A couple who dramatically changed their lives to pursue global adventures experienced a surprising twist when their holiday booking for a "giant waterslide" turned out to be something entirely different from their expectations.
Radical Lifestyle Change for Travel Freedom
George and Crissa, originally from Tampa, Florida, made the bold decision to quit their jobs and sell all their belongings to embark on what they describe as "the journey of a lifetime." The adventurous pair document their travels extensively across social media platforms including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, sharing their experiences with a growing audience of followers.
Their travel journey began with the purchase of a recreational vehicle, which they used to explore North America for an entire year before expanding their horizons to international destinations. This lifestyle transformation represents a growing trend of people prioritising experiences over material possessions and traditional career paths.
New Zealand's Unexpected Attraction
During their recent travels, the couple found themselves in New Zealand, a country renowned for its spectacular natural landscapes, rich Maori culture, and status as a filming location for the beloved Lord of the Rings trilogy. The destination has long been on countless travellers' bucket lists for its breathtaking fjords, diverse wildlife, and acclaimed wine regions.
While exploring adventure opportunities in New Zealand, George booked what was described as a "giant waterslide" attraction in Rotorua. However, when they arrived at the location, they discovered that the experience was actually ZORB - an activity where participants are enclosed in a giant transparent inflatable ball and rolled down grassy hillsides.
The Reality of the ZORB Experience
In a TikTok video that has since gained significant attention, the couple documented their unexpected adventure with text overlay reading: "POV: your husband books a 'giant waterslide' then realises that means something very different in New Zealand."
The caption accompanying their video explained: "Did you know you can roll down a massive hill inside a giant inflatable ball in New Zealand? ZORB is one of New Zealand's most iconic bucket list experiences. Spinning, bouncing, and laughing your way downhill in a transparent orb. It basically feels like you're in a hamster ball water slide."
Regarding the practical details, the couple revealed they opted for the "four ride combo" package costing NZ$155 (approximately US$100 or £72), noting that several other package options are available through the official ZORB website.
Mixed Reactions from Social Media Users
The couple's video sparked considerable discussion in the comments section, with fellow TikTok users sharing diverse perspectives on the unusual attraction.
One commenter humorously remarked: "I can't explain it... but I know I would drown," while another shared their personal experience: "I've done this ... it's like being inside a washing machine very fun even though you feel like you're gonna drown half the time."
Not all reactions were positive, with one user stating: "I've done this and it was the worst experience of my life," and another expressing anxiety: "Yeah you wouldn't catch me dead in one of those. I'm actually panicking at the sight of this."
Other comments revealed more nuanced experiences, including someone who shared: "I did this back in 2018 and it was so fun! My life did briefly flash before my eyes though when I got stuck underwater beneath my two friends." Another user admitted: "I got so much anxiety doing that, felt sick, was horrible, will never do it again," while a more enthusiastic viewer commented: "Tempted to fly to New Zealand exclusively for this."
Cultural Differences in Adventure Tourism
This experience highlights how adventure activities can vary significantly between cultures and destinations. What might be described as a "waterslide" in one country could represent something entirely different in another, particularly in New Zealand which has developed its own unique adventure tourism industry.
The ZORB attraction has become an iconic part of New Zealand's adventure tourism landscape, offering visitors an unconventional way to experience the country's rolling green hills. While not matching traditional waterslide expectations, it provides a distinctive experience that combines elements of amusement park rides with natural landscape interaction.
For travellers like George and Crissa, such unexpected discoveries form part of the appeal of global exploration, where cultural differences and local interpretations can lead to memorable, if surprising, experiences that differ from initial expectations.
