Visiting Huka Falls and Taupo for A Bungy Jump

A popular tourist destination, Huka Falls, was the place we visited before we arrived in Taupo downtown. They’re picturesque waterfalls set on the Waikato River that flows into Lake Taupo. Along the river, there’re some wide and narrow canyons perform the different levels of water flow.

The overwhelming cataract of Huka Falls

Huka Falls sightseeing at the lookout

 

A bridge over the narrow canyons

Jet-boating adventure apart from the falls 

Afterward, we left to Taupo city and later we explored the Lake Taupo as the largest lake in New Zealand. Again, we had a nature experience at one of the lakesides. It’s a leisurely pastime to rest and enjoy the quiet and soothing views on the sandy beach.

Taupo is well known for its adventurous activities and bungy jumping was the one interested me the most. I actually longing for a bungy jump long before but I haven’t had a chance yet. Hence, I planned to experience it in Taupo when it’s summer. I knew I was worried about the safety of the game, thus I checked for more information of the Taupo Bungy. My worries simply had gone when I found out that there’s no any demise cases happened in the history. When we’re in Taupo, we went to the bungy jumping site a day ahead of my real jump as we wanted to know the prerequisites we have to fulfill. Well, the minimum weight for all jumps is 45 kg and the minimum age to participate is 10 years old. Moreover, we also wished to feel the atmosphere and tested if we really could go for it. Three of us, but only one of my friends and I booked at the counter.

Taupo Bungy over Waikato River

The next morning after we had breakfast, we headed to the Taupo Bungy site. After some procedures, we got the queue numbers and lined up for a jump above Waikato River. I was excited but also somewhat nervous at the beginning...some participants were very daring to jump but some as if too afraid and regret to challenge. My friend asked me to jump after her and I agreed. Perhaps it's due to the long waiting; I didn't feel any fear when it's my turn. I seemed relax when the crew got me prepared. Slowly, I stood up from the seat, with my tight blouse, short pants and bare foot moving few steps towards the edge of the cantilever platform. I waved my hand and smiled facing the camera, as if I’m calm. After the crew commanded 3…2…1, I opened my arms freely and jumped from the 47 m height cantilever platform.

Participants were waiting at the cantilever platform from the jump

Frankly speaking, it’s very scary during the very first few seconds of the jump but I was all right and turned to be extremely excited after the moments past. I felt my flying as if a Super-girl! Soon after the jump, a boat came and picked me up back to the riverside. Wow! I finally did a bungy jumping and I felt myself extremely confident at the moment. Salute to myself!


At the end of the adventure, we went to collect our certificates, paid photos and videos before we left the site.


Taupo Bungy
Location: 202 Spa Road, Taupo.
Tel: (07) 377 1135
Website: www.taupobungy.com
Opening hours: 9.30am-4.00pm(weekdays)
9-5pm(weekends & in winter)

Continue the Journey to Arrowtown and Wanaka from Queenstown (Day 8)

In the morning, I drove the car to Queenstown inner city and around Lake Wakatipu.

I parked the car at lakeside, so that Yen and I could take more photos of the picturesque Lake Wakatipu and surrounded area. The sceneries were so marvellous!

The sky was clear and the air was so fresh. In addition, we appreciated the calming and relaxing atmosphere…

There’re more scenic landscapes along the way driving from Queenstown to Arrowtown.

It took less than half an hour before we stopped off Arrowtown on the journey to Wanaka. Set in the region of Otago, Arrowtown in the past is popular as gold mining town that attracted the European and Chinese miners.

Today, this little town becomes a holiday attraction and recreational destination for locals and international visitors. It’s a prestige to the locals when some series of the movie ‘Lord of the Rings’ were taken in and around Arrowtown.

Simply take a relaxing walk and you’ll be amazed by the unique ambiance in Arrowtown. My friend loved the surroundings especially those 2 rows of tall trees along the street.

We visited the fascinating history of early settlement - Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. We entered the preserved old structure Ah Lum’s Store and reflected their living in the past.

Chinese settlement in Arrowtown

The outlook of Ah Lum's Store

Walking along the main street, Buckingham Street, I found the attractive Remarkable Sweet Shop. We continued our journey after I bought some sweets from the shop.

Sweet Remarkable Shop

We stopped off again and wanted a sightseeing of bungy jumping from the bridge over Kawarau River.  This Kawarau Bridge Bungy is distinguished as first commercial bungy site in the world.

In truth, bungy jumping was the thing I wish to do all along while in New Zealand. However, the cold weather depressed me and held me back at that moment. Be honest, it's quite scary seeing the people jumping from 43m high. Anyway, I did it later in Taupo, North Island.

Took a deep breath, we got back to the car and I continued to drive to Wanaka.