The Ledge Bungy is one of the best attractions in Queenstown and it is, quite literally, a bungy with a twist! Tied around the waist, rather than your feet, you can take a running leap and spin or flip in any direction you like. There's even a 'Jump Menu' to use as inspiration, but if you prefer to design your own, that's ok too! Be brave and be … [Read more...]
Franz Josef Glacier Hike and Helicopter Ride
The Franz Josef Glacier hike is one of New Zealand's most unique experiences and, for me, provided a second chance. It was only eight months earlier that I'd been in Argentina visiting another glacier - Perito Moreno. Despite rave reviews from everyone I met who'd been hiking on it, I decided not to splash the cash and, instead, to observe the … [Read more...]
Learn to Fly a Stunt Plane in Abel Tasman
Note to reader: Don't miss the video at the end of this post. It documents the most ridiculous, fear-inducing and totally insane thing I've ever done! My trip to New Zealand was all about conquering my fears. As anyone who's ever had the misfortune of sitting next to me on a commercial jet will testify, my biggest fear is heights. I do not deal … [Read more...]
Rafting and Sledging with Kaitiaki Adventures
For adrenaline-fuelled rafting in New Zealand, you should definitely check out Kaitiaki Adventures. Not only do they take you down a 7-metre waterfall – the highest commercially raftable waterfall in the world – you can combine this trip with sledging, taking you deep into the heart of the rapids on a plastic board with handles! WHY KAITIAKI … [Read more...]
Black Odyssey Caving with the Legendary Blackwater Rafting Company
Long before I came to New Zealand, I’d read about the caves near Waitomo and how you can black water raft through them on inner tubing while marvelling at the thousands of gloworms that illuminate them from above. Things didn’t quite work out that way... My sister and I were signed up to do the Black Abyss tour with the Legendary Blackwater … [Read more...]
Diving with Sharks at Kelly Tarlton’s in Auckland
When you see some of the marketing for Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, you know you're in for a treat! Just take a look at their shark shuttle bus and USB stick! I spent a morning diving with sharks at Kelly Tarlton’s as part of the Shark Dive Xtreme experience. This includes an introduction to SCUBA diving (or a refresher if you’re … [Read more...]
The Auckland SkyJump
I think my sister might have been trying to punish me for flying to the Galapagos on her previous birthday and failing to send her a gift. This year for my birthday, she booked us both in for both the Auckland Harbour Bridge bungy AND the Auckland SkyJump. The Auckland SkyJump is a controlled base jump from the tallest building in New Zealand – … [Read more...]
Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy
Last weekend I did my first bungy jump - the Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy. I let someone tie a rope around my feet and willed myself to take a headfirst leap into thin air from a small metal cage attached to the side of the Auckland Harbour Bridge… WHY?! If you’ve done a bungy jump before and are wondering why I’m making such a big deal out of … [Read more...]
Gone AWOL Canyoning in Piha
‘You can borrow any of these pairs of trainers for your canyoning experience’, said our guide Javier. ‘They were left behind by past tour groups that didn’t make it.’ This was my introduction to Kiwi tour guide humour (we’ll skim over the fact that our guide on this occasion was Chilean). If you do anything scary in New Zealand and look nervous, … [Read more...]
Rio Carnival: Surviving the World’s Biggest Street Party
Ever been to a street party? Truth is, if someone had asked me that question a few months ago, I'd have reeled off a bunch of outdoor urban gatherings, from the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations to Notting Hill Carnival. Hell, I might have even thrown in a couple of sleepovers from when I was a prepubescent and we used to roller blade up and … [Read more...]
