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NZ Activities
"If you're not living on the edge you're taking up too much room" The Kiwis are renound for their love of adreneline pumping activities. 72% of the adult population in 2006 was found to be sportingly active with 46% being rated as highly active! This is an amazingly high figure, but not a surprising one once you have visited and get an insight into the kiwi mindset. These are the people who invented bungy jumping, are the world champions at sailing, Rugby is the national sport and you can find a Sky Diving centre in almost every town. Suffice to say that if you're looking for an activity it is almost certain you can do it in NZ, particluarly if it has an element of danger!
Below find reviews of activities to find out where you can do them and where is best to do them according to the backpackers who have tried them.
Sky Diving Sky Diving is an activity synonymous with New Zealand and one which most backpackers will try. This is for two main reason. Firstly it is one of the cheapest places in the world to throw yourself out of a plane (bargain eh?!), but far more importantly the scenery is guarenteed to be breathtaking pretty much wherever you do it. Most travellers will jump in Taupo as its generally the cheapest place. It also has incredible views over tongariro national park and lake taupo, plus on a good day coast to coast views of New Zealand! That said, on the South Island you can jump over Glacier country or some of the most fantastic lakes you could ever wish to see. Below are some links and reviews of the various locations and companies on offer. www.taupotandemskydiving.com Skydive over Taupo with spectacular views and friendly instructorsSkydive Abel Tasman @ www.skydive.co.nz Jump at New Zealands Friendliest and most scenic location. Skydive the Glaciers with Skydive New Zealand @ www.skydiving.co.nz: Tandem skydiving starting from the West Coast of New Zealand, with views of Southern Alps and Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. White water rafting There are loads of places to face your fear of white water in New Zealand. Most backpackers will head for either Rotorua, River Valley or Queenstown for their rafting but there are many others on offer, all with different selling points. Below is a run through of some of the main rivers and companies on offer and some backpacker reviews to go with them.River Valley lodge (NZ) New Zealand Adventure Lodge. Comfortable accommodation options, restaurant & bar. Experience white water rafting, scenic and family rafting, horse back riding, fly fishing and guided walks. Enjoy spa, sauna and massage after your days activities at our riverside spa. White Water Rafting New Zealand The Rangitikei, a classic New Zealand white water rafting river. Class 2-5, a variety of rafting adventures suitable for most ages and abilities. Beautiful scenery, steep technical rapids surrounded by native forest and awe inspiring cliffs. Accommodation is available at River Valley Lodge. Zorbing Zorbing is great fun. Simply put it is rolling down a steep hill in a giant inflatable ball with a bit of warm water in the mix! Generally people will have 'a wet threesome' which is exactly the same except with three of you in the ball at the same time! Recommended as something to do at least once in a lifetime - dont be put off as its not as scary as it looks!Luging Speeding down a steep hill in a gravity powered three wheeled cart. nuff said.Available in Rotorua and Queenstown |