Thrill seekers riding high in Taupo
14 Jul 2009
While financial swings have prompted caution and reserve in some industries, it seems New Zealand adventure-seekers are keener than ever to take the plunge and enjoy an adrenalin high.
Not only is one of New Zealand’s most popular bungy sites reporting increased growth, but it’s also about to add another extreme experience to its group of tourist attractions.
Ultimate Swing
Taupo Bungy, which has been operating in the central North Island lake resort town for 20 years, has just been granted resource consent to build an ‘Ultimate Swing’ 45m above the Waikato river.
Taupo Tourism Holdings says the new thrill-filled experience will sit beside Taupo Bungy, and should be operating before the end of the year.
Resource consent
The swing proposal has been in the pipeline for 12 years and resource consent has finally been granted with a noise level proviso.
Some nearby residents had feared adrenalin-fuelled patrons could disturb the tranquil residential area, but independent commissioners decided that any adverse effects would be minor and the attraction would have a positive social and economic effect on tourism activity in the area.
Giant pendulum
The NZ$250,000 giant pendulum swing will be suspended on double wire cables between two 20m-high frames, 140m from the bungy platform.
Taupo Tourism Holdings runs a similar giant swing attraction at Mokai Gravity Canyon near Taihape, south of Taupo, and says it estimates that up to 60 people a day will use the new swing in peak summer holiday periods.
Strong growth
Taupo Bungy has just recorded its best June on record, and is experiencing its fifth consecutive month of growth.
Figures to date show an increase of five percent on June 2008, and seven percent more participants for the year compared to the same time last year.
Scott Bason, general manager for Taupo Tourism Holdings, attributes the growth to new innovation and valuing staff.
"We’re not subscribing to the doom and gloom of the recession. We’re jumping on opportunities for growth to stay ahead of the game," Bason said.
More information:
Lake Taupo region
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