The first New Zealand indoor skydiving and body flight experience venture has opened in Queenstown set in a $15 million tunnel structure in a purpose built complex in the resort.

The tunnel, with its 4.5m high glass flight chamber and wall-to-wall cushion of air, has controllable speeds up to 270kph to give people the thrill of freefall. It is based in Brecon Street and operated by experienced body flight instructors and is suitable for all age groups, including children.

iFLY is a global attraction and the Queenstown site is a joint project between tunnel manufacturer Sky Ventures and Kiwis Emma and Gary Beyer. The Beyers have a long association with skydiving – Emma represented Great Britain, winning the 2006 World Championships while Gary, representing USA, won the 1999 world title.

“Tunnel flight is one of the most blood-pumping and fast-growing sports in the world, with its own global leagues and events,” says Emma. “Launching iFLY in New Zealand gives Kiwis a massive opportunity to jump on board with skydiving or tunnel flight now there is a training facility here.”