Thrillseeking Rotorua

SOAR THROUGH THE FOREST ON A ZIPLINE, VENTURE OVER THE TREETOPS OR HURDLE DOWN THE HILL IN AN INFLATABLE BALL. ROTORUA DOESN’T LIKE YOUR HEART TO BEAT AT RESTING SPEED.

1. TIME TO ZORB

Commonly known as zorbing, it was right here in Rotorua where the concept was first devised. Choose from four different tracks and roll down Mt Ngongotaha in a giant inflatable ball. Zorbing might now be a worldwide activity, but Rotorua is still the only location in New Zealand where you can try it.

2. ARE YOU READY TO SHWEEB?

As the only pedal-powered monorail track in the world, shweebing is one of a kind in Rotorua. Give it a go in Velocity Valley, the city's white-knuckle adventure park. There are also giant super swings, bungy jumps, simulated skydives and jet boats that deliver 3Gs of force and 360-degree turns.

3. ROTORUA CANOPY TOURS

Explore the canopy tops of an ancient native forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours on a zipline adventure of a lifetime. During your three-hour Canopy Tour you’ll be guided through the magical Mamaku Forest on a 1.2km network of six ziplines, swing bridges and treetop platforms up to 22 metres high in the canopy of an ancient native forest. Keep an eye and ear out for robins, kererū, tomtit, tūī, bellbirds, whiteheads, kaka and fantails. Around 20 per cent of the forest is free from pesky predators and the aim is to return the ecosystem to the one Captain James Cook discovered when he first arrived in this country in 1769.

Seeing breathtakingly beautiful forest flora from a bird's-eye view is pretty spectacular.

Zipline, Rotorua

Destination Rotorua

ABOVE MAIN IMAGE: Velocity Rotorua © Destination Rotorua

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz/Hotels