I am currently in Ireland on vacation. While I’m gone, please enjoy this guest post from Tess Pajaron!
For adrenaline junkies, New Zealand is one of the most exciting places on the planet. The breathtaking views, natural attractions, and prevalent wildlife give way to an exciting vacation that cannot be missed. Being outdoors and taking in all that the country has to offer is a must. If you seek adventure and fun, here are seven exciting things you can do on your next trip to New Zealand.
1. Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve Scuba Adventure – This location is known as one of the best dive spots in all of the 15,000 km of coastline New Zealand has to offer. It’s only a boat ride away from the coast of Wellington. Divers in this area maneuver among schools of tropical fish through caves, over drop-offs and through arches and tunnels. This spot attracts divers from around the world, and has been hailed as one of the top five locations to dive on the planet.
Scuba diving at Poor Knights Island (photo by Joanna Penn)
2. Fox Glacier Gliding – For a unique experience, go from the underwater worlds to high atop a glacier. Visitors to Fox Glacier are able to partake in helicopter rides over the area, half-day or day-long hiking trips, and even overnight stays. For extra adventure seekers, try ice climbing up a glacier with the help of the guides who know the area well.
3. Waitomo Glow Worm Caves and Black Water Rafting– Waitomo is a region well known for its glow worm caves, unique rappelling experiences, and black water rafting. From 100m rappels into a dark cave, to rafting tours through the trenches of a cave, this region is filled with hidden beauties at every turn. While in the cave take in the unusual lighting from the glow worms that people travel from all over the world to see.
Waitomo worm caves (cool vintage photo of it from the 1970s by Don Pugh)
4. Rotura Luge, Skyrides and Skyswing – This attraction allows visitors an adrenaline rush amongst breathtaking scenery. Most visitors to this park start their day with a fun-filled luge ride down a mountain. Throughout the luge, you remain in full control and are able to choose the level of intensity to determine your own speed. The day is then continued with a ride 150 km above the ground in the sky rides. These gondola-like enclosures give visitors the ability to photograph, video, and absorb the astounding beauty.
5. Rere Rockslide – This rockslide delivers an exciting adrenaline rush as visitors slide down 60 meters of rock. But this rockslide is unique in that there are no jagged edges or rough spots to worry about. With the use of a boggy board or tube, sliders go even faster and stay safe and scrape free on this natural attraction. If sliding is not for you, there are swimming pools, trails, and picnic areas in the vicinity that are worth a visit as well.
6. The Buller George Swingbridge – This span of 110 meters of rope will take people swinging over the Buller river. While swinging, views of pink granite meet the eye allowing for excellent photo opportunities or even video. For extra adventure, try the 160 meter long comet line just next to the Swingbridge. This line is the first long-distance flying fox in all of New Zealand and a must try for every visitor.
7. Thrillseekers Canyon – For thrillseekers of all levels, this canyon has a variety of adventures designed to get you in touch with nature and your wild side. Jet boat on the Waiau river through deep canyon walls at high speeds. If you prefer a raft, whitewater rafting is also available to take on the rapids in this area. For people who love heights, bungee jumping off the Ferry Bridge over the river is another must-do activity. Regardless of your adventure level, skill or age, there is something for everyone at this attraction.
Thrillseekers Canyon (photo by Aidan)
New Zealand is filled with exciting wildlife, scenery and activities for all adventure levels. Visit these seven fun attractions to get the most out of your trip and experience once in a lifetime thrills.
Tess Pajaron is part of the team behind Open Colleges. She has traveled to many different countries and loves to discover new and exciting places.
