3 Adventure Sports Invented in New Zealand

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Did you know New Zealand is known for inventing Adventure Sports?

New Zealand has set its claim as a world-renowned adventure spot in what would appear to be a sedate country where you can find yourself in conversation with a stranger on the bus. In this picturesque backdrop of mountains, water rapids, rivers, lakes, and fields, New Zealanders, each day, think up new ways to manufacture that adrenaline rush. If you are an adrenaline junky, then you might want to skip yourself to the Southern Hemisphere for a try at one of these adventures.

Bungy Jumping -New Zealand’s most famous sporting export after the All Blacks screams craziness. This sport was invented in 1986 by A J Hackett when he took one “small step” off Auckland’s Greenhithe Bridge. The sport went commercial within a couple of years as he bated tourists and charged them to repeat this great trick in Queensland.

I had the pleasure of experiencing the jump off the bridge in Auckland to read more about the experience read ‘Living on the Edge.’

Zorbing- Ever desired to roll yourself down a hill encased in a ball? David and Andrew Akers did when they established the first zorbing site in Rotorua. Generally performed on a gentle slope, but can be done on flatlands while some operators have developed special ramps. Zorbing can be done single, double, or even triple, depending on if it is harnessed or non-harnessed. The longest runs are about a half-mile.

Jet Boating- Suitable for all ages and enjoyed year-round Jet Boating has been with us since its inception in 1954 by Sir William Hamilton. The Shotover Jet, located in Queenstown, is New Zealand’s iconic jet boat. It has serviced over 3 million people since 1970. Brace yourself as you power through gorges, skim across the surface, and weave among the banks of braided rivers.

Are you ready? Then sit back, buckle yourself in, and feel the exhilaration that only New Zealand can deliver!

*The Ledge Bungy photo by AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand
* Zorb at Sunset photo by Zorb Rotorua
Revised 1/20/2019

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa Rossmeissl3 Adventure Sports Invented in New Zealand
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