Go 360° Jetboating Down A River

Hold onto your seats, this is gonna be a wild ride.


360° Jetboating is quite popular in thrill-hungry New Zealand.  I love New Zealand for offering so many wild adventurous activities that would never fly in Sue-Happy United States.

I went on THREE.  Yes THREE of them. 

Basically, it requires you to hold on to dear life as you speed down rivers, while nearly missing cliff rocks and trees in the process. In case your heart wasn't racing enough, then the driver quickly spins you around in a 360° turn.  Yes, I paid to go on three of these.

My first jet boat ride was the Huka Falls Jet in Taupo, New Zealand.  When we arrived at the jet boating place we donned on unattractive bright blue ponchos and life jackets.  We started off slow, and stopped in front of the falls. 

Our driver would warn us by spinning his hand around when he would attempt a 360° turn.  That was our cue to hold on tight!  As you can hear from the video above, I laughed pretty much the ENTIRE time, so it wasn't as scary as one might think!  I'm sorry I had to cut the video short just before the spin (the climax), but I liked my camera, and I didn't wanted it tossed in the bottom of the river.

My second jet boat experience was the Shotover Jet in Queenstown, New Zealand.  This one is the most popular, and apparently the most thrilling.  Because of the narrow canyon gorge I was almost certain that this would be my favorite.  I left feeling a little let down.  It just felt a little "safe" for me.  I know, I know, when does anyone complain that a boat ride is too safe?  The scenery was beautiful, but that is the best thing I could say about it.

My last jet boating experience was with Dart River Jet Safaris in Glenorchy, New Zealand.  This was by far my favorite of all three. This jet boat ride was the longest, and also included a hike through some really picturesque areas (truth be told, all of New Zealand is picturesque).  We were fortunate to have two buddies leading our jet boats that day because they provided us with some competitive entertainment.  They purposely tried to get each others boats soaked, and this was the only jet boat that I nearly fell out of the boat!   The driver even grabbed my arm at one point because I slid so fast.  FUN!!!!

The ride only got more memorable when we were off the boats and it was time to see our photos....

 

I did not get the memo that my life jacket had slid up my back.  It just screams, "Hi, I'm a dork."  Till this day, my friends on that boat remind me, "Hey, remember how ridiculous your life jacket looked when we were jetboating...."

Anyways, jetboating was definitely fun, adventurous, and perfect for those of us that like doing adventurous things without having to jump off bridges!

Date Accomplished:  March 16th, 2009

Hike On A Glacier In New Zealand

Probably one of the coolest (literally!) things I've done is a Heli-Hike on Fox Glacier which is located in New Zealand's South Island. 

Before leaving for the glacier we were given a safety brief, and then donned on thick socks and sturdy boots to prepare us for our trip.  We climbed inside a 6-seater helicopter and took a short flight landing on the glacier. As we exited the helicopter, we immediately ran a few meters away and ducked our heads in case any loose shards of ice were to blow into us from the force of the helicopter propellers. 

As soon as our entire group arrived we were given cleats to put around our boots so it would be easier to walk around. It was not easy.  I wear flip flops more than shoes.  Another gal from Sydney also had similar difficulty, and between the two of us we fell a handful of times.  The glacier has the potential of being quite dangerous as it is constantly changing, and their is no clear path.  We followed our guide in a single file line and were told to follow his tracks.  The glacier was beautiful, and my favorite part was walking through a narrow ice tunnel. 

When going up and down the glacier our guide used his massive ice pick to chisel stairs for us.  It was scary. Some stairs were quite steep and some were more like a ladder which required us to use our hands to get up and down.  We didn't realize how much we had climbed until we got to our highest point and saw where our helicopter had landed. 

On our way back to the helicopter the sunshine had engulfed the glacier.  It was breathtaking.  A definite must do when visiting New Zealand.

Date Accomplished:  March 14th, 2009

Go To An Ice Bar

With my friend Jen at the Minus 5 Ice Bar in Queenstown, New Zealand

 

With a summer heat wave hitting nearly every corner of the United States, just imagine yourself chilling (literally) in an Ice Bar.  It's just how it sounds, a bar predominately made of ice.  You betcha that the cups are made of ice, so are the chairs, and if you have an ice sculpture fetish than this place is for you. 

