8 Adrenaline Rushing Adventures in New Zealand
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I’ll give the Kiwis one thing, they know how to make things exciting!
From throwing beets and pineapples on their hamburgers to a group welcoming dance that basically says they’re going to eat you if you mess with them. With Kiwis everything is amped up. It certainly shouldn’t surprise us that New Zealand is the Adrenaline junkie’s paradise. If you’ve been thinking about breaking a sweat in New Zealand here is a short list to get you started in order of fear inducement.
We will use the Mile High Rating system (which we just made up) that begins at gulping and ends at cardiac workout. Please keep in mind that this scale is somewhat relative and represents a person devoid of particular phobias.
1- Gulp Inducing
2- Nervous Laughter
3- Scream Inducing
4- Sweating, Whimpering and Clenching Eyes Shut
5- Full on Cardiac Workout (Dangerous for the weak of heart)
Let’s start with one of our favourites:
Franz Josef Glacier: Glacier Valley Walk
Explore one of New Zealand’s last two remaining glaciers on the Glacier Valley Walk on foot with some crampons and ice picks that give you all the gearing up of ice climbing without any of the hard work. The Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk will take you up Waiho River bed, following the glacier’s path as it winds its way through this beautiful landscape. You will learn about the glacier’s history and learn about Maori legends. Near the terminal face, after a brief climb you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the glacier’s rapidly changing terminal face. It gets a bit cold (we’re southern Canadians) and you will at times have to climb mildly difficult hills, walk on slippery ice and walk across ladder bridges over medium heights.
Verdict:
One on the Mile High Scale
This is the perfect adrenaline rush for the out of shape, older generation and those whose favourite flavour is vanilla. (Actually it’s quite amazing and beautiful)
CastleRock Lodge is a beautifully renovated homestead with magnificent views of the CastleRock climbing crag. At the CastleRock climbing crag you can do some light rock climbing and abseiling (rappelling) on a 30 to 40 foot rock face with lots of handholds. After that you can take a 280 metre long zipline over a herd of cows, do some mountain biking, archery and learn orienteering before winding down at the homestead. Included with your room is a large kitchen and lounge room, internet access, a tennis court, barbeque, outdoor pool and hot tub.
Verdict:
One on the Mile High Scale
This is the perfect adrenaline rush for people who don’t like to be scared (unless you’re afraid of heights) and want to get pics that make you look adventurous without the risk.
Thrillzone has 360° “Drift-Karts” which are front wheel driven with unique drifting wheels. At ThrillZone you can drive in ‘race-mode’ or lift the drift bar and enter the ‘360° drift’ mode which allows you to drive and drift forwards, backwards, diagonally, sideways and everything in-between.You can feel your adrenaline pumping as you drive, spin and drift like your the star of Tokyo Drift! It’s FAST, FUN and packed FULL of ACTION!
Verdict:
Two on the Mile High Scale
This is the perfect adrenaline rush for people who crave adventure and want to relieve their favourite Mario Cart moments.
Ever wondered what it would be like to hop into your washing machine during the spin-cycle? Wonder no more! Superman dive into a giant inflatable ball and roll down a mountain near Rotorua. Assuming you don’t get motion sickness you will be laughing uncontrollably as you roll with you and even a friend down the world’s longest zig-zag Sidewinder Track. You could also take the fast track and wash your jeans and other more durable clothes. Ride with water or without water – the choice is yours!
Verdict:
Three on the Mile High Scale
This is the perfect adrenaline rush for the people who jump off merry go rounds and go head first on giant slip and slides.
Waitomo Caves: Black Abyss The Ultimate Caving Adventure
For the ultimate Tomb Raider experience look no further than Waitomo Caves’ Black Abyss caving adventure. On this tour you will descend into a literal abyss, also known as the Ruakuri Cave. You will follow this nerve testing plunge with a zipline through a gallery of illuminating glow worms and climb in underground waterfalls as you test your physical limits on this truly unforgettable journey.
Verdict:
Three on the Mile High Scale
This is the perfect adrenaline rush for people who wish they were Lara Croft, Riddick or Indiana Jones. Be sure to leave your red starfleet shirt behind on this away mission.
Formerly the world’s biggest bungy jump, Nevis is now the world’s tenth biggest jump at 469 feet (143 m) and one of the world’s biggest swings with a 984 foot (300m) arc. The bungy jump is a terrifying 8.5 second free fall, which is more then long enough to doubt your decision and question the capabilities of the Nevis employees. Be prepared for a litany of screams and nervous laughter from the hundreds of tourists who take the plunge with you that day and remember to go to the washroom before jumping.
Verdict:
Four on the Mile High Scale
This is the perfect adrenaline rush for people who have wondered how Wile E Coyote felt just as he realized the ground was no longer beneath him.
Ever wondered what goes through Spider-Man’s head as he jumps off of super tall skyscrapers down into the busy streets of New York city? Well now you can be the Kiwi Spiderman! Skyjump is New Zealand’s highest jump and only Base Jump by wire. Reliving every dream that ended with you falling off the couch you get to plummet 630 feet (192m) towards the rushing concrete off of the Auckland’s Sky Tower at 52 miles (85 km) an hour!
Verdict:
Five on the Mile High Scale
This is the perfect adrenaline rush for people who have broken their ability to feel fear normally or for super spies in training.
As you can see there is something for everyone’s adrenaline inducing level in New Zealand’s tourism industry. For those who think the Glacier and the CastleRock adventures cross the ‘too scary’ threshold, you can always kick back and eat a kiwi burger while trying not to think of the three poisonous spiders that call New Zealand home. Sweet As!
