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New Zealand is known as an outdoor adventure paradise and is a fun-loving country. It is full of adventures just waiting to happen in its grand outdoors. New Zealand was the first country to start commercially kicking tourists off its bridges (bungy jumping at the Kawarau Gorge at Queenstown was the first). New Zealand was also the first country to start tumbling its tourists downhill in giant zorb balls.

Zorbing is a rather unusual pastime and one that many may want to try at least once in their lives. Zorbing is one of the more niche sports to enjoy in Tennessee's Pigeon Forge at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. But it started in New Zealand, and the first and largest zorbing park in the world is Zorb Rotorua.

Zorbing down a hill
Pixabay
Zorbing down a hill

Why Zorbing In Rotorua Is A Must

Zorb Rotorua is located in the provincial city of Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island. Rotorua is famous for being a geothermal wonderland with many hydrothermal attractions to explore - like boiling mud pools, geysers, hot springs, and the famous neon green-colored Devil's Bath. Rotorua is close to the massive caldera lake, Lake Taupo, and the otherworldly Tongariro National Park and its internationally acclaimed crossing.

But Rotorua is not all about its geothermal marvels. Zorb Rotorua is the largest ball rolling park in the world and is operated by the inventors of the activity (the inventors and owners are Andrew Akers and Dwane van der Sluis, who came up with zorbing in 1994). Imagine the sensation of rolling downhill in a giant inflatable ball. The first commercial zorbing took place at this site in 1995.

The sport is designed to be suitable for year-round fun for (almost) all ages. It is a fun activity for couples, groups, and families alike. It's almost like a slide - but there's no actual tumbling involved, just a lot of slipping and sliding.

Related: This Is How Long It Takes To Hike Tongariro Crossing (And How To Complete The Circuit)

Devil's Bath, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland near Rotorua
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Devil's Bath, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland near Rotorua

The Four Zorbing Tracks Of Zorb Rotorua

Some 40 liters of water are added to the zorb ball (warm water in the winter and cool water in the summer). Winters are mild in New Zealand (especially on the North Island), so zorbing can be enjoyed in the winter as well. They also have three hot tubs to keep people toasty and toasty in between the rides (plus a sauna). They have four tracks to select from depending on one's sense of adventure (or just try them all out).

Mega Zorb Ride:

The Mega Zorb Ride is the fastest and the steepest of the rides. Start high up on edge and feel the world disappear as one plummet on the craziest track in the largest zorb park. The ride also has great views of Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island. These rides have a max of three riders.

  • Length: 300 Meters
  • Note: Steepest and Fastest

Sidewinder Zorb Ride:

The Sidewinder is the twistiest of the rides and the longest ride in the world. It has six corners, with the riders never knowing which twist is coming next.

  • Length: 350 Meters
  • Note: Longest Ride & 6 Turns
Zorbing down a hill in New Zealand
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Zorbing down a hill in New Zealand

Big Air Zorb Ride:

Big Air has its riders holding on tight as they fly down three massive drops, around sweeping corings, and swinging around the bends.

  • Length: 300 Meters
  • Note: Three Drops

Dual Straight Zorb Ride:

The Dual Straight is the shortest and great option for those not wanting to go too crazy. It is suited for those wanting a ride on their own or with two or three friends.

  • Length: 250 Meters

Related: Everything You Need To Know About New Zealand's Great Walks

What To Know About Planning A Trip To Zorb Rotorua

Zorbing at Zorb Rotorua is an activity almost everyone can enjoy, with a minimum age of only 5 years old. Zorbing is sure to be one of the most unusual days in New Zealand and will offer some of the more impressionable memories of one's time in the country. While New Zealand is sought after for its hiking and mountains, the Kiwis know how to have plenty of other kinds of fun too.

Zorbing in Rotorua
Shutterstock
Zorbing in Rotorua
  • Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Daily
  • Season: Year Round
  • Address: 525 Ngongotaha Road, Rotorua

The cost for a single ride ranges from $NZD 40 ($USD 25) to $NZD $NZD 75 ($USD 50) per person. But one ride will never be enough, and so everyone should plan on booking one of the package rides and enjoy two, three, or four of the rides while there. Ride all four of the rides in their VIP Combo deal (complete with a complimentary t-shirt) for $NZD 170 ($USD 110).

Come away from Zorb Rotorua with shorts, a t-shirt, and a towel for only $NZD7.00 ($USD 4.00) per person.

Note that Zorbing may not be suitable for some people, including pregnant women, those over 135 kilograms, those with recent injuries, high blood pressure, or some other medical conditions.