, and a duo of premium Australian experience brands gearing up for the Rugby World Cup 2027 — there’s a lot to get excited about. Here’s your monthly download.
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1. Oxbow Adventure Co. – Queenstown, New Zealand
Oxbow Adventure Co. is Queenstown’s go-to adventure park, combining three seriously fun activities in one spectacular location. Guests can tear through a purpose-built off-road course on custom 4WD off-roaders, experience the white-knuckle thrill of Jet Sprint Boating — the fastest boats on the water — and try their hand at Clay Target Shooting against a dramatic Central Otago backdrop.
Conveniently located just outside Queenstown, Oxbow packages beautifully into a half or full day and suits a wide range of travellers: families, groups, corporate incentives and anyone who wants an alternative to the usual bungee-and-zip-line circuit. Their combo packages, including pairings with Highlands Motorsport Park and a Central Otago Adrenaline & Aroma full-day tour, make it easy to build a compelling multi-activity day.
Why recommend Oxbow Adventure Co. to your clients:
Oxbow delivers three genuinely unique activities in one location — guests don’t have to shuttle across Queenstown to tick off their adventure list. The variety makes it ideal for groups with mixed interests, and the purpose-built course and experienced team mean it works equally well for first-timers and adrenaline veterans. Strong group and conference options also make it a smart choice for incentive travel programs.
What’s new/exciting:
- Softer adventure options are coming later in 2026 — Oxbow is introducing new tracks with a custom-built 12-seater off-roader, opening the experience up to a broader audience including those who want the thrill without the intensity of the individual vehicle.
- A new venue option is in development, creating additional possibilities for private events, group bookings and corporate functions.
- A secondary gun club is being added to the lineup, expanding the clay target shooting offering.
- Bike experiences are planned to launch once the new Queenstown Cycle Trail is implemented later this year — a fantastic addition for active clients who want to explore the region on two wheels.
2. Cardrona Summer Activities – Queenstown & Wānaka, New Zealand
Most travellers know Cardrona as one of New Zealand’s finest ski areas, but the mountains don’t stop delivering once the snow melts. During summer, Cardrona transforms into an exciting multi-activity destination accessible from both Queenstown and Wānaka — offering big alpine scenery and genuine thrills without a snowflake in sight.
The summer offering is ideal for non-skiers, return visitors wanting something fresh, and families looking for a memorable mountain day that doesn’t require a ski lesson or specialised gear.
Why recommend Cardrona Summer to your clients:
This is one of the most accessible and versatile mountain experiences in the Queenstown/Wānaka region during the warmer months. The combination of activities appeals across age groups and fitness levels, and the alpine setting is as dramatic in summer as it is in winter. For clients who assume the mountain resorts are off the summer itinerary, this is a great product to have up your sleeve.
What’s new/exciting:
- Mountain Biking — purpose-built trails deliver adrenaline and scenery in equal measure, with options suited to varying experience levels.
- Walking & Hiking — well-maintained trails provide access to stunning alpine views without the technical challenge, ideal for families and guests who simply want to breathe in the mountain air.
- Mountain Carting — a standout summer activity for all ages, the mountain carts let guests’ career down the slopes at their own pace with unforgettable views to match.
- The Noodle Bar is the restaurant of choice during summer at Cardrona — a casual, flavourful dining spot that rounds out a great mountain day. Worth flagging to clients when packaging the experience.
3. Over The Top Helicopter Company – Queenstown, New Zealand
Few operators in New Zealand carry the pedigree of Over The Top Helicopters. Founded in Queenstown in 1986 — with a flying history that stretches back to 1976 — Over The Top has spent nearly five decades pioneering access to some of the most remote, breathtaking and rarely seen places in the South Island. Today, they operate the largest fleet of wide-body Airbus H130 helicopters in the region, and their safety record is unmatched: they are the only Queenstown operator to have consistently received the International Helicopter Operator Safety Award.
