How Velocity Valley Became New Zealand’s Ultimate Adrenaline Playground

1998: The Beginning – Jet Boating Meets Rotorua

It all started in 1998, when Simon Short, operator of Short Sprints Jet Boating, approached the team at Rotorua’s Agrodome. They were instantly intrigued by the jet sprint concept and invited Simon to visit the region.

Within a week, Simon secured land and began building a custom jet sprint track, launching Agrojet, New Zealand’s first commercial jet sprint experience.

1999 – 2007: Adding Bungy, Swoop, and More Adventure Rides

By 1999, Rotorua Bungy joined the lineup, adding vertical thrills to the park. Just six months later, the Swoop giant swing was built, giving visitors another high-adrenaline option.

In the years that followed:

• 2003 Freefall Xtreme, an open-air wind tunnel, was introduced.

• In 2007, Shweeb Racer, a world-first human-powered monorail, was added to the mix.

At this point, each attraction was individually owned and operated, with separate branding, staff, and marketing.

2010: The Birth of Agroventures – A Unified Adventure Park

A turning point came in 2010, when Bungy and Swoop were put up for sale. The owners of the remaining three attractions seized the opportunity to merge operations and streamline the guest experience.

This marked the birth of Agroventures, a single adventure hub where guests could enjoy five rides with centralized staff, pricing, and marketing. The merger allowed us to:

• Increase operational efficiency

• Simplify the customer journey

• Strengthen our brand in the adventure tourism sector

2017: Redesigning Freefall Xtreme – A Leap in Experience and Safety

In 2017, our iconic Freefall Xtreme received a major upgrade. The old inflatable structure was replaced with a modern wind tunnel, offering:

• Higher, more intense flight

• Stronger wind pressure

• A sleeker, safer design

The redesign reinforced our commitment to guest safety and cutting-edge experiences.

2020: Surviving the Pandemic – Resilience in Action

Like many tourism operators, 2020 was one of the most challenging years in our history. Velocity Valley saw extreme fluctuations in visitor numbers, from record-breaking days to total shutdowns.

It was a tough but defining moment that showcased our core values: loyalty, leadership, and long-term thinking.

2023 – 2024: The Rise of Vertigo

After plans for a refresh in 2018 were delayed by the pandemic, we launched Vertigo in October 2023 – our most ambitious ride yet. Tested in-house (with the boss as the first test subject!), Vertigo offers a new type of vertical drop experience that challenges every comfort zone.

In 2024, Vertigo exploded on social media, helping Velocity Valley gain global recognition and attract more international visitors.

Why Velocity Valley Stands Out in Adventure Tourism

Our journey from a paddock in Rotorua to a world-class adventure park wasn’t luck – it was the result of:

• Relentless innovation

• Bold reinvention every 5 – 8 years

• A deep commitment to guest experience and safety

We’re proud to be part of Rotorua’s tourism legacy and New Zealand’s adventure tourism leadership.

What’s Next for Velocity Valley?

The truth is, we’re just getting started. At Velocity Valley, we believe in pushing boundaries, both for our visitors and ourselves. With each reinvention, we raise the bar for what an adrenaline park can be.

Stay tuned – the next evolution is already in the works.