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New Zealand has built a solid reputation for adrenaline sports over the years. (They did invent commercial bungy jumping after all.) Why Kiwis have such an affinity for the extreme we have no idea. Maybe they want to get up close and personal with their stunning land, gain a different perspective.
For all you adrenaline junkies out there the ‘why' doesn't matter so much, it's the ‘how' and ‘where' that will get that heartbeat racing. If you're on locum tenens assignment in New Zealand and love a good adventure, here are three extreme pastimes you can brave.
Bungy jumping at Kawarau Bridge
There's no better activity to start with than bungy jumping. And there's no better place to do it than Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown where it all started. It's a 141-foot drop to the Kawarau River below. You can fly in the face of fear yourself or you can do a tandem jump with a friend.
Skydiving over Lake Taupo
Though there are a slew of locations where you can skydive in New Zealand we recommend Lake Taupo. Not only does this spot operate the most tandem skydives each year than anywhere else in the world; it's also home to jaw-dropping scenery. As you're falling toward Earth you'll see snow-capped mountains, vast forestland and the stunning Lake Taupo itself.
Jet boating on Shotover River
Ever heard of jet boating? We hadn't either until we set foot in New Zealand. The jet boat was actually developed by a New Zealand farmer named William Hamilton back in the 50s. (Some rivers in the country are shallow and rocky so regular boats with propellers weren't doing the job.) Nowadays you can book a jet boat tour and get the thrill of a lifetime. Perhaps the most famous and most ideal river to introduce you to the sport is Shotover in Queenstown.