But what truly sets Over The Top apart is their philosophy. Rather than simply flying over a landscape, they immerse guests in it — touching down in high country stations, remote fiords, alpine golf holes 4,500 feet above Lake Wakatipu and the Otago Peninsula’s wildlife coast. The people and stories of the region are at the heart of every flight.
Why recommend Over The Top to your clients:
Over The Top sits at the premium end of the Queenstown helicopter market and delivers experiences that are simply out of reach with other operators — both literally and figuratively. Their landing concessions in protected Conservation Areas across Fiordland, Otago and Milford are exclusive, and the range of experiences means there’s a flight for every type of traveller, from wildlife lovers and golfers to luxury FITs and adventure seekers. The downtown guest lounge with dedicated concierge service also adds a polish that discerning clients will notice from the moment they arrive.
What’s new/exciting:
- FlyNZ Tours — an extraordinary lodge-to-lodge New Zealand-wide journey, connecting some of the country’s finest lodges by helicopter. An exceptional product for premium FIT clients looking for an itinerary unlike any other.
- Flight Guide options — Over The Top offers private, share-with-others, and half or full-day experiences, giving agents genuine flexibility to match the right product to each client’s budget and travel style.
- Alternative weather flight paths are built into the Over The Top approach — rather than cancelling or delaying, the experienced team proactively reroutes to ensure guests get the most spectacular experience available on the day, every day.
- The signature alpine picnic, heli golf at 4,500ft, Milford Sound heli-cruise combos and bespoke full-day experiences continue to be some of the most coveted luxury activities in New Zealand — ideal upsell options for high-value itineraries.
4. Reveling Australia & Kiff & Culture – Southeast Queensland, Australia
Two names, one outstanding portfolio of Australian experiences. Kiff & Culture and Reveling Australia are sister brands operating across Southeast Queensland — Kiff & Culture as a recognised Best of Queensland Experience provider offering immersive half-day and full-day guided tours, and Reveling as the premium, fully bespoke arm catering to luxury travellers who want something entirely tailored to them.
Together they cover a remarkable range of experiences: wildlife encounters, Indigenous culture, food and wine, nature immersion, adventure and — with major news for 2027 — Rugby World Cup match day hospitality.
Why recommend Reveling & Kiff & Culture to your clients:
With over 230 five-star reviews and a portfolio spanning 75+ local restaurants, wineries, distilleries and artisans, these are operators with deep roots in the destination and a genuine talent for showing guests the Australia that most travellers never find. Kiff & Culture makes it easy to package accessible, memorable Queensland experiences into any itinerary, while Reveling steps in for clients who expect a fully bespoke, luxury experience from start to finish.
What’s new/exciting:
- Rugby World Cup 2027 Match Day Hospitality — this is the headline for forward-thinking agents. Reveling is taking bookings for private boxes, open air private boxes and pre-game fire-to-fork events. With Australia hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2027, now is the time to start conversations with rugby-passionate clients about building an itinerary around match days. Demand will be high and availability will be limited.
- Half-Day Experience highlights include:
- Brisbane Uncovered — Kangaroo Point cliffs, Mt Cootha lookout, and James Street / Howard’s Wharf precinct, showcasing the best of Brisbane’s evolving city scene.
- Tamborine Discovery — scenic waterfalls, lookouts, the gallery walk and optional wine touring in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
- Australia in a Day — an exceptional full experience from Brisbane incorporating a Stradbroke Island ferry crossing (or helicopter upgrade), a coastal walk, wildlife spotting, 4WD on the beach and a fresh seafood lunch with open crabs and shucked oysters. Can be elevated for proposals or multi-generational celebrations.
- Above the Canopy — access to the world’s first cliff park, perched 400 metres above the Numinbah Valley. Dramatic, exclusive and completely unforgettable.
- Swim With Whales — available for guests aged 15 and over, this is one of Australia’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters.
- Dreamtime Art Trail and One Day Photo Safari round out a genuinely diverse suite of experiences for culturally curious travellers.
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