Adventure Tourism – why NZ and Velocity Valley have it all

If you’ve ever been to a children’s playground in New Zealand, you’ll understand where the kiwi’s love for extreme adventure begins. Already from the get-go, children take on an exhilarating Flying Fox and 6-metre high Eagles Nest – big, innovative set-ups that let imaginations and little people run wild and free.  

But the fun doesn’t stop there. It’s as if the kiwis decided that adults needed playgrounds too. Plenty of open space, freedom to roam and number 8 wire mentality has helped New Zealand grow into an innovation nation, one that’s paved the way for the coolest, quirkiest inventions imaginable.  

Bungy jumping – yes. Jet boating – yup. Zorbing- of course. Shweebing – absolutely. Far flung ideas from a far-flung location at the edge of the world – the land of long white cloud is well-known for ingenuity and adventure, so it‘s really no wonder at all that this is the original birthplace of adventure tourism.  

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So where do you go to experience the best kiwi inventions? 

Full of natural wonders and adventure experiences, there’s no better place to sample the best New Zealand adventures than Rotorua – the iconic birthplace of adventure tourism. If all the geothermal activity in Rotorua isn’t hot enough for you, then you can experience adventure to the max at Velocity Valley. With a free shuttle service available from central Rotorua, transport to Velocity Valley is a breeze. 

Located in the outskirts of Rotorua along Paradise Valley Road (don’t let the sweet-sounding name fool you) you’ll have the pick of the lot with 6 adrenaline pumping rides at your beck and call. Don’t worry though, the tranquil surrounds and picturesque views will calm any nerves before you know it. And if you listen closely enough, you may even hear native birdsong as you dangle 40 metres high off the ground on a superhuman swing known as the Swoop. 

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An adventure hub jam packed with all-day experiences   

With six pulse-racing rides to choose from at Velocity Valley you and your mates can plan a full-day out here – breathing in the fresh air, soaking up the views and screaming from the top of your lungs.  

There’s also a BBQ area, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating as well as picnic tables – all of this is available for visitors to use so why not BYO and make a day out of it? And if you’ve never tried a game of giant Twister or Connect Four then you’re in luck because it’s all set up and ready for you to enjoy when you get here. 

Go higher, faster, further 

Adventure tourism lives and breathes at Velocity Valley. It thrives amongst us and can be a tad bit contagious – in a good way of course. So, for all you thrill seekers out there, here’s a sneak peek at all the adventurous fun waiting for you here: 

Shweeb Racer: For those with a competitive streak – world-exclusive pedal powered pods! 

Swoop: For the biggest rush of your life – a superhuman swing to take on solo or as a threesome.  

Rotorua Bungy: The legendary Rotorua Bungy is here for the most daring adventure seekers.  

Agrojet: The world’s first commercial jet sprint. 3Gs of force at 100 km/hr coming your way. 

Freefall Xtreme: Longer than a 12,000 ft skydive freefall, the only open-air outdoor wind tunnel in NZ. 

Freestyle Airbag: Get two hours of big air time with 3 ramps to choose from. It’s BYO bike day!