Why we LOVE New Zealand? It is the adventure capital of the world, an adrenalin junkie's dream and in a nutshell, a destination that forces travellers to test their strengths and face their fears. So if you are planning to visit New Zealand and tick off the old bucket list, check these out...
16 crazy New Zealand experiences
1. Bungy Jumping
New Zealand is home to the world’s first commercial Bungy site and described by many of the travellers that pass through our Base doors - as the most TERRIFYING thing that they have ever done! You can pretty much jump off a ledge anywhere in New Zealand and here are some of the best places to try it.
Auckland Harbour Bridge: In 1987 AJ Hackett was arrested here for jumping off Auckland Harbour Bridge. Ask the team for an ‘ocean dip’ and do not forget to take in the stunning views of Auckland city as you make your way to the launch pod.
Queenstown: Queenstown has 3 different Bungy Jumps to choose from. Kawarau Bridge stands at 43 metres and is the first commercial bungy site in the world. The Ledge Bungy can be found at the top of the Skyline situated 400m above Queenstown with a 47metre rope & the Nevis Bungy (probably the most talked about of them all) will have you freefalling 134 metres over a canyon.
Taupo: Home to New Zealand's highest water touch bungy, the views from this bungy pod are amazing. It's a great place to get a little bungy teaser and work up the courage before hitting the big jumps in Queenstown.
Check out our guide to Bungy Jumping in New Zealand.
By Will Ellis (originally posted to Flickr as CIMG2398) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. River Surfing
Queenstown’s Kawarau River is home to Roaring Meg: 6km of Grade 2/3+ White Water Rapids that will have you river surfing, riding whirl pools, duck diving & jumping off rock faces. River Surfing is best described as riding your way through rapids on a body board. This experience is unique and a must do – but not for the faint hearted!
3. Hanggliding
Imagine yourself standing at the very top of a mountain overlooking Queenstown, tucked up in a body suit attached to your tandem guide and holding onto nothing but a rail in front of you. Your tandem guide tells you to run as fast as you can off the edge of the mountain. You do this, and soon you are flying like a bird over the sights of Queenstown. Not to be missed!
4. Aerobatic Flight
For those thrill seekers, Aerobatic flights are up there with Bungy Jumping and Skydiving! If you are looking for a scary activity then learning to fly in Wanaka is for you. Wanaka is one of the cheapest places to learn how to fly an aerobatic plane. You get to control the fast paced planes through barrel rolls, vertical drops and more! Not only that, the views of Lake Wanaka are stunning as you experience the effects of G – Force.
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5. Skydive
Most of those travelling to New Zealand will add a Skydive to their bucket list. There are many locations to jump, most offering a 15,000 ft freefall. Some of our favourites: Bay of Islands to get a glimpse of New Zealand’s very northern coast, a Skydive in Lake Taupo over New Zealand’s largest lake, Abel Tasman for views of both the north and south island, Skydiving in Lake Wanaka or Queenstown to experience the snow capped southern alps or Franz Josef for aerial views of neighbouring Glaciers.
6. Canyoning
If you have yet to try Canyoning – New Zealand is the place to do it! Canyoning involves getting from one place to another by combining Abseiling, Rock Climbing, Jumping, Swimming, Sliding & Zip Lining through waterfalls, fresh water lakes and gorges. Our favourite day tours depart from Auckland & Queenstown with half day and full day options available.
7. SkyJump and SkyWalk in Auckland
There is no scarier way to view Auckland city than by paying a visit to our friends at SkyWalk and SkyJump in Auckland - it's a scary and scenic experience all rolled into one. SkyJump will have you jumping off New Zealand's tallest tower - Auckland's Sky Tower! The jump begins from a platform at the top of Auckland's popular viewing deck and has you falling at 85km/hr from 192 metres off the ground. The SkyWalk is a unique and once in a lifetime experience. Do not underestimate the 'scariness' of being strapped to nothing but a 'very secure harness by the way' at the very top of Auckland's tallest tower - the views are absolutely stunning!
Auckland Sky Tower SkyWalk. Credit: Tourism New Zealand
8. Ziptrek Ecotours
This is one of our favourite Queenstown activities. The adventure begins at the very top of the Queenstown Skyline Gondola. Ziptrek Ecotours will have you ziplining from tree to tree to the very bottom. Along the way your guides will educate you on Maori culture, local history and the significance of the surrounding environment. So much fun!
9. Zorb / Ogo
Jump into a gigantic inflatable ball and roll down a hill. Sound like a great idea? Zorb is a must! You can Zorb in Rotorua, New Zealand’s north island, but it's called OGO here. There are 2 options: a dry ride option, or add water to the mix.
10. White Water Rafting
Rotorua is one of the craziest places in New Zealand to White Water Raft down some pretty epic rapids! White Water Rafting in Rotorua is a really popular activity in New Zealand and will have you slipping, bumping and sliding along Kaituna River - home to the world's largest commercially rafted vertical rapid - 7m Tutea Falls! Not only is this a scary (and safe) experience - but is actually very cultural! The guides kick off the experience with a welcome song to the spirits of Kaituna - a must do!
11. Shotover Canyon Swing
Do not underestimate the scare factor of the swing! Queenstown’s Shotover Canyon Swing is the world’s highest cliff jump and is an experience like no other. You can choose your freefall (The Chair, Backwards, off a Slide – just to name a few)! The 200m swing will have you freefalling for 60 metres. Tip: Be prepared for some pretty cheeky staff! They will have you screaming before you even leave the platform!
12. Waitomo Caves
The Waitomo Cave system in New Zealand’s north island is home to the Glow Worm and an adventure playground for adults! There are many ways to explore the caves: taking a Black Water Rafting & Tubing tour is a popular way to make your way through the underground tunnels and rivers. Don’t forget to look up – the glowing worms will resemble a million fairy lights!
13. Jetboating
New Zealand sure does love Jet Boats! You can organise a Jet Boat tour of Auckland Harbour, Huka Falls and Queenstown! They will have you whizzing, speeding and 360 degree spinning at speeds of 85 km/hr – the ultimate experience if you are looking for that adrenaline rush!
Picture by Bernard Spragg. NZ - license
14. Agroventures Adventure Park
Agroventures is the ultimate adventure hub in Rotorua. There are 5 crazy experiences to be had here: Bungy Jump from a crane, Swoop ( a GIANT swing), the tiny yet fast paced Agrojet, the Shweeb (a human powered, aerodynamic racing pod) and a Skydive Experience - the Freefall Xtreme! Check out our video of our time at the park here!
15. Skyline Gondola & Luge
What is a Luge you ask? Easy! A Luge is kind of like a toboggan – but for dry tracks! You will find the Luge at Skyline Rotorua and Skyline Queenstown. Jump in and speed along the array of tracks that offer unforgettable views! TIP: Take the Gondola up the mountain and make the most of the endless selfie opportunities.
16. Snowboard & Ski
Each year New Zealand welcomes travellers and snow junkies across the globe for their infamous snow seasons! Queenstown & Wanaka are popular bases for your Ski & Snowboarding adventure. Mountain transfers make it easy for you to experience all of the wonders of Queenstown & Wanaka as well as the snowy peaks. Oh and the north island of NZ gets some pretty epic snow as well!
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