AJ Hackett Bungy, Auckland Harbour Bridge:
It's true that AJ Hackett rules the air-waves when it comes to bungy jumps in New Zealand, with four locations. This one is a 40m-high jump from the Auckland Harbour Bridge that includes a walk beneath the traffic to reach the bungy pod. If you are pushed for time, then
this is the fastest and most exciting way to see the Waitemata Harbour. bungy.co.nz
Horse riding, South Kaipara, Helensville:
This is a family-run one-night, two-day horse trek that begins with an easy Woodhill Forest ride to the lakes. In the afternoon the forest tracks open on to an historic farm. The night is spent in shearers' quarters that sleep up to 12 people in six rooms. The return journey takes you to the tip of the South Head peninsula. Crossing the wilderness flats, you can then ride on sand dunes up to 20m high. The last leg is along 16km of Muriwai Beach before re-entering Woodhill Forest.
horserides.co.nz
Sailing America's Cup yachts, Waitemata Harbour:
Very few of us will ever take part in an America's Cup yacht race, the world's oldest sporting event, but the next best thing is to go out on one of Sail NZ's yachts. These former America's Cup yachts offer the opportunity for everyone to participate in sailing one of these grand prix racing machines. You'll be part of the crew and encouraged to take the helm and work the grinders as both yachts tack against each other down the Waitemata Harbour.
sailnz.co.nz
SkyWalk, Auckland Sky Tower:
Look Mum, no hands. Yes, this little escapade might put the wind up you as there are no guard rails, just the air that you breathe 192m up on the 1.2m wide SkyWalk outer ledge. If you want to experience life on the edge then give this a try. It's a 360 degree walk around the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere. If you have the nerve, you can hang your rear-end off the edge with just the harness holding you aloft.
skywalk.co.nz
Whale and dolphin watching, Hauraki Gulf:
Established in 2000, the Whale and Dolphin Safari record says it all. It claims dolphins are seen on more than 90 per cent of trips and whales on 75 per cent of trips. Once on board the crew will search the Hauraki Gulf until they find whale and dolphin activity. They specialise in making the most of a day out on the water. This is not a swimming experience, just a chance to view the hugely diverse range of mammals.
whaleanddolphinsafari.co.nz
* (Ideas from Shane Boocock's book The New Zealand Adventure Guide).
