Slip on the gear and step into another world at Auckland’s Omni VR arena. You’ll run (literally) through wild gaming missions with friends or solo, guided by locals who keep things light. With all equipment provided and endless scenarios to try, it’s an experience you’ll replay in your head long after you leave.
The first thing I noticed was the weird squeak of those special shoes on the platform — not annoying, just kind of funny, like bowling shoes but way more high-tech. We’d barely figured out how to strap ourselves in before our guide, Jamie (who had this dry Kiwi humor), grinned and said, “Ready to run?” I thought he was joking. He wasn’t. The whole place smelled faintly of new plastic and something like popcorn from the lobby next door.
I picked a zombie game because honestly, I wanted to see if my friends would scream (they did). The headset felt snug but not heavy, and suddenly it was dark except for neon lights flickering around me. You can actually hear your friends through the speakers inside the headset — which made it even funnier when someone shrieked behind me. At one point I tried to reload my virtual weapon and totally fumbled it; Jamie laughed over the intercom and gave me a quick tip without making me feel dumb. It’s wild how your legs are moving but your brain is convinced you’re somewhere else entirely.
We switched games after that — tactical shooter, then some haunted house thing where I swear I jumped about a foot when a ghost popped out. The best part? You get to decide if you want to work together or just go rogue and compete (I lost, badly). It’s all right there in Auckland, at NZ’s first Omni VR station. Walking out, my heart was still thumping and I kept thinking about how real it all felt — even though we were just running in circles on a platform with strangers laughing nearby.
Yes, all necessary gear is included for your session.
Participants must be between 1.40m and 1.95m tall; maximum weight is 130 kg.
Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.
The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Yes, service animals are permitted.
No, it is not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.
Your session includes all required virtual reality gear—special shoes, headset with integrated speakers—and access to multiple gaming scenarios at New Zealand’s first Omni VR station in Auckland.
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