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Taupo Journals

Falling for Taupo

A June 2006 trip to Taupo by NomadCamilla

Quote: Swinging from ropes, the cheapest tandem skydiving in the world, a brilliant backpackers community and nightlife, Taupo truly has something for everyone...
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Falling for Taupo Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Quote:
Cheapest skydiving in the world! This is something not to be missed! The free-fall is amazing, and somewhat addictive... For an alternative way to get your adrenaline going, try Rock n Ropes. Quick Tips: In town, there are plenty of bars and restaurants, many open to the wee hours. Brilliant atmosphere when the rugby's on (but isn't all of New Zealand). Walking by the lakeside has some brilliant views, too. Best Way To Get Around: It's easy to walk around the town itself, although the grid layout gets a little confusing. Most activities have complimentary pickup from your hostel/hotel. Big tour buses - Kiwi, Magic, Stray etc., pass through Taupo, and there are also good links ...Read More
Quote:
This is a really friendly hostel, and a great place for meeting people. Although, perhaps I'm slightly biased, having met my current boyfriend there. But from the moment I turned up, exhausted, soggy (it was raining), and cold-ridden (it was winter), I was made to feel welcome. From the free tea/coffee and cookie at check-in, to the extensive video library for cold nights in, this hostel always made me feel at home. The staff couldn't do enough for us, always up for a game of table tennis, and opening the reception when I'd lent them my last $20 as a video deposit (you get it back when you take the video back). Frequented by the Magic Bus, there is a quick turnover of guests here, and by the time ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 1, 2006

Action Downunder YHA
56 Kaimanawa St.
Taupo, New Zealand
+64 (7) 378 3311

Rock'n Ropes Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Rock n Ropes - Climbing at its Scariest?"

Quote:
Could climbing up poles and balancing across wires really be that terrifying? Yes! We booked the half-day package, which involved 4 hours of pure adrenaline. Rock n Ropes is a sort of assault course, where you climb up poles (that sway disconcertingly in the breeze) before stepping out onto high wires, rickety bridges, or slippery logs, and balancing across them. Still doesn't sound that scary? You're 10m above the ground, protected from plummeting to earth only by your own balance and your partner's expert (ahem) belaying. Then try the trapeze. This ones the clincher—you climb up a narrow pole to stand on top of it with nothing to hold on to. Then you throw yourself 2m up and out to cat...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 1, 2006

Rock'n Ropes
Karetoto Road
Wairakei, Taupo, New Zealand
64 7 374 8111

Quote:
Jumping out of a plane for the first time is always going to be a thrilling experience. So I'm not going to pretend it wouldn't have been with anyone else. But, I would recommend this company to anyone doing their first skydive. My tandem was from 12000 feet, and with handy-cam DVD only cost NZ$160. They say Taupo is the cheapest place in the world for tandem skydiving, and I'd truly believe it! The people at Taupo Tandem Skydiving were really helpful and professional, from offering free pickup from the hostel, to setting us up at our ease when we were looking a bit unsure in the plane. They even knocked down the price of my DVD because we fell through a cloud and got rain spots on the camera....Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 1, 2006

Taupo Tandem Skydiving
P.O. Box 378
Taupo, New Zealand
+64 (7) 377-0428

About the Writer

NomadCamilla

NomadCamilla
Newcastle, United Kingdom

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