When my friend Jen and I were roaming the streets of Auckland, New Zealand we got a flier to go to an ice bar.  I put the flier in my purse as an option to do in the evening.  We ended up skipping the ice bar, and meeting people at our hotel, going to a bar, and then watching my friends do a Bungee jump sling next to the Sky Tower.  Just a normal evening right?  A normal evening in New Zealand at least!

I was a bit bummed that I missed my Ice Bar experience opportunity, but I knew I'd eventually come across another one during all my travels.  Well, I didn't have to wait very long, just my luck I found another Ice Bar in Queenstown, New Zealand.  This time all the bungee jumping occurred during the day, so once the sun set we were off to the Minus 5 Bar!

We payed our entrance fees, and then got dressed up in thick coats, hats, socks, shoes and gloves.  Brrr....there was a reason why we had to wear those thick coats!  We headed to the bar and got a complimentary drink in our little ice cups (thank goodness for the thick gloves!).  After a few drinks, and posing in front of silly ice sculptures, I was done and ready to get out of the restrictive clothing (don't forget I am a SoCal gal not used to wearing anything thicker than a cardigan)!

The next stop on my IcY adventure:  An Ice Hotel

Date Accomplished: March 15th, 2009

Cruise Through Milford Sound

 Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a fjord located in New Zealand's South Island.  I was told that the ideal way to see Milford Sound is if it rained during your stay. Rain in Milford Sound equals LOTS OF WATERFALLS!  The journey (via automobile) to Milford Sound was breathtaking, probably one of my favorites.  I don't think I could ever capture the magnitude of its beauty on camera (even if I owned the best camera out there).

Our ride for the day

 The Milford Wanderer

When we arrived at the dock we took our daypacks onto the Milford Wanderer, our home for the night.  I am prone to being sea sick, but the waters didn't look too rough in photos so I figured I would be okay.  Boy was I wrong!

 My face in this photo is priceless...I am thinking, "I need my dramamine stat!"

It only took a few minutes before I knew I was in trouble.  We first headed to the dining area where we were given a safety brief, and then given some lunch.  I couldn't even think about eating because all I wanted to do was hurl over the side of the boat. I was crossing my fingers that I had packed my dramamine in my daypack.  After lunch we headed to our cabins, which consisted of 2 bunk beds, and a curtain as a door.  Our bathrooms were outside, and we had a little co-ed communal shower area inside the boat.

 Our view from our cabin

I took my dramamine and decided to check out the boat before the meds zonked me out.  I went to the top of the boat and saw Claire & Beks (our roommies) hanging out as well.  Claire was just as sick as I was!  I was sad that she wasn't feeling well either, but I was also glad that I wasn't alone.

 The sickies on the left (Me with Claire), and Beks on the right

We went around Milford Sound, and even went under one of the waterfalls! COLD!  It was quite windy, and the dramamine was kicking in so I headed back down to my cabin.   There was an included activity that allowed people to either take a small motor boat ride around Milford Sound or to go kayaking.   I wish I could tell you that I did one of them, but I didn't.  I was snoozing in my bed!  Oh those drugs!  When I woke up the last of the kayak groups were heading out.

 One of my rare happy moments on the boat

Still extremely groggy I headed to the dining area to wait for people to get back from their excursions.  I ended up taking another nap in the dining area before Jen came back from her excursion.   We had a zombie-like dinner with two of us barely able to talk.  It was lights out by 10PM, so after dinner and playing a few board games I headed back to my cabin.  I popped in another dramamine and slept like a baby.

 Waterfalls after the rain

It rained during the evening so we woke to hundreds of waterfalls trickling down the cliffs!  We had our breakfast before heading back to the dock.  The ride back was treacherous.  The boat was rocking 10x more than the day before.  I was so glad when we finally docked, I would have kissed the ground if I wasn't such a germaphobe!  I definitely was not born with sea legs! 

