Ever wondered what it is like to be inside a washing machine? Well after Catriona went zorbing, she knows exactly!
Alongside bungy jumping and jet boating, New Zealand can claim another fun but hair-raising invention: the zorb. Most of the word came from "orb", while the "z" in front probably came about because it was the last choice in the alphabet!
You don't need to cross the Tasman to become a zorbonaut — just make your way to Queensland's Gold Coast to join the fun.
A zorb is a 3.5-metre ball with an 11-metre circumference and the idea is that you get inside and roll down a hill.
There are two styles of zorbing — dry harnessed zorbing and hydro zorbing, which does not have a harness but does have 25 litres of water creating a human washing-machine effect.
The harness ball doesn't allow you any control over where you are going; you just roll along the track, whereas in the hydro-zorb you can throw your weight around to steer.
Some families hop in together and enjoy a tandem or family ride. It began as an adult outdoor adventure activity, but has diversified and opened to a wider market, including children.
The tracks have been designed by a golf course architect. The downhill speed track for harness and hydro zorbing is around 130-140 metres long, carved straight. The 160m slalom track for harness zorbing is zigzag, so is the slower of the two.
