At literally the end of the world, New Zealand is well known for its beautiful landscapes, incredible vistas, and inviting beaches and resorts. But, we aren’t getting into those leisure activities, New Zealand also prides itself on testing the male population to their absolute limit.
We are talking about extreme sports and activities that aren’t for the fainthearted. These are the five activities that will test your might, your resolve and your ability to endure under extreme pressure.
River Valley – White Water Rafting
Starting off with a truly dangerous activity where coordination, strength and strong will (as well as being able to swim fairly well) are the key characteristics that will see you through this undertaking alive. It is all about water rafting through some of the harshest and powerful rapids of white water on the river Valley.
As part of a 4 team crew you will have to wrestle your way across the 12 km run, clashing all the way with the intense waves and ice cold water, not to mention the constant fear of being swept away in the waves. This is one activity you just cannot afford to miss.
Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo – Black Abyss caving
There is something primal about being underground and squeezing through tight spots where light doesn’t shine. Deep bellow ground (at 37 meters) and formed some 30 million years ago, this awesome yet utterly terrifying journey will take you through some of the most amazing sights that aren’t available to the mere “ground walkers”.
The 5 hour tour has it all – climbing, leaping, wiring and wading through the ice cold water, all the while seeing into the cold and dark abyss that is also the namesake of the place. It is a true test of endurance and coordination, not to mention thrill as you race to the top of the two small waterfalls in order to “escape” to the Waitomo Forest and successfully complete the journey.
The Nevis Arc swing in Nevis Canyon, Queenstown
This is sounds pretty safe right – you are strapped to a security harness and flung into the air on a swing. What could possibly be so terrifying… well, for starters, this is the tallest swing in the world set at 120 meters, which lets you suspended for 153 meters and sent flying above the Doolan’s Creek – a somewhat ragged and not quite welcoming place to be left dangling. The greatest part of this – you get to pull the lever yourself. Do it.
Exploring the Franz Josef glacier
Named after the famous explorer, the place is a real challenge for extreme hikers and people who generally like to climb atop huge frozen landscapes.
For the really dedicated, there is a full day hike organized to see you climbing up with crampons, squeeze into ice caves and wonder about the edge of the glacier at freezing temperatures for the ultimate lesson in survival.
Flying Fox – Extreme Edition
If you are thinking – hey, isn’t this what kids do, you are sorely to be disappointed (as in terrified). This is one activity in New Zealand that not many people dare, not even the natives. We are talking launching yourself at nearly 160 kmph across 175 meters of space and flying about with the Gravity Canyon.
It is an exhilarating and utterly terrifying experience as you descend across the 1 km zip line. Maybe not quite as scary as flying with a wing suit, but pretty damn close. [nofollow]
