NZ North Island Adventures
I have just returned from a 5 day trip to the North Island of New Zealand - this was my 4th visit to the North Island, starting with a few days in Auckland, learning about the latest new tourism ventures that New Zealand has to offer.
The next 3 days that followed were filled with adventure, adrenalin filled activities, ranging from soft-adventure to some true, hardcore, adrenalin-pumping, once-in-a-lifetime activities!
Heading south from Auckland, I paid a visit to Waitomo, famous for its glowworm caves, and spending some time visiting the Ruakuri Cave. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to fit in the abseiling/black water rafting trip through the cave system - one added to my bucket list for my next visit!
From Waitomo, we headed direction Taupo - for an afternoon filled with Huka Jet Boat ride, Bungee Jumping and the Cliff-Swing! My first time bungee, so to say the least, I was a little nervous, but wow, what a great setting Taupo Bungee have! 47 metres in height, above the river, you can opt to do a water-touch bungee as well.
The following morning, we enjoyed a breakfast cruise on Lake Taupo, quite mellow compared to the previous afternoon, visiting the Maori Rock Carvings and trying our luck at some trout fishing along the way (with a few caught, and served as fresh sashimi - YUM). After breakfast we headed north to Rotorua, where our next adventure awaited us...
Rafting down the Kaituna River...The Kaituna has the highest, commercially rafted waterfall in the world - at 7 metres, and a grade 5, it definitely brought some screams and laughter with it. What an awesome experience - again, one not to be missed!
In the evening, we enjoyed some cultural experiences followed by a traditional hangi at Tamaki Maori Village, and learning some new dancing skills - both men and women got to join in.
On my last day, we set off early in the morning to Agroventures in Rotorua, with more crazy adventures to be had - bungee jump, Agrojet, Free Falling Extreme, and their Shweeb and Swoop.
Rotorua & Taupo are definitely the places to go, for those that enjoy loads of extreme activities and culture. To finish off a day of playing heard, why not head to the Polynesian Spa in town, where you can soak in the mineral pools ranging from 38-42 degrees - a great way to soothe some aching muscles!