Zorbing: Another New Zealand Invention

Zorbing was invented in 1994 by Dwane van der Sluis and Andrew Akers in Auckland, New Zealand and is still rolling today. The invention was a plastic sphere with an inner and outer core that allows passengers to roll down a hill. The outer sphere is a shock absorber while the inner core is where the passengers are housed. A large hole in the side of the sphere allows the passengers to climb in and out of the Zorb before and after the ride. Before taking off the hole is temporarily sealed so that you can't fall out, although this would be highly unlikely anyways.

The first Zorbing site was stationed in Rotorua, New Zealand. Roturuais the North Islands tourism capital, with many other adventures to be had in this nicknamed "Sulphur City."  Upon arriving in Rotorua, it takes a few hours to adjust to the cities "rotting eggs" smell. The reason for this smell is because Roturua is situated on a geothermal hotspot. In random locations in the city you will see hot steam and bubbling mud, which in most cases are fenced off so you cant fall in. Too experience the geothermal activity you can visit Te Puia Geothermal Reserve, the Polynesian Pools, or simply walk through Kuirau Park at no cost. Now back to Zorbing...

The sport of Zorbing is simple, but each and every experience is unique depending on your preferred mode of traversing the slope. You can choose the Zydro or the Zorbit.  For the Zydro option, it is best to have a change of clothes or a swimming suit as you will be drenched upon exiting. Before going down the slope some water is put into the Zorb so when your barreling down the hill you feel as if your in a washing machine. For this Zydro option, their are four variations to be had. You can do a one, two, or three person straight track, or a solo zig-zag track. The one I choose when I went Zorbing was the solo zig-zag track. Your choice is dependent on whether you want to experience this with others, your path and your speed. The zig-zag track goes slower than the straight path but on the other hand takes longer to complete.

The second option is Zorbit. Their are no variations for this option as you will be strapped in and can only fly solo on the straight track. You don't need a change of clothes for this option as no water is involved, unless the G-Forces cause you to wet your pants.

The ride restrictions require all riders to be 6 years and older, less than 130 kg. for the Zydro, less than 100 kg. for the Zorbit, less than 250 kg. combined weight for the multi-person Zydro, and at least 1.6 m tall for the Zorbit.

The prices vary depending on your ride option and number of passengers. The more passengers you have the cheaper the individual price. The Zorbit is more expensive than the Zydro option. The prices range from $44 to $59. It is quite expensive, but it's well worth it as few places in the world offer this adventure sport.

For those of you in the U.S., an official Zorbing site was established in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee as recent as 2007. It is in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and close to Dollywood. If you want to find a closer Zorbing location, with some research you should be able to find some. Although not official Zorbing sites, you can enjoy the same experience in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Sweden, Estonia, Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Japan, India, Thailand, and Slovenia. I recently even spotted a Zorbing operation in Branson, Missouri.