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

Eat Kangaroo

Kangaroo Pizza

While I was in Sydney, Australia I met up with a friend, her husband, and another one of their buds for a fun night in the city.  They told me that since I was in Australia they would take me to a place that served things I probably would only find in Oz.  I was a little weary, as I was still a pretty young "Daring Foodie"  but I was open to trying something different.

We took a taxi to an area known as The Rocks and stopped at the Australian Heritage Hotel.  The restaurant prides themselves in serving Australian food with a twist, as well as local beers and wine.  I looked down at the menu and saw a few of my choices.....

I'll have Little Joey please, I mean the Pepper Kangaroo Pizza.

Before my dinner arrived I had one local beer and wine in hopes to numb a bit of that fear of eating a cute little animal.  When my food arrived it had huge pieces of Kangaroo all over the pizza.  I shuddered for a second, as I was expecting smaller pieces of meat to cover the pizza.

It tasted a little gamey and too chewy for me.  It wasn't a good sign when I started picking off the Kangaroo meat from my pizza and handing it over to my friends.

I'm convinced that the Kangaroo meat gave us a different type of energy though, we ended up hopping all over Sydney; from bar hopping at Circular Quay and to a party in an abandoned church.  Hoppity Hop Little Joey!

Date Accomplished:  March 20th, 2009

P.S.  I normally use only my photos on this site, but the photo of my Kangaroo Pizza was so horribly taken as it was pitch black outside.  The photo was so bad it would deter anyone from ever trying the pizza.

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

Cross The International Dateline To Go Back In Time

I might never find a magic car to take me back in time like in Back To The Future, or a time traveling telephone booth like Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.  I just have to go back in time the old fashion way, by crossing the international dateline.

The International Date Line is an imaginary line that goes from the North to the South Pole and separates two different calendar days.  The line crosses through the middle of the Pacific Ocean and bends and curves around particular small islands and territories.  For example in Fiji it would be January 1st, while in Samoa it would still be December 31st. 

To be a successful time traveler, I arrived in Sydney, Australia airport for my 1PM flight bound for Los Angeles on March 24th.  I arrived in Los Angeles at 10AM on March 24th!  Take that Bill & Ted!

Date Accomplished:  March 24th, 2009

Pet a Kangaroo in Australia

Cuddle A Koala In Australia

Koalas are just super adorbs.  As adorable as they are, I wouldn't want a boyfriend like a koala.  They are highly sedentary with minimal energy, antisocial, and sleep almost 20 hours a day.  They sound more like newborns, or perhaps some of you have (ex)boyfriends that match that description.  If so, sucks to be you.

At Featherdale Wildlife Park, located just outside of Sydney,  you can "cuddle up to a koala!" The wording is quite important so you don't get the false impression that you have an opportunity to "cuddle WITH A koala."

Because I arrived at the park just before opening, I was able to have a date with a Koala over breakfast.  One of the zookeepers came out with the cutest little guy, a two year old koala named Austin. I know, I know, huge age difference, I'm 27 and he's 2.  It would have never worked anyways!

In NSW (New South Wales) it is illegal to hold a koala unless you are a keeper, BUT you are allowed to pat the koala as long as you avoid patting its head.

Austin was a little supermodel as he moved his head towards the camera when it was time for his photo.  He was very chill as I expected, and besides turning his head and moving to get a better grip on his keeper, he stayed still and seemed to enjoy his mini back rub.

It would have been cool to cuddle with Austin (cause come on, he is so cuddleable!), but rules are rules, and I'd hate to endanger Austin's health for the sake of a photo op!

Date Accomplished:  March 22nd, 2009

Try Vegemite In Australia

Vegemite is a dark brown food paste made from brewer's yeast extract (used in brewing beer).  When I traveled to Europe in 2007 I met a few Aussies who actually brought tubes of Vegemite with them to have on their toast. I knew when I went to Australia I had to try it.

At a glance, it looked like it had the potential to taste good and possibly be sweet.  I was told by some locals to spread some butter on toast with a very thin film of Vegemite.  I did just that and it was AWFUL.  It was bitter, and smelled horrible.  I have heard it is an acquired taste, but I don't plan on trying it ever again so I can acquire its taste.

Date Accomplished:   March 23rd, 2009

Visit The Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge along with the Sydney Opera House have represented Sydney in photos, movies and postcards for many years.  It is in the heart of the city.

The Harbour Bridge began construction in 1923, and was completed in 1932.  It connects the Sydney Central Business District to the North Shore.

There is a beautiful view of the Harbour Bridge from another famous landmark in Sydney, the Sydney Opera House.  Another popular activity involving the bridge is the Bridge Climb (which I plan to do during my next visit in Sydney).  With supervision you can climb to the top of the bridge during various times of the day.  It is quite pricey, but it offers some of the best 360°views of Sydney!

Date Accomplished: March 20th, 2009

Visit a beach in Australia

Me at Manly Beach

Walk about in the Australian Bush

Hiking around the Blue Mountains...I didn't see any snakes...thank god!

Hike through the green hills of New Zealand

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

Have New Zealand wine in New Zealand

Wine tasting in Martinborough, New Zealand

Get up close and personal with a sheep in New Zealand