South Island Adventures in New Zealand
Flight Centre’s Sue Harriman travels to New Zealand ‘s South Island to take in some bungee jumping, hiking, a visit to the Fox Glacier and more on an adventure packed trip. She shares her experience with us:
The south Island in New Zealand is more than just beautiful scenery and sheep… it is the most adventurous place I have ever been!
Queenstown has it all! We started the adventure with a trip to Kawarau Bridge Bungy – home to the original 43m Bungy Jump. If you’ve heard of Bungy, you’ve heard of Kawarau. The world’s first and most infamous of leaps is still going strong, with tens of thousands Bungy Jumping each year. I was given the oppurtunity to attempt the jump. My philosophy is you cannot go all the way to New Zealand and not try it at least once.
After watching a brief safety video I was ready to get suited up. Standing on the ledge waiting for the 3-2-1 is the scariest feeling in the world. But once you manage your fear and dive out into the air, every minute is worth it. I cannot explain the feeling you get when you are standing on the ledge but it is like nothing else you will ever experience.
Next we went to the shotover jet , no visit to Queenstown is complete without ‘Catching the Canyons’ with Shotover Jet, ‘the World’s most exciting Jet Boat ride’ and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. My only advice if you do not want to get soaked do not sit in the back seat!
Lastly, approximately 5 hours a way is fox glacier . Here you can enjoy a breath taking guided glacier walk with New Zealand’s most experienced glacier guiding company. I upgraded my tour to the heli hike which is definitely worth it in order to get further up into the glacier and experience the ice caves.
Words cannot even come close to expressing how amazing this experience was!
There are more Bungee jumps, Canyon Swings, ATV’s and skydiving that I did not get to experience but would highly recommend.
If you are looking for a beautiful landscape filled with adventure then New Zealand is definitely the place for you!
Looking for more information on travelling to New Zealand? Contact Sue Harriman, a Team Leader with Flight Centre based in London, Ontario at our Fanshawe Park Place who can be reached at 1-866-581-7764.
About the Author
Emma Hackwood a freelance copywriter, amateur glider pilot and full-time adventure seeker, has travelled extensively in pursuit of her lifelong dream of simply seeing it all. Up to over 50 countries, she lists American Samoa and the seldom visited Marquesas Islands as her current favourite destinations, with a wandering eye on Guam and Tonga to complete her Pacific escapades.
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I can’t rave enough about the South Island in New Zealand. One of my favourite places! The scenery is stunning. Definitely hit up bungee jumping and glacier walking but I’d recommend skipping the Shotover Jet. I was very disappointed and felt it was rather underwhelming. Coupled with the price of well over $100…I’d say spend your money elsewhere.
Thanks for the feedback Arienne!
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I’ve been to New Zealand once and will admit that it was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.