Date Accomplished:  May 17th, 2009

Remembering Christchurch

February 23rd, 2011

During my visit to New Zealand in 2009 I got a chance to visit Christchurch (not once but twice!).  I visited it the first time after traveling from the North Island to the South Island.  I stayed a day before traveling around the South Island.  Then after going through Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, and Lake Ohau, I headed back up to Christchurch and spent another day before leaving for Australia the following morning. 

 At a bar with friends in Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island.  If you come from a big city you will find that it is like a tiny town in comparison.  Christchurch was very walkable, and my hotel was right at the outskirt of downtown, but I was able to safely walk to the city center.  New Zealand in general is such a safe place.  I explored the night life on foot walking all over town, and only finally taking a cab on the way home.  I love the laid back atmosphere, and that wearing flip flops to a club was completely acceptable.

In front of Christchurch Cathedral...unfortunately it was destroyed during the 2011 earthquake 

They are hurting right now, and I am hurting for them.  I met so many lovely Kiwis on my trip to New Zealand, and I know they will come out of this a stronger nation.

Have A Flaming Shot

This is something I've always seen in movies and TV shows (pretty sure I saw it once when I still watched MTV).  I got the opportunity to try one in a little bar in Queenstown, New Zealand.  Little did I know that they would light the bar on fire as well, and then proceed to blow the flame in the general direction of people.  I'm pretty sure that is a big fat no-no in the USA, at least I've never seen it in any bar I've ever been to. Note to anyone that wants to try it, take one of the inner glasses, cause the ones on the outside were piping hot.

Date Accomplished: March 16th, 2009

Drink An L&P Soda In New Zealand

L&P Sodas or Lemon & Paeroa is a popular soda produced in New Zealand.  There ad states that it is "World Famous in New Zealand."  L&P was founded in 1904, and like it's name states it does have a lemon flavor.

My friend, Jen pondering the flavors

So what does it taste like?  I thought I would be able to relate it to a familiar soda back home, but it wasn't like any soda I have tasted before.   A refreshing, fizzy drink for sure!

Date Accomplished:  March 6th, 2009

Gaze Upon The Beauty Of A Reflecting Lake

Queenstown is one of my favorite places in the world.  The beauty that oozed out of this area was infinite.  One of my favorite places was in Lake Wakatipu.

The view of Lake Wakatipu from the Queenstown Glenorchy road was amazing.  We stopped at the side of the road and spent a few minutes to awe at its beauty.  I got chills up my spine by the beauty that was in front of me.  Is this real life, or am I in heaven?

The reflections from the lake and the sky made the lake appear like a hazy mirror.  I had the strange inkling that if I tried to walk on water that it would work, that's how solid the lake appeared to me.  Reflecting Lakes are nature at its finest.


Date Accomplished: March 15th, 2009

Go Zorbing In New Zealand

I have to admit, one of the main reasons I went to New Zealand was to go zorbing.  There was something enticing about being pushed down a hill in a giant plastic ball.  When we arrived at the zorbing center, we were taken to a group of computers where we had to enter some data like our birthdate, location, etc.  We then had to take these god awful horrendous photos.  I honestly think even a supermodel would look like a serial killer with the camera they use.  After taking our mug shots, we then proceeded to another line where they weigh you in secrecy to assure you are within the weight limit.  One guy exceeded the weight limit by about 5 pounds so he wasn't able to go.

Because I was running late that morning, I stupidly forgot to wear some clothes that would be a little more forgiving if wet.  Wet jeans...definitely not forgiving!   Extra undergarments?  Yep...forgot those too!  Since I wanted to do the hydrozorb I bought a Zorb outfit (which I ended up donating to Goodwill as soon as I got back home).   I went into the changing area and got all suited up in my super dooper cool lame royal blue zorb outfit. We then all piled into the back of a truck and whizzed up to the top of the hill.

Once at the top, we were given a choice if we wanted to do the vomit-inducing regular zorb (in which they strap you into the inside of the ball) or the hydrozorb (in which they dump a few gallons of warm water in with you).  Then if you chose the hydrozorb you got another option to either go straight down the hill, or through the winding maze.  The hydrozorb is the preferred choice, and how many times in your life can you pretend you are in a giant hamster ball?  I guarantee that you'll only get a few steps in before you fall.

