Velocity Valley’s 21st Birthday Celebrations
Pioneering adventure tourism is no ordinary day-job. It takes guts, vision, and epic fails to become innovators of what’s never been done before. Co-founder and Managing Director of Velocity Valley Adventure Park Simon Short has spent the last twenty years doing just that.
“All rides at Velocity Valley are either a first in New Zealand or in the world, like a new frontier for adventure seekers to discover. From the very start, we have positioned ourselves as pioneers and staying unique has been our point of difference,” explains Simon.
Since 1998, Velocity Valley, previously known as Agroventures, trailblazed adventure tourism in New Zealand with 5 iconic adrenaline fuelled rides brought to life by wit, wonder and a good dose of number 8 wire Kiwi ingenuity.
“An entrepreneurial attitude, creativity and willingness to be brave in the face of New Zealand tourism market has established Velocity Valley at the forefront of adventure experiences,” adds Simon.
Simon Short has spent the last 20 years building Velocity Valley into a pioneer destination for adventure seekers
Say hello to our Masterparkers
Velocity Valley’s recipe for success also comes down to the calibre staff onboard.
“Our staff are the heart and soul of our operation and much of the amazing feedback we receive reflects the awesome customer experience and passion delivered by our staff. We have a Masterparker title in the park that most of our staff have already achieved. This means they are qualified to personally host customers around the park as well as control each of the five rides,” explains Simon.
Our staff are the heart and soul of Velocity Valley
Unique to New Zealand and to the world
1998 Agrojet
A world-first is born – commercial jet sprint ride and NZ’s fastest jetboating experience
1999 Swoop
A first in New Zealand – a superhuman swing 40 metres high that lets you plunge from 0 to 130 km/hour in 3 seconds
2003 Freefall Extreme
New Zealand exclusive – the only place you can body fly outdoors with no strings attached and wind speeds up to 220 km/hour
2007 Shweeb Racer
First in New Zealand and in the world – exclusive launch of pedal powered pods along a monorail racetrack
2016 Freestyle Airbag
Purpose built airbag is New Zealand’s first bike airbag to allow bikers to train freestyle tricks from one of three ramps – beginner, intermediate or advanced
Our Freestyle Airbag is perfect for any biker and skill level to practise freestyle tricks
We Share, We Care, We Dare
Manaakitanga (hospitality) and Kaitiakitanga (guardianship) are powerful Māori concepts that underpins the values upheld at Velocity Valley and expressed in the following ways:
We CARE for the environment and take great pride in being Kaitiaki for the sky, the waterways and the land we use. We have taken active measures to minimise the impact we create which we invite you to learn more about below.
We SHARE our journey with you and hope you will adopt basic measures to lessen the impacts you may have on the environment. Our sustainability will be an ongoing journey, improving with both time and experience.
We DARE you to make simple environmental changes within your own lives and become Kaitiaki of the land we know and love. Not only for those living here in New Zealand but also to our Manuhiri (visitors) from near and far.
Velocity Valley’s social impact
From the Ronald McDonald House to the Rotary Ambulance Fundraiser, Rotorua Boys High Basketball and NZ Womens Rafting, Velocity Valley provides over $12,000 worth of park rides and vouchers to support nationwide charity and local community groups and schools.
“One of our most memorable events has been hosting SCOUTS Australia biannually the past four years. They hire the whole park for the day and 600 scouts descend upon us, with access to as many rides as they wish – with most scouts having a go at each ride four times in total. It’s an unforgettable day out for all, with past and present staff coming together to make the day that much more special for these young people,” Short says.
21 years young
This month marks Velocity Valleys 21st birthday anniversary with month long celebrations, special offers and giveaways underway.
For more information:
Debbie Guptill
Sales and Marketing Manager
debbie@velocityvalley.co.nz
021-782 777
