Rotorua: Velocity Valley Extreme Rides & Freefall Drop

Summary

Adrenaline highs in Rotorua racing pods flying freefall & jet boats

You’ll race pods through open air above Rotorua farmland, float awkwardly on columns of wind, grip tight as jet boats spin you silly, and—if you dare—drop 43 meters into a double net on Vertigo. With expert instructors guiding every step and plenty of laughs along the way, this is adrenaline with a Kiwi twist you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

You open your eyes and there’s this weird mix of grass smell and engine oil — honestly, it’s the first thing I noticed stepping into Velocity Valley near Rotorua. Some kid was screaming on the Swoop overhead (not sure if it was terror or joy, maybe both), and our guide Mike just grinned at us like he’d seen it all before. He handed us our wristbands and said, “Pick your poison.” I didn’t expect to feel nervous already, but here we were.

We started with the Shweeb — you climb into this clear pod hanging from a monorail track, legs pedaling like you’re late for school. The wind whistles past and you can see sheep in the distance (classic New Zealand). My friend tried to race me but I got distracted by how ridiculous we looked suspended in these things. Then came Freefall Xtreme — standing on this giant net of air, arms flailing while an instructor named Li tried to shout tips over the roar. I think I managed three seconds of actual floating before spinning sideways. Li laughed when I tried to thank him in Mandarin — probably butchered it.

After that, Agrojet hit different. You sit low in the boat, water spray cold on your face as the driver guns it around tight corners — 100 kph feels way faster when you’re so close to the water. My hands hurt from gripping the bar but I couldn’t stop smiling. And then Vertigo… well, that’s a story. It’s a straight-up 43-meter drop into what looks like a giant trampoline net. No harness, no bungee cord — just gravity and guts. Standing at the edge felt unreal; my legs went jelly but somehow I jumped anyway. For a second there’s nothing but wind in your ears and then bounce — safe, wild relief.

I still think about that moment right after Vertigo when everything went quiet for half a beat before people started cheering again. There’s something about sharing that kind of fear with strangers that makes you laugh harder afterwards, you know? By the end we were swapping stories with another family who’d come up from Taupo for their own day trip to Velocity Valley Rotorua. My voice was hoarse from yelling (and maybe laughing too much). Didn’t expect to leave with sore muscles and new inside jokes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Extreme rides and adrenaline activities

• Choose package rides to enjoy
• Race on the Shweeb monorail
• Experience Freefall Xtreme flight
• Fly through the air on Swoop
• Ride the Agrojet jet boat
• Try the Vertigo freefall drop

Top questions

What rides are included at Velocity Valley Rotorua?

You can mix and match between Swoop, Agrojet, Freefall Xtreme, and Shweeb; Vertigo is not included in mix-and-match packages.

Is hotel pickup available for Velocity Valley tours?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

Are there any health restrictions for these rides?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

Is Velocity Valley wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Velocity Valley is wheelchair accessible.

Can children participate in all activities?

Family packages require at least one adult and one child; infants must sit on an adult’s lap for certain rides.

How high is the Vertigo freefall drop?

The Vertigo ride features a 43-meter freefall drop into a double net.

Are service animals allowed at Velocity Valley?

Yes, service animals are allowed at Velocity Valley.

How fast does the Agrojet go?

The Agrojet reaches speeds up to 62 mph (100 kph) within four seconds on its sprint course.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Rotorua’s Velocity Valley theme park with access to expert instructors for each ride experience; flexible mix-and-match packages let you choose between Swoop, Agrojet jet boating, Freefall Xtreme skydiving simulation or Shweeb racing pods—with all safety equipment provided onsite before heading home full of stories (and probably some sore muscles).