Taking it to the world: the 5+ Auckland Adventures have gone global! Part 2:
- whereintheworldsar
- Aug 21
- 4 min read
Now, let's race into Blo-Karts, ride some Surf and Jump Off Even Higher Things ...
Blo-Karting:
It's a bit of a hoot when you arrive at the island known as the Caribbean Netherlands and get a chance to try your skills on a Blo-Kart, only to find that it is a Kiwi couple who set up the company there, Bonaire Land Sailing Adventures.
Although it's not a long, black-beach track like Muriwai in Auckland, the circuit that you whizz around, gives an ideal opportunity to have a bit of a race with others and still gain the fun of the blo-kart experience. I was blessed with a fellow speedster in my group, who dared to overtake me on one of the bends; game on! It became a fun race between us and, let me say this, it was not me who flipped their blo-kart! This was an excursion from my Celebrity Cruise ship that I booked through Trip Advisor; transport from the ship, training and gear was all provided. Anyone can have a go at this and it is super fun. This was something that my dad had always wanted to do and I thrilled in knowing that he was also part of the ride with me. Definitely worth the trip and something unique to try in a safe and easy environment.
They also have a combo where you can learn to kite surf, should you wish to try it out. That's what I love about travelling, the many opportunities to try things and have some fun.
Surfing:
I travelled to Panama to see the Canal, mainly as a tribute to my dad who had passed through it when he was a lad immigrating to New Zealand from the United Kingdom, many years earlier... and ended up at the Beach Break Surf Camp and Resort, at Playa Venao, a five hour ride by shuttle bus from Panama City. It was a great way to see the country, a fantastic experience to be at the camp and one of my most precious memories was created there when I was walking the beach and came across some baby turtles just hatched and making there way to the sea. Magical. The surf experience was great, we stayed in a modest beachfront boutique hotel, with a pool, right by the ocean and the atmosphere was perfect. All equipment and coaching was provided. Another unique way to experience a country, and they also have on offer yoga and jiu jitsu retreats, plus excursions to explore the area further.
About 90 minutes from Oporto I did another surf camp, at the Golden Waves Surf and Yoga Lodge, in Ovar, Portugal, on the Atlantic Ocean. It also gave me a unique way to travel, surf, meet people, see the sights and do some yoga. Again, all equipment and accommodation was provided, including food and this time I was driven to the best beach each day, with the best surf conditions. With bikes also available, it was a great opportunity to also do some bike rides around the area and some beautiful beach walks.
Jumping off stuff:
You can't really beat New Zealand for jumping off tall things with a cord attached to you, so I take you to the South Island .. after-all, technically, from Auckland it is over-seas!
Queenstown is known as New Zealand's adventure playground, and home to the original AJ Hackett Bungy Jump, 43m from the Kawarau River Bridge, and sure, that is fun to do .. but to take it to the next level, try the Nevis. At 134m and with an 8.5 second plunge down to the gorge below, NZ's highest bungy even had me questioning my sanity. I will admit that my heart did flutter as I was standing looking downwards, and yes, I did hesitate, pretending that I was taking in the view; maybe I was even pushed, but anyway, off I dived ... and the rest is, as they say, history! Fantastic experience for those wanting a real thrill, yet it doesn't stop there .. also at this site they have the world's most famous swing, the Nevis Swing across the Nevis Valley and the Nevis Catapult, where you literally become a human catapult as you are propelled 100kph out 150m, like a superhero! Yes, you have to give these a go, they are all extremely adrenaline pumping and you can buy them all together as a combo. Transport, t.shirt and media pack are provided.
Internationally, I have really enjoyed canyoning, and have done a number of jumps off waterfalls and into gorges, albeit without the cord. Some friends that I made in Turkey gave me the inspiration and Slovenia started this fun activity for me, with a day-trip from Lake Bled. Wetsuits, transportation and all the safety gear was provided and I had a blast. It was freezing and I was lucky to get the last of the tours of the season but it was certainly worth the trip, plus the added bonus is that Lake Bled is a stunning place to spend time, especially if you are looking for some outdoor adventures. Tandem paragliding over the lake is fun and the views are amazing, I thoroughly recommend doing it. Bike ride around the lake, visit the castle or the island in the middle or take a day trip to explore Triglav National Park. There's plenty to do here and I loved the place .. maybe because it is known as the little New Zealand!
Summary:
I'm certainly not a professional at some of these things, but I will give it a go and I love to try things out and improve on my efforts each time. I love the outdoors, I love the water and I LOVE having fun and exploring, so get out there yourself, don't talk yourself into fear but instead, look for something that just pushes you past where you may have been before and talk yourself into the thrill of knowing that you really can do anything.
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