Downunder Travel Insurance Newsletter

Xtreme

The term 'extreme sports' is believed to have come into use in the 1970s when rock climbing and marathon running gained popularity.

There are many opinions for the reasons why this type of sport has grown so much. Two possibilities are the increased safety of modern life spurring on a necessity to seek out danger & the development of sports technology making available to us equipment like rubber-soled climbing shoes & artificial climbing walls.

A feature of these activities is their capacity to induce an adrenaline rush but medicine claims that these highs are created by the release of dopamine, endorphins & serotonin into the bloodstream due to physical exertion and not fear-induced adrenaline.

Whatever the case, the feeling
is real and unparalleled

Go out and get some

Spotlight on:

Extreme New Zealand

In keeping with our February newsletter theme of 'extreme' travelling, we have followed up with a further issue packed full of advice on getting your adrenaline kicks.

This month, New Zealand is our country in the spotlight. 'New Zealanders are renowned for their relaxed lifestyle and their passion for the Great Outdoors. One third of the country’s landscape is preserved as conservation estate where Outdoor Adventure rules. In the adrenalin-pumping, heart-stopping realm of extreme sports, this is ‘The Adventure Capital of the World’. Professional tour operators can be found in virtually every town, waiting to transport you into another dimension of exciting holiday activity - adventure sports.' More..

sky diving
Nothing can match the euphoria of being at the top of the world and taking in the views that Aotearoa has to offer. And as if that weren't enough, you then get to jump out of a plane!

parapenting
Probably the closest thing to flying. This combination of parachute and hanglider offers a controlled descent to land as you float on the breeze.

caving
Maybe your thing is exploring caves and working your way through rock squeezes, traverses, crawls, chute slides and waterfall abseiling.

4WD safaris
Drive your way through backcountry locations that most tourists will never see. Choose the 'shiny' hassle free routes or the 'hard yakker' rough terrain alternatives.

fly by wire
You are encased in a part-plane, part-rocket machine as it hurtles around in a circle, tethered to a steel cable. Fly By Wire is a self-drive flying machine unique to New Zealand and just happens to be the fastest tethered adventure flight in the world.

glacier walking
Take a guided hike on a river of ice sliding down the slopes of the Southern Alps.

horse trekking
If you're into horse-back riding, this is just one way to see the scenery that New Zealand has to offer. Choose treks from high country and farmlands to beaches and rainforests.

hot air ballooning
A magical sky experience with a romantic edge. Have the time to take in a bird's eye view of the landscape and get the photos.

hunting
New Zealand offers some of the finest big game trophy hunting in the world. Dedicated hunters hold this country in high regard for the quality of its trophies, the outstanding alpine and forest habitats and the year round open season for deer species.

zorbing
Encapsulated in a large plastic ball, feel the rush of hurtling yourself down a steep embankment!

orienteering
This adventure sport calls for a perfect harmonious balance between mind and body. You use your mind to interpret the map and compass and your body to tackle the strenuous physical achievement of completing the course.

swimming with dolphins
Warm water for swimming amongst dolphins with the bonus of spotting orcas, whales, seals, penguins & albatrosses in the same area.

Recommended Websites -

Adrenaline Junky?
Pure Adrenaline is an extreme sports company whose speciality is providing adventure holidays from there base in Taupo, New Zealand.

Snowboarding, Skiing, Surfing -
Great site with heaps of information on Wintersports and surfing in New Zealand NZ X Sports

Bungeeeeeeeeee! -
The place where it all began! AJ Hackett Bungy

Homesick Antipodean?:
In a failed attempt to find a conclusive list of Kiwi, Aussie and South African shops in the UK we came across a website that caters to all three nationalities: Visit Sanza.co.uk for some home-grown nostalgia.

Antipo'dating':
Antipodate offers online dating and speed dating events for Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans, Zimbabweans or other Southern Hemisphere natives living in the UK & Ireland. Whether you're an Aussie, Kiwi, Saffa, Zimbo or you'd just like to meet one join for free today