Another way of flying unlocked

Published on Life Lovers Magazine
6th June 2021

Dreams Don’t Have to Stay on the Ground

Ever dreamed of flying? I did—ever since I was a kid. Fantasy books, TV shows, and wild imagination made it feel normal to picture myself soaring above the world.

Then adulthood happened, and life grounded those dreams. Luckily, travelling reminded me that dreams don’t need a leash. One of the most thrilling ways I’ve done it? Paragliding.

Why Paragliding Is Addictive

If you haven’t tried it, here’s the deal: imagine floating under a parachute for 20 minutes. Sounds relaxing, right? Now add a cliff jump and jaw-dropping landscapes beneath you.

“The wind literally caresses your body while you fly over nature’s beauty.”

The flight itself is short—about 20 minutes—but fully controlled by the wind. And here’s a secret: I’ve loved wind since I was a kid in Punta Arenas, Patagonia, where 30–40 km/h gusts are normal. There’s something about wind that feels like freedom…like flying itself.

“My stomach went up to my neck, and my heart was all over the place. It was just beautiful”

My First Paragliding Experience in New Zealand

During a trip to New Zealand’s South Island, everything finally aligned: time, money, and courage. I headed to Coronet Peak in Queenstown (1,182m—small mountain, huge adventure).

After a quick safety briefing and strapping into what felt like a full hardware store, my instructor said:

“We’ll run to the edge, and then we jump.”

Classic. Easy to say. Terrifying to do.

I’m one of those “fake brave” people—I love daring adventures…until it’s time to do them. But there was no turning back. We ran, my stomach shot to my throat, and then—lift off.

Flying Over Queenstown

The initial drop felt endless, though it lasted mere seconds. Soon, the paraglider lifted us, soaring over a landscape so beautiful I felt like a hobbit returning to the Shire. The instructor swooped and twisted like a bird, and I couldn’t help but imagine myself flying too.

About 20 minutes later, we landed. Paragliding doesn’t just give you an adrenaline rush—it shifts your perspective. Flying makes you feel unstoppable, like there’s nothing you can’t achieve.

Why You Should Try Paragliding

Paragliding is hands-down the most exhilarating way I’ve ever flown. If you love adventure travel or ticking items off your travel bucket list, this is a must-do experience.

Pro tip: Bring your favourite song. Mine was Catfish and the Bottlemen – Fallout, and to this day, it takes me straight back to the skies of Queenstown.

Whether you’re in New Zealand or somewhere else, paragliding is one of those experiences that will stay with you forever. Trust me: your inner dreamer will thank you.