Once it was my turn, the guy filled my zorb with some warm water, and then told me to jump into the zorb via a hole.  I look at the guy, and as I dove in I squealed, "Really?  WEEEEE!!!"  I felt a bit like some hotshot stunt man.   After my failed attempt to walk in the zorb, I plopped down, and enjoyed the ride as I went slipping and sliding inside the ball.  The ride was short, just merely a minute long, and not scary at all!   How can I explain it?  It is just FUN!  There is something about being pushed down a giant plastic ball that makes you start giggling uncontrollably.    Getting out however was less than graceful, and definitely not stunt man worthy. 

For an extra thrill, ask if you can be a human speed bump!  Or even better, take a friend in the zorb with you!   See my video to see pictures and a video of me inside the zorb.

Completed: March 9th, 2009

Go Luging Down A Mountain

Rotorua has a bad reputation, mainly for the city-wide awful stench caused by the sulfur.  Do you know what sulfur smells like?  If you don't, find some rotton eggs and surround yourself in it.  That's what Rotorua smells like.

But not all of Rotorua stinks!   At the top of Mount Ngongotaha is Skyline Rotorua, and you don't smell an ounce of sulfur up there.

After taking a gondola to the top I saw the best views of Rotorua.  Now it's time to luge!

 Luging was the closest I would ever get to feel like a member of Cool Runnings. 

A luge is part go-kart and part toboggan.  The mechanics of the plastic sled were quite simple, pull the handle bar back to brake, and pull forward to accelerate.

At Skyline Rotorua there were three tracks to choose from, a scenic (beginners) route, an intermediate route, and an advanced route.

To get a hang of luging I did the scenic route twice, and then did the intermediate route.   There was only one point that I feared for my life.  I was accelerating fairly quickly and I went into a turn a little too tight and almost fell off the luge and into the side of the track.  Other than that little mishap, I had a great time!

After reaching the bottom of the mountain, we then hopped onto a chairlift to get back to the top.   Skyline Rotorua had hidden cameras at points during the luge ride and chairlift.  The photos were taken without warning.  The above photo of my friend Jen in the chairlift makes me laugh everytime.  We called it the "Pondering Life" shot.

Skyline Rotorua also has restaurants, a winery and tasting room in case luging is not for you.

But luging is fun for any age, and with three different tracks, there is a track that fits almost any adventure level. 

Date Accomplished: March 8th, 2009

Have A Fergburger!

Anytime I have a friend that is planning to go to New Zealand, I tell them, "You need to go to Queenstown and get a Fergburger."  It is hands down, one of the best burgers I have ever had!  I had met a couple from New Zealand while traveling around Europe in 2007 that recommended the awesome burger joint to me. 

Fergburger is internationally known, but only has ONE location in Queenstown, New Zealand.  I fell in love with Fergburger so much that I had two in one day!  The first Fergburger I had was called the Cockadoodle Oink, it had breaded chicken, bacon, onions, lettuce, avocado and an amazing aioli sauce.

When I got back to my lodge my friend really wanted to go to Fergburger but did not want to go into town by herself.  I told her that I would gladly go with her.  We were on a time constraint so walking to Fergburger was out of the question.  We decided that we would take a taxi specifically to go to Fergburger and back!

Take us to Fergburger!

Taxi Driver:  Hi ladies, where to?!?!
Me:  Take us to FERGBURGER!

The taxi driver wasn't all too surprised as I am sure he probably gets tourists that only want to go to Fergburger on a regular basis.  I think he was more surprised that an Asian girl was wearing a "Kiss Me I'm Irish" top hat. 

This time I went for a more traditional burger and got a Fergburger with cheese.  Was it just as delicious?  Of course!  My friend, who is not a big eater, even finished her entire burger with delight!  Two Fergburgers in one day.  I call that a double success!  Check and Check!

Date Accomplished:  March 16th, 2009