TripCast360 | Jump to Adventure in Beautiful New Zealand

Our adventure travel guru Katherine Parker Magyar takes us to one of the most beautiful places on earth—New Zealand. Few places on the planet possess the blend of pristine beaches, glacier capped mountains and the most lush greenery you will ever lay eyes on.

The country is an outdoor adventure paradise. Bungy jumping from one of New Zealand’s highest bridges to Skyjumping some 630 feet off the Skytower in Auckland, Katherine did that and more. She only has two regrets—she couldn’t stay longer and she didn’t get to try Heli-hiking on New Zealand’s South Island due to inclement weather. She did test her mettle with a little hiking and driving windy mountain roads on the left—not for the faint of heart if you are used to driving on the right. And guess what? She made this journey to New Zealand by herself. Oh, and that mountain driving, Katherine tells us she went several hours without seeing a single person on the road.

If you need a good adrenalin rush, check out this video. If this doesn’t make your heart beat just a little faster nothing will.

Wait, There’s More!

Yes, there’s more to New Zealand than leaping off tall buildings in a single bound. Katherine raves about the friendliness of the Kiwi people (New Zealanders) along with the kindness extended to her by the Maori people. Their Polynesian influence can be scene and felt everywhere.

While most of you have heard of Auckland, Wellington or Queenstown, not to me missed is Wanaka. Katherine calls it the Jackson Hole, Wyoming of New Zealand. It’s a resort town on New Zealand’s South Island with its namesake lake, and spectacular snowcapped mountain views and ski areas within driving distance.

Don’t for one minute thing Katherine missed out on the finer things in life. She did a little glamping in Hawke’s Bay, tasted some of New Zealand’s finest wines, enjoyed the country’s fabulous cuisine and and participated in its robust nightlife.

Also, pay particular attention to Katherine’s adventure on Kapiti Island. It’s not to be missed.

To learn more about New Zealand and current travel protocols go to NewZealand.com.