When you live in the "land of the long white cloud - Aotearoa", otherwise known as New Zealand, it's possible that the isolation from the rest of the world brings out your creative side. Whatever the reason, kiwis have invented some of the most unique, and thrilling activities on earth, and your whole family can enjoy most of them - if you dare!

Although these kiwi-invented family adventure activities will likely have your body trembling with fearful anticipation, they are, for the most part, completely safe. You will leave with a strange feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction at having overcome your fears. You might also be shaking your head at having experienced some of the strangest family adventure activities on the planet!

Bungy
About Bungy
Probably the most famous kiwi-invented adventure activity is the bungy jump. Bungy jumping has actually been practiced for centuries in the form of "vine jumping" in Vanuatu, where it was used as proof of manhood. However, commercial bungy jumping was started by New Zealander A J Hackett, who made his first bungy jump from the Greenhithe Bridge in Auckland in 1986. He spent the next few years jumping from various locations around the world, building public interest in the sport. He went on to open the world's first commercial bungy jump in Queenstown, on the South Island of New Zealand.

Do It!
Bungy jumping is for the adventurous family with older children - the minimum age is 10 years, and children under the age of 16 require parental consent. You can bungy jump solo, or in tandem with two of you clinging to each other for dear life!

Concrete Luge
About the Luge
The concrete luge, generally known as "The Luge" in New Zealand, was first created in Rotorua, and built at Skyline Skyrides. The Luge is a downhill gravity ride on a 3-wheel cart, through a majestic Redwood forest. There are currently 3 tracks (with 3 more being built) - "Scenic", "Intermediate" and "Advanced". The "Scenic" track runs for about 2 kilometers, and is a perfect first ride when becoming familiar with your cart. The "Intermediate" track features a few more sharp turns, as well as a very fun sudden drop, giving you a quick burst of speed. The "Advanced" track is a quicker ride, but definitely the way to go for those who are seeking a thrilling, fast ride!

Do It!
The Luge is truly an activity that can be enjoyed by all members of the family. Children must be 6 years old to drive their own carts (must be 11 years old to drive the "Advanced" track), but children under 6 can ride along on a parent's or older child's cart ("Scenic" and "Intermediate" tracks only). You will receive a simple "driving lesson" on how to start and stop, or slow your cart, a brake test, and then a stamp on your hand to show that you know how to operate the cart. You truly can go as fast or as slow as you like, making it enjoyable for both the speed demon, and the overly-cautious driver.

Jetboat
About the Jetboat
A jetboat is basically a boat that is propelled by a jet of water shooting out the back of the boat. It was designed by kiwi Sir William Hamilton, specifically to enable people to drive fast on the shallow rivers of New Zealand, without a propeller hitting the rocks on the bottom. Jetboats are highly maneuverable, and allow the operator to perform sudden twists and turns at high speeds, or even come to a sudden complete stop from full speed.

Do It!
Jetboating can also be enjoyed by family members of all ages, though it can be quite a heart-pounding experience, as you are not in control!

Shweeb
About the Shweeb
New Zealand's newest adventure activity, and the world's only Shweeb is located in Rotorua. The Shweeb is an aerodynamic capsule that you pedal like a bicycle. Race along the monorail track at high speeds, and enjoy the feeling of swinging way out as you zoom around corners, or of barely missing obstacles. You can race against other Shweebers, or against the clock.

Do It!
Shweebing is for all ages, but you need to be at least 1.4 metres tall to ride the Shweeb.

Swoop
About the Swoop
Maybe you enjoy adventure activities, but you're not quite ready to bungee jump. If that is the case, then the Swoop is the ideal family activity. The Swoop is a giant swing (one of the highest swings in the world!) that 1, 2 or 3 people can ride. You are placed into a hang gliding harness, raised up 40 metres and then someone pulls the rip cord. The result is a giant swinging ride, reaching speeds of up to 130 kph, and a G-force factor of 3. Of course, the more people riding, the faster and higher you swing, adding more excitement to the ride!

Do It!
A ride for all ages, you must be 1 metre tall to Swoop.

Zorb
About Zorb
Where else but in New Zealand can you put yourself into a giant bubble and roll yourself down a hill, like a hamster in a ball? Both wet Zorb globe riding (where up to 3 people can ride together) and dry Zorb globe riding (you are harnessed inside the ball alone) are available. You can also choose whether to go straight down the steep hill, or for more variety, try the zig zag track!

Do It!
Zorb globe riding is available to ages 6 and up (under 130 kg) for wet riding, and over 1.5 metres tall (under 100 kg) for the dry riding.

Jill Mowser, Family Vacay - The Travel Guide Families Share,

http://www.familyvacay.com

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