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Brave Ben Shephard jets off to New Zealand to check out some extreme sports
Taking some time out from ET Ben quenched his thirst for adventure jetting off to New Zealand to check out some extreme sports.
He tried and tested some breathtaking activities in Queenstown (aka the adventure capital of the world) before getting soaked in the North and South Islands!
Here’s a guide to Ben’s adrenaline packed adventure with his verdict on each activity;
The Nevis Highwire Bungy - Looming large above the rugged Nevis river the bungy’s the same height as the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge. At 134 metres it’s the highest bungy in New Zealand. But was Ben nervous on the Nevis?
Ben’s verdict: Terrifying! The worst, and even though he had to do it four times it didn’t get any easier!
Parabungy - Lifted up by a parasail (with the jumpmaster), once it’s reached optimum height of about 180 metres you’re released. The bounce back on the parabungy is nearly the same height as the actual jump. Terminal velocity kicks in and adrenaline fills the brain as you hurtle towards the water below.
Ben’s verdict: Amazing. The best way to clear a hangover - and it gives you the best views of Queenstown.
Jetboating - It's a thrilling ride in the Shotover Jet as you wind your way through the river and its spectacular canyons. The canyon walls tower over you as your driver whirls the boat around in a 360 degree spin, whips scarily close to sheer rock faces and skims around boulders.
Ben’s verdict: Really exciting. The canyon’s better than the lakes. And goading the driver gets good results!
LUGE! - Fast-paced freedom in a three-wheeled cart. You’ve got complete control with the special braking and steering system allowing you to travel as fast as you dare! Hurtle down a winding track through the pine trees, race round the bends or cruise sedately down the scenic track.
Ben’s verdict: Great fun. Even though it’s not that extreme there is potential for serious injury - or at least a few cuts and bruises.
Canyon Swing - Swing across one of the famous Shotover River Canyons. Jump from the platform and you’re freefalling 60m (200ft) down into the canyon until the ropes smoothly pendulum you into a giant 200m arc at 150kph.
Ben’s verdict: This was an intense rush. Smoother than a bungy jump it’s really good fun.
Fly By Wire - The world's first adventure flight offering pilot control of a high speed tethered plane which reaches speeds of up to 171kph and heights of up to 100 metres. Swoop and soar up to 100m high in this purpose built rocket. You’ll experience a huge adrenaline rush like no other in your six minute flight.
Ben’s verdict: Interesting. Technically it’s a lot of fun and the time goes really quickly. Definitely not one of the scariest activities I tried.
Dam dropping in Taranki- It’s a form of river surfing, more commonly know as river sledging through some of New Zealand’s most picturesque river scenery.
Ben’s verdict: Great fun – but if the water’s low it can be quite tame.
Canyoning - You get very wet as you abseil, slide, jump, swim or float through a world of water sculpted rock and sparkling, crashing waterfalls.
Ben’s verdict: The most wonderful back-to-nature experience. A fantastic adrenaline rush abseiling and climbing whilst you’re surrounded by water, noise and the woods. It’s also great value for money as it lasts a few hours. I’d definitely like to do it again.
Blokarting - Invented in New Zealand it’s a specially designed three-wheeled land-yacht. It moves pretty fast and it’s great for lovers of both speed and sailing. Ben’s verdict: It’s like dodgems but with sails and all the fun’s in crashing into each other. Like canyoning it’s something I’d love to do again.
