Unique Adrenaline Activities Down Under
It’s no secret that New Zealand is the country pumped with adrenaline. But some activities are a bit weirder than others. Of course, throwing yourself from a bridge makes perfect sense in bungy jumping, but rolling down a hill in a hamster ball is just plain insane. Here are the weird and unique extreme activities in New Zealand that you won’t find in many other places in the world.
To check out the “normal” adrenaline activities, see: Adrenaline Activities in New Zealand. Plus, don’t forget to make your NZ bucket list from our 101 Things to Do in New Zealand.
1. Zorb
Roll downhill inside a giant inflatable ball. Some companies even let you get on a surfboard so you can essentially surf on land… How crazy!? Experience this wild hamster ball action with Zorb in Rotorua. Find out more on Viator and Tripadvisor.
2. Hydro Attack
This Seabreacher X watercraft painted as a shark is ready to take adrenaline-junkies out on Lake Wakatipu. This unique boat goes under and over the water, achieving all sorts of moves to make you sick. Check this one out in Queenstown and book your ride on Viator and Tripadvisor.
3. Water Sledging
Also known as Hydrospeed, this sport will get your nose right in the waterfall. You control your sledge by paddling with your feet equipped with small flippers. Try this out in Queenstown by booking your trip on Viator or Tripadvisor.
4. Luge
Rotorua offers the biggest luge ride in the country, while Queenstown offers the steepest one. This half go-cart half slide is a lot of fun done with 2-3 competitive mates. Book your Luge ride in Rotorua at these Viator and Tripadvisor pages and your Queenstown Luge ride at these Viator and Tripadvisor pages.
5. Kite Surfing / Kite Landboarding
Although New Zealand is not a top destination for kite-surfing, some surf schools offer this option to take on the waves or land on an epic landboard. Try this out in Foxton Beach on the North Island.
6. Shweeb
Branded as the “worlds most efficient man-powered machine,” this upside-down monorail bicycle is only available in New Zealand. Check it out in Rotorua at Velocity Valley Adventure Park – available to book on Viator and Tripadvisor.
7. Sandboarding
Slide down the huge sand dunes along Ninety Mile Beach on a simple bodyboard. The speeds reached are surprisingly high and sand gets everywhere! Sandboarding is available on trips to Cape Reinga with Fullers GreatSights (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) and Dune Rider (on Viator and Tripadvisor).
8. Rere Rock Slide
Morebodyboard action! Grab onto your board or a sturdy inflatable and slide down the slippery Rere Rockslide. Once you start, you could spend the whole day playing! Find this awesome spot in Rere near Gisborne.
9. Flyboard
Everyone dreams of flying, right? Well, you can with the power of a water jet! You can take flight in Queenstown during the summer months. Book your flyboarding lesson in Queenstown on Viator or Tripadvisor.
More About New Zealand’s Weirdest Extreme Activities
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.