Top 3 No Sweat Summer Activities to Beat the Summer Heat

I have always imagined that water activities are for buff people who love to take the water adventure rides while flexing their muscles. Poor couch potatoes like me are left awe-struck with the athleticism they show when they flip on their wakeboards and skim the waves with their surfing boards. This has left me thinking, are there water adventures out there that are fun and do not need a lot of training nor a lot of skill?

In Auckland, you don’t have to look far because there are a lot of fun water activities that will guarantee shrieks of excitement and a dollop of laughter.

1. Inflatable Water Tube Rides

Skill needed: Able to hold on tight on a handle or your seats and scream joyous fun while riding the waves.

Adventures Today described their selection of inflatable water tubes as “… great fun for all ages and levels of experience. One of our instructors will give you a short on-land briefing and then off we go. Our rates are per hour and not per person so you can share the cost, making this option great value for money. We can interchange people as often as you like and some of our inflatables take two people so in one hour several people can have a go.”

$155++ for 1 hour rides and $278++ for 2 hour rides, this is one water adventure that you do not want to miss. Departure times vary and it is best to check for bad weather before giving it a go. You might want to try the Sumo – the most difficult inflatable since you need to be confident in the water and reasonably fit because you have to hold on to the rope as a vessel pulls you out of the water. For the faint of heart, the Biscuit will do.

2. Whale and Dolphin Watching

Skill needed: Ability to capture photos moving objects would come in handy

The Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari will be at the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park. This maritime park is biologically and geographically diverse, over 25 of the 37 southern hemisphere marine mammals have been identified in this marine park, making up almost a third of the world’s population of species.

Boosting views of dolphins at 90% of the trips and whales at 75% aboard the luxury 20m high speed catamaran, the fee of $155 for adults and $105 for children is worth every buck. Details are available at ExploreNZ.

3. Waterfalls Dipping

Skill needed: Ability to jump into the water and take a bath without a soap; basic swimming skills if you are at the deeper end

Auckland has a lot of nearby waterfalls.  There is such a wonderful delight when you are under the rushing water. Hunua and Kitekite Waterfalls are one of the best picks. Hunua Waterfalls l is located 60km from the Auckland CBD and its beauty is worth the trip.  Kitekite Waterfalls is a scenic 3-tiered waterfalls.

Some take treks or short walks to the waterfalls and peak season is during the summer.

Photos by Flickr: Water Tubing by Star5112, and KiteKite Waterfalls by Scott Davies.