My first white water rafting experience was hardly heart-pounding, however it enticed me to try the sport again, which I did when I visited New Zealand, where there is no shortage of wild waters to get that spine-tingling ride. I chose the Kaituna River, which is perhaps New Zealands bumpiest raft ride, with 15 drops in 40 minutes, including the 7m plunge over Okere Falls. After 15 minutes of brief instruction I took to the river with my five other crew members, four of which were also amateurs. When we reached the plateau before the 7m drop, nerves were at a high, and the explosion of adrenalin which resulted when we plunged over the edge was immeasurable. There was no time to catch our breath, however, and we quickly corrected our positions in order to navigate the approaching series of rapids. I fell in further down the river, which was no major drama since you get kitted out in buoyant wet suits and life jackets, however, I did not find it quite so easy to haul myself back on board, and had to get assisted, less I should remain dangling over the side of the raft as we were tosses over the next set of rapids.

Where to go and how much to pay:
New Zealand is rightly recognised for the abundance of magnificent rafting rivers, and the cost ranges from around $75 to $135 (NZ), depending on whether helicopter access is involved. You can also experience top quality rafting around the Himalaya's, prices are especially cheap in Nepal.