Have you ever wondered where some of the most exciting adventure travel innovations come from? If you are a passionate traveler who loves to explore new and thrilling ways of experiencing the world, you might want to look at New Zealand.
New Zealand is a small island nation in the South Pacific, with a diverse and stunning landscape that offers a range of opportunities for adventure seekers. From the snow-capped mountains and glaciers to the lush forests and lakes, from the rugged coasts and beaches to the geothermal wonders and volcanoes, New Zealand has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or a heart-pounding challenge, you will find it in New Zealand.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the most amazing and unique adventure travel innovations that originated in New Zealand, and how they have transformed the industry and the experience of travelers around the world. New Zealand is not only a destination for adventure tourism but also a source of inspiration and innovation that has shaped the future of adventure travel.
Kiwi Inventions that Revolutionized Adventure Tourism
New Zealanders are known for their creativity and ingenuity, and they have invented or developed some of the most thrilling and fun adventure tourism activities that have become global phenomena. Here are some examples of Kiwi inventions that have revolutionized adventure tourism:
Zorb
Zorb is a transparent inflatable sphere that allows the rider to roll down a hill or on water, either inside or outside the sphere. It was invented by two Kiwis, Andrew Akers and Dwane van der Sluis, in 1994, after experimenting with different materials and shapes. Zorb has become a popular attraction in many countries, such as the UK, USA, Japan, China, and Australia, and has spawned variations such as zorbing, hydro-zorbing, and harness-zorbing.
Jet Boat
Jet boat is a high-speed boat that uses a jet of water to propel itself, and can perform sharp turns and maneuvers. I is a thrilling and versatile way of exploring the waterways, and it can access places that other boats cannot. Jet boat has become a popular activity in many countries, such as Canada, USA, Australia, and Thailand, and has inspired other forms of water sports, such as jet skiing and jet surfing.
Bungy Jumping
Bungy jumping is an extreme sport that involves jumping from a high platform, such as a bridge, tower, or crane, with an elastic cord attached to the ankles or harness. It was inspired by the land diving ritual of the Vanuatu islanders, and was popularized by two Kiwis, AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch, in 1986, after they performed the first commercial bungy jump from the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand. Bungy jumping has become a global phenomenon, with hundreds of sites and millions of jumpers around the world, and has spawned variations such as reverse bungy, catapult bungy, and swing bungy.
How New Zealand Continues to Innovate Adventure Tourism
New Zealand is not resting on its laurels, and it continues to innovate and experiment with new and exciting adventure tourism activities that challenge and delight travelers. Here are some examples of how New Zealand continues to innovate adventure tourism:
Skywire
Skywire is a hybrid of a zipline and a flying fox, that allows the rider to soar through the air at speeds of up to 100 km/h, while enjoying the panoramic views of the forest and the valley. It was invented by a Kiwi, Chris Russell, in 2006, as a way of combining the thrill of speed and the beauty of nature. Skywire is a unique and exhilarating way of experiencing the landscape, and it can accommodate up to four riders at a time, making it a social and fun activity.
Fly by Wire
Fly by Wire is an extreme sport that involves flying a jet-powered aircraft. It is currently only available in New Zealand, at the Fly by Wire Adventure Park near Wellington, but it has attracted international interest and media coverage, and may soon be available in other countries.
Canyon Swing
Canyon Swing is an extreme sport that involves swinging from a platform over a canyon. Then a freefall of up to 60 meters, and a swing of up to 200 meters. As a way of creating a new and exciting adventure tourism activity in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Canyon Swing is a daring and exhilarating way of experiencing the thrill of gravity. Canyon Swing is currently only available in New Zealand, at the Shotover Canyon Swing near Queenstown. But, it has attracted international visitors and recognition, and may soon inspire other similar activities.
Conclusion
New Zealand is a world leader in adventure travel innovations. It has many of its outdoor activities being invented or popularized by Kiwis. These activities include; Zorb, jet boat, and bungy jumping. It also continues to innovate and experiment with new and exciting adventure tourism activities. These include; Skywire, Fly by Wire, and Canyon Swing.
New Zealand is not only a destination for adventure tourism, but also a source of inspiration and innovation. Also, the country has shaped the future of adventure travel. If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable adventure travel experience, look no further. New Zealand is the land of innovation and adventure. Book your trip today with Travel Mind, and discover the opportunities and wonders that await you in this amazing country.
