Extreme Sports in New Zealand
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
A number of extreme sports are popular throughout New Zealand. Zorbing, for example, has participants rolling along a flat surface, on water or down a hill in a clear plastic sphere. New Zealand is also home to one of the largest commercial operators of bungee jumping in the world, AJ Hackett – who has also been credited by bringing the sport to the mainstream. Paragliding, hang-gliding and parachuting all allow you to float through the air. And, both salt water and fresh water kayaking is available, as well as calm and white waters. In this video, http://www.WatchMojo.com takes a look at some of New Zealand's most exciting and extreme activities.
"Sphereing"
First appearing in Rotorua in New Zealand, zorbing or sphereing is considered an extreme activity. Inspired by a similar activity for hamsters, this pastime has participants rolling along a surface, encased in a plastic sphere. The sphere is made of clear plastic and is basically one bubble inside another, which acts as a shock absorber. Zorbing can take place along a flat surface, on water, or more likely down a hill. This activity is very popular in New Zealand, and is gaining popularity throughout the world.
Bungee jumping, on the other hand, is already wildly popular worldwide, and got its commercial start in New Zealand. This sport requires participants to hurl themselves from a tall structure, while attached to a big elastic cord. New Zealander AJ Hackett is one of the largest commercial operators of commercial bungee jumping in the world, and is credited with bringing the sport to the mainstream.
If you want to fly, you can come pretty close in New Zealand. Paragliding, hang-gliding and parachuting all allow you to simulate this experience. And, in fact, paragliding is a combination of parachuting and hang-gliding. Queenstown is one of the most popular places in the country for paragliding. You can choose between tandem glide with a skilled instructor, or taking classes to learn how to do it alone.
Kayaking in New Zealand can take you past islands and fjords, and to national parks. Both salt water and fresh water kayaking is available, as well as calm and white waters. Lake kayaking will give beginners some practice before heading out on a long trip. Lake Taupo is a popular spot for this, as well as the crate lakes of Rotorua.
If you’re looking for action and adventure, New Zealand is the place to find it.
First appearing in Rotorua in New Zealand, zorbing or sphereing is considered an extreme activity. Inspired by a similar activity for hamsters, this pastime has participants rolling along a surface, encased in a plastic sphere. The sphere is made of clear plastic and is basically one bubble inside another, which acts as a shock absorber. Zorbing can take place along a flat surface, on water, or more likely down a hill. This activity is very popular in New Zealand, and is gaining popularity throughout the world.
Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping, on the other hand, is already wildly popular worldwide, and got its commercial start in New Zealand. This sport requires participants to hurl themselves from a tall structure, while attached to a big elastic cord. New Zealander AJ Hackett is one of the largest commercial operators of commercial bungee jumping in the world, and is credited with bringing the sport to the mainstream.
Paragliding, Hang-Gliding and Parachuting
If you want to fly, you can come pretty close in New Zealand. Paragliding, hang-gliding and parachuting all allow you to simulate this experience. And, in fact, paragliding is a combination of parachuting and hang-gliding. Queenstown is one of the most popular places in the country for paragliding. You can choose between tandem glide with a skilled instructor, or taking classes to learn how to do it alone.
Kayaking
Kayaking in New Zealand can take you past islands and fjords, and to national parks. Both salt water and fresh water kayaking is available, as well as calm and white waters. Lake kayaking will give beginners some practice before heading out on a long trip. Lake Taupo is a popular spot for this, as well as the crate lakes of Rotorua.
If you’re looking for action and adventure, New Zealand is the place to find it.
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