A flying leap forward for conservation!

Hanging upside down with my legs split flying backwards through the sunlight canopy of the ancient New Zealand forest is not usually how I would spend a Sunday. After just a few small hours with Rotorua Canopy Tours I went from being apprehensive about stepping off a perfectly good platform to being brave enough to run at full speed trying my best wonder woman impersonation flying through the trees.

Jodene at Rotorua Canopy Tours
Ready to take-off on a flight through the forest

Rotorua Canopy Tours is an exceptionally smooth operation and one that they can be proud of. I feel very privileged to be able to share my experience as I’m genuinely excited about what this product has to offer.

The staff working here are a fantastic representation of New Zealanders as a whole. They greeted us with a warm smile, handshake and friendly banter while taking the time to remember everyone’s name when they suited you up. With a short drive to our destination and a chance to get to know everyone in the group, the sheer beauty of the forest managed to remain quite hidden from the road. It was only when we ventured a few meters from the car park that this ancient forest revealed a lush green look back in time, with dense native foliage and some curious native birds which greet you before you embark on the next part of your adventure.

Ziplining at Rotorua Canopy Tours
Ziplining through the forest

Our guides Gary and Stewart shared a vast amount of knowledge about the area from old New Zealand to what they are trying to achieve now in the Dansey Scenic Reserve. There is a huge focus on conservation in this area. Bird song was once so loud in this forest it could be heard from ships out to sea, and with the introduction of four main predators these defenceless green lands slowly turned grey and the forest turned silent.

A contribution from everyone who zip lines through the canopy on this three hour adventure goes towards bringing this forest back to life and saving our native species.   So not only do you get a memorable day out, you can feel good about how you are helping to restore this beautiful area.

Upside down on the zip line
Hanging out in the forest

Standing 22 meters high above the forest floor jumping backwards off the platform, (with some encouragement) then flying 220 meters along the Tui zip line can only be described as the closest thing to Avatar you will ever get. For a small moment, you are completely immersed in the peaceful tranquillity of the forest but then able to buzz about your experience at the other end with your small group. Without giving too much away, each platform offers a different experience that enables your confidence to grow as you go along while gaining a fantastic insight into the native species in this Reserve.

Jo leaning back on a platform
Before you know it, you’re jumping backwards off a small platform

I have been involved in many activities around the country and I can see why this tour is rated the number one activity on Trip Advisor in the North Island. From start to finish this adventure can be described as flawless, allowing you to get a true look into New Zealand of old and helping to save the future of this special part of the country.


Written by: Jodene Hudson

 

Stray guest writer profile picture

Travel Mate (guest blogger)

Have you travelled on a Stray tour in New Zealand, Australia or Asia? How about creating a blog post about your experience? Or are you a frequent traveller and want to add your travel knowledge to our travel blog? Get in touch. We welcome relevant guest posts.

Recently we launched heaps new Stray New Zealand Tours. Our new Adventure Tours are the best thing since Hop-On/Hop-Off, we've cranked up the excitement dial to max. And our new Select Tours are perfect for travellers that want to explore without compromising on comfort.

Experience New Zealand's stunning diversity, from white beaches to snowy mountains and lush rainforests, with Stray.

Adventure Tours in New Zealand

Attention, adrenaline junkies and fun-chasers!

Our Adventure Tours are here to supercharge your wanderlust and quench your thirst for the extraordinary. It'll be a journey that's cranked up to eleven - the launchpad for your epic adventure and lifelong friendships.

Select Tours in New Zealand

The road less travelled - without compromising on comfort

Buckle up for our Select Tours, the trip of a lifetime. Picture this: kicking back in 3-4 star twin/double accommodation after a day of unique, must-do activities. This isn't your average tourist experience; it's an amazing experience to the heart and soul of New Zealand.

Or check out these articles for more travel inspiration

Epic New Zealand Bus Tours

Picture this: stunning landscapes, adrenaline-fueled activities, and heaps of great memories just waiting to be made. That’s the #StrayWay, where we’re all about living life to the fullest, getting off the beaten track, and embracing the thrill of the unknown. […]

Read More

Ditch the hop, embrace the top: why our new fixed tours are your ultimate Aussie & Kiwi adventure!

Remember when hunting for hop-on/hop-off tours was the vibe, like stumbling upon a viral TikTok track from the pre-pandemic archives? It was a jam for the ages! But let’s be real, after the wild rollercoaster of the past few years, […]

Read More

What is the best way to travel around New Zealand: bus, car or campervan? You’ll find the answer here!

Ever dreamt of unraveling the wonders of New Zealand? Whether you’re cruising in a campervan, zipping around in your own car, hopping on public transport, embarking on a group adventure, or catching the next bus — we’ve dissected each option […]

Read More
>
Scroll to Top