MSN NZ Travel staff
New Zealand is one of the top destinations in the world for thrillseekers. This is especially true for less easily pleased travellers who might have already dabbled in bungee jump and whitewater rafting. Get ready to try some activities you can't do anywhere else.
Kiwis love their landscape and their ingenuity is constantly leading them to find new ways to have fun. The stunning scenery is also a perfect backdrop for adventure, not to mention the opportunities to take spectacular photographs.
Warning: these activities are not for the meek hearted. But you only live once — so what are you waiting for? Here are 12 high-adrenaline activities you can do in New Zealand.
1. AucklandSky jump. What better way to take in the city than to leap off the Auckland Sky Tower? You'll fall 192m in about 11 seconds — that's a speed of 85km/h.
2. Zorbing. Zorbing was invented in New Zealand and you have the option of doing it wet or dry. In the wet option you sit in the middle of a sphere with water so that you float upright throughout the ride. Whereas the dry option involves being strapped into place and rolling with the sphere upside down, backwards, sideways and every which way the sphere rolls — you roll.
3. Canyon swing. Toy with gravity and swing through canyons Tarzan style. The harness keeps your hands and legs free so you can swing in any position imaginable as you enjoy the adrenaline from the beautiful geography and sheer Kiwi ingenuity.
4. Cave abseiling and blackwater rafting. Raft streams and rivers inside caves — go tubbing or kayaking with a guide and explore the caves and be prepared to see stunning cave decorations and glow worms.
5. Luge. Luge yourself in a one-person sled face up and feet first using your body to steer yourself down a steep and winding track.
6. Bungy jump . New Zealand has some the most beautiful scenery and safest bungee operators. If you're a first-timer, why would you bungee anywhere else?
7. Helihike. Fly into Fox Glacier, explore and then fly out in a helicopter. Although this activity doesn't require as much nerve as other adventure activities, be prepared to exercise your fitness and agility.
8. Skydive. So you've been skydiving you say? Nothing beats doing it in New Zealand over breathtaking views. You can even skydive from one island to the next.
9. Extreme flying fox. Reach speeds of up to 160km/h while you zip over rivers and beautiful landscapes. This is definitely not for the faint hearted.
10. Reverse bungee. Don't be lulled by the false sense of security of being strapped in the gondola — soon you'll be catapulted into the sky, but once the ropes stabilise you'll be able to enjoy the view as you float back down.
11. Canyoning. Be prepared to use every part of your body as you scramble, climb, jump, slide down rocks and leap off waterfalls. Canyoning is also a great way to see the forest and rivers as few would.
12. Whitewater rafting. Thrillseekers can experience whitewater rafting in both the North Island and South Island and you can add to the adventure by going on a three-day expedition.
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