Dhani Jones puts New Zealand to the Test

Dhani Jones, Renaissance man and 6' 1, 235 pound NFL linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals, wanted to test whether New Zealand could deliver on their promise of giving someone their life back.

Dhani Jones puts New Zealand to the test

Dhani wanted to see what this New Zealand Life Back Promise was all about, so he flew to New Zealand to film an episode of "Dhani Tackles the Globe." His popular Travel Channel show not only explores the way sports help to define a culture, but also discovers how locals live by Dhani immersing himself in a city.

While Dhani was in New Zealand, he visited both Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, and the spectacular Bay of Islands, just a 3 hour drive north. During his stay, Dhani met lots of friendly locals, sampled the spectacular food and wine on offer and participated in a few exceptional activities.

Dhani tackles New Zealand!

While up north in the Bay of Islands, Dhani embarked on a dolphin safari with Explore NZ. He managed to spot many of these beautiful marine animals right up close and personal. Later he enjoyed a round of golf at the spectacular award-winning resort golf course, Kauri Cliffs, which is owned by New York philanthropists Julian and Josie Robertson.

Dhani met with local Maori at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where he immersed himself in native customs. He learned the traditional Maori greeting, the Hongi, and participated in the Maori tribal war dance, the Haka, made internationally famous by the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team.

Next was conquering the mighty sand dunes of Hokianga Harbor with Crossings Hokianga. Talk about getting a workout up the hill! It was definitely worth the stunning views across the harbor, not to mention how much fun the trip down was!

Just a few miles out from Hokianga, is the Waipoua Forest considered a spiritual environment to Maori, and is home to some of the largest Kauri trees in the world. Dhani took time out to visit Tane Mahuta meaning "Lord of the Forest" which stands at an impressive 150ft tall.

Dhani fishes off Great Barrier Island

No rest back in Auckland yet. Dhani bungy jumped off Auckland's harbor bridge and went heli-fishing off the coast of Auckland at Great Barrier Island. He got his adrenaline pumping and also managed to catch a few huge snappers.

Dhani finally took some time to relax after all the excitement. He experienced the city's nightlife with plenty of award winning restaurants and bars, all within walking distance of the Westin Hotel located right on the Viaduct, a perfect location for the 'city of sails'.

"I feel like I got my life back... a truly life changing experience...I love [New Zealand] so much I might have to move there!" Dhani Jones, May 2009

Read more about how YOU can get your life back just like Dhani did