Five of the best : Ways to raise your adrenalin

Take a plunge into the Waitemata Harbour from the world's first harbour bridge bungy jump. Photo / Supplied

Get your blood pumping with these adventurous activities in and around Auckland.

1. SkyJump off the Sky Tower

SkyCity, 80 Federal St, ph 0800 SKYJUMP, adults $195, children (10-15) $145

Jump off the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere to feel yourself falling at 85kph for 11 seconds down 192m. A wire attached to your harness will bring you to a soft landing outside SkyCity's front doors. Voted "One of the best things to throw yourself off" by Lonely Planet.

2. Canyon in the Waitakeres

Canyonz, pick up from Auckland city. Ph 0800 422 696, from $175

Visit the Blue Canyon or Sleeping God Canyon in the heart of the Waitakeres to launch yourself down natural hydro slides, abseil down waterfalls and jump into crystal-clear pools.

3. Take to the skies with Xflight

500 Harvard Lane, Ardmore Airport, Papakura, ph 0800 XFLIGHT, flights start from $295

Experience the thrill of aerobatics above Auckland in one of the world's most famous aerobatic aircraft, the Extra 300. With a top speed of 400km you'll experience speed as well as loops, rolls and dives.

4. Swim with sharks

Kelly Tarlton's, 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, ph 0800 805 050, $69

Get up close to Auckland's ocean creatures with a Shark Cage Experience. Snorkel in a cage immersed in the Kelly Tarlton's predator tank and come face to face with fish, sharks and stingrays.

5. Bungy jump off Auckland Harbour Bridge

AJ Hackett Bungy, Auckland Harbour Bridge, ph (09) 360 7740, from $120

Walk part way over the Harbour Bridge to a suspended "Bungy Pod". There you'll have a cord tied around your ankles and, in your own time, take the 40m drop. If you're really game, they can rig you to touch the water of the Waitemata Harbour. This is the world's first harbour bridge bungy jump.