New Zealand: paradise for adrenaline-junkies

New Zealand. It seems like such a calm country, full of gorgeous nature and friendly people. Or hobbits, depending on if you've only seen it in Lord of the Rings. But what if we'd tell you that if you want to get your heart racing and blood pumping, this is where you need to be? Looking for something more besides taking the occasional wave or challenging hike? In this blog we'll go over the most thrilling activities in Kiwiland, and where to try them.

In case you don't like falling towards the ground at 200kph, but do love the amazing views you can only get at certain altitude, maybe paragliding is something for you. In Queenstown (New Zealand's adventure-sports mekka) you will enjoy the most amazing views of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown and its mountain range called the Remarkables (yes, really...) while soaring through the sky. 

You can wake us in the middle of the night to go rafting, and we'd be up for it. It's just such good fun! While the picture below is at the mostly calm Waiau river in Fiordland National Park, you can make the ride as wild as you want to, with the most thrilling experience probably being rafting on the Kaituna river near Rotorua, or perhaps at the Rangitata Gorge near Christchurch. We wouldn't necessary plan around this one, as there are great rafting possibilities all over the country. 

Come, want to try this thing with us that looks super dangerous, but is in reality one of the safest sports out there? I mean, bungeejumping might look scary as hell, and for those of us with fear of heights (like yours truly) it's an even bigger leap of the platform, but it's one of those things you just need to try to know what it's like. And what better place to get out of your comfort zone, than while travelling. New Zealand has it's fair share of amazing bungeejumping spots, but the highest one is the Nevis jump near Queenstown. At 134 meters it was once the highest in the world, and the cool thing is you don't jump from a bridge, but out of an actual cable car!

You can try skydiving in many places, but New Zealand is home to some of the most scenic ones in the world. The highest skydive in the country is above the Franz Josef Glacier, at over 5500 meters high. The Fox Glacier in Westland National park is nearby, but a little bit less high. Same stunning backdrop though! Last one we'd recommend: Lake Taupo. This large crater lake right in the middle of New Zealand's North Island and the largest lake in the country. It's mesmerising, looking at the snowy crater-top of mount Ruapehu and the Ngauruhoe volcano will almost make you forget that you just jumped out of an airplane thousands of meters above the ground. 

New Zealands answer to a question no-one ever asked. While it's often mistakenly claimed that Bungeejumping originated in New Zealand, the Kiwi's did invent this one. While Zorbing is still a rare sight in other countries, you can try it in New Zealand in several places. The concept is basically rolling down a hill in a giant inflated orb. Why? No idea... but it sure looks like a good time! 

So, made your choice yet? Or will you try every single one of them? In any case, you've got to agree with us New Zealand is the mekka for thrill seekers and adventure sports, with so many great places to choose from. In case you want to get more information, or want to book your next adventurous trip to New Zealand, we're here for you with expert advice to make it the journey of a lifetime. 

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