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17. Street Luge runs down a cement track (on the “adventure” track, not the wussy “scenic” track) at the top of the mountain, overlooking Queenstown. Although this version of Luge is in low seated positions (not fully prone as in X-games) it is still quite fun and exciting and the potential for getting air and taking crazy wipe- outs is still quite high. Pretty cool for only US$1.40 a run.

16. The ferry ride from the North Island of New Zealand to the South Island (Wellington to Picton), through stunning Marlborough Sound, with the beautiful waters of the sound meeting the emerald green mountains rising above.

15. White water rafting on class 4 and 5 rapids down the Rangitata River ouside Christchurch. Great setting to for an all around crowd-pleaser action sport.

14. A running front flip off the Ledge Bungy tower, overlooking Queenstown from the top of the 5000 foot vertical face.

Literal Leaps of Faith

When I first imagined coming to New Zealand I was already aware that it was the birthplace of bungy jumping and I was already certain that I would partake in a taste of the original (really it would be rude not to).

When I first got to New Zealand, I learned that the birthplace of bungy and the center for all Adrenaline Junky sports was Queenstown, a resort town in the mountains roughly in the bottom center of the South Island. As I learned, commercial bungy jumping was founded by the now famous A.J. Hackett and it was he who truly put Queenstown (and even New Zealand to a lesser degree) on the map – with free press/PR gained through outlaw stunts such as his 1988 illegal jump off the Eiffel Tower.

New Zealand is the most beautiful country! It really has every type of amazing terrain – tropical rainforrests, jungle mountains, volcanic / geothermal mountains and activity, amazing glacial fiords, crystal clear fresh water streams/rivers/lakes,?glaciers, green plains/forrests/hills and amazing islands and waterways/sounds. The outdoor activities are surpassed by none. It clearly has the most amazing hikes from anywhere between 1 and 12 days! Of course the people are amazingly friendly and enjoy a good time, which makes it even that more the better. And none of that even includes the crazy adrenaline junky activities (I’ve already done 3 bungy jumps, 2 jet boats, river boarding, black water caving/rafting, and a rocket ride – more on those to come). I still have 2 weeks here and am sure I will have even more amazing times!