As the adventure tourism capital of the world, New Zealand has a large variety of extreme and unusual activities to try.
© Speedfighter17 | Dreamstime
Skydiving
New Zealand has a lot of skydiving schools, making this one of the best places to try a tandem skydive. Jumping out of the plane will also get you one of the best views of the country, seeing everything from snowcapped mountains to peaceful beaches.
© Mark Ward | Dreamstime
Jet Boating
Unlike traditional boats, these utilize jet propulsion by drawing water from underneath and shooting it out with a pump. Sir William Hamilton developed the technology in 1954 to navigate the shallow rivers of New Zealand. Today, thrill-seeking tourists come to Shotover Canyon for a high-speed ride through the river.
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Black Water Caving
It’s not exactly extreme, but black water caving is one of the earliest tourist ventures in New Zealand. Participants get to ride on an inner tube through Waitomo’s underwater river, relaxing underneath the light of the cave’s bioluminescent glowworms.
© Alexandra1977 | Dreamstime
Bungee Jumping
A.J. Hacket brought the practice over from the indigenous tribes of Pentecost Island, where men would jump off tall wooden platforms with vines tied around their feet. Hackett started the first commercial bungee company in 1988, jumping off the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge.
© 3quarks | Dreamstime
Zorbing
This one might be the most unusual. Zorbs are essentially hamster balls for people. The double-sectioned orbs of flexible plastic allow riders to navigate on flat ground and go on an adrenaline-filled tumble down hill.
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