Action highs for adrenalin junkies in Auckland

Like a bit of physical adventure? Check out what will set your adrenalin pumping in the recreation section of 'The New Zealand Herald Guide to Auckland 2004'. Here's a sample for those who like to be up, up and away.

SKY TOWER JUMP

Ever wanted to jump from a high tower like Superman and land safely? Adrenalin junkies in Auckland City do it from the 192m-tall Sky Tower, described as the highest land-based jump in the world. Not quite bungy jumping, but rather base-jumping - you are launched in a full body harness clipped by cable to a wire, to make a controlled 75km/h, 18-second descent, slowing down to a soft landing as the cable drum unrolls and meets air resistance.

Open every day except Christmas day and New Year. Last jump around dusk. For people over 10 years (written parental consent needed for children 10-13 years) in good health and under 120kg.

All equipment including jump-suits supplied - wear suitable footwear. Cost is $195, incl GST. Student and backpacker concessions available.

Sky Tower, cnr Victoria and Federal Sts, Auckland Central.

Visit the website or phone 0800 SKYJUMP (0800 759 586).

BALLOONING

Get away from it all in a beautiful balloon. Two companies offer roughly the same deal - a dawn flight of about an hour floating gently over the countryside followed by a champagne brunch. Flights operate all year (subject to weather), generally at the weekends only except during the busy season, which runs from Christmas until late March.

Balloon Safaris NZ Ltd

Flies mainly in the rural North Auckland area, south of Kaukapakapa and Orewa, but flights in the South Auckland area can be arranged. Costs (subject to change): adults $250, children 8-13 $175.

PO Box 300-065, Albany.

Visit the website or phone 415 8289.

Balloon Expedition Co of NZ Ltd

Based in the northwest of Auckland. Flies around West Auckland, city and harbour. Bookings essential. 150 Moire Rd, West Harbour, ph 416 8590. Costs (subject to change): $230 a person.

PARAGLIDING

If you have ever fancied running off a hill and soaring like a bird, this could be the adrenalin rush for you. It's pretty technical, but if you do a tandem flight, you don't have to worry about thermals and things. A one-day course will teach you all you need to know. Unlike parachuting, you can stay up for hours if you have the expertise.

SkyWings

35a Gollan Rd, Mt Wellington. Costs: tandem flight $120, one-day introductory course $190.

Visit the website or phone 570 5757.

Wings & Waves

4 Sir Peter Blake Pde, Bayswater. Costs: tandem flight $120 for 20-30 minutes, one-day introductory course $190, kite-surfing lessons $160.

Visit the website or phone 446 0020 or 025 727 013.

PARACHUTING

If you're over 16, you can jump out of a plane strapped to an instructor. Once the terror of exiting a plane at 3500m and freefalling for 1500m (almost a minute) is over, you'll love the feeling of gliding in a controlled manner towards the ground.

Alternatively, try a solo static-line jump from a large ram-air chute, which is very manoeuvrable and opens automatically after three or four seconds.

Skydive Parakai

Parakai Airfield, Greens Rd, Parakai, PO Box 146, Helensville (just 40 minutes North of Auckland's CBD), Ph (09) 420 7327 or 0800 4A JUMP. Tandem skydives offer you an opportunity to go totally wild, yet feel completely safe (these experienced hands have been throwing people out of planes since 1986). A jump makes a unique gift to loved ones, or treat yourself to an experience you'll never forget.

* The New Zealand Herald Guide to Auckland 2004 (Penguin $16.95, available all bookstores).