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