A Wanaka virtual reality experience is transforming the way people consume New Zealand scenery, activities and global experiences while providing a cutting edge educational platform for businesses and students.

Realm Virtual Reality Centre in the Spencer House mall is the first full motion virtual adventure centre in the country and is the largest of its kind in the world.

Opened six months ago by Chris Popperwell and Devon Sansbury, the virtual reality entertainment centre has ten sophisticated KatVR Infinity Platforms offering the latest technological advantages.

“This virtual space engages people in a complete new way,” says Chris. “You can experience anything from underwater sea adventures, Google Earth virtual reality fly throughs of the entire planet to climbing expeditions on Mt Everest, three-dimensional painting tutorials to combat style games and complete adventures suitable for all the family.”

The unique harness style KatVR Infinity platforms offers unencumbered playing, with users  free to move about and interact in all aspects of the virtual world from the thousands of digital experiences available at Realm.

“The advantages are no virtual walls to encounter with players suspended on each platform. This allows for running, jumping, crouching and movement in a natural free virtual environment that elevates the experience,” says Chris.

Realm has access to high end virtual and augmented content through Steam, the world’s largest virtual reality library.

Chris says the consumer-friendly games and content appeal to a wide cross section of people.

“Elderly and retired people are becoming early adopters. Being able to come here and walk through the city of Venice via Google Earth or visit the New York Museum for an hour is amazing.”

“It’s a great way to relax and socialise with friends and groups playing together with the platforms networked. We host birthday parties, competitive sports groups and students learning through virtual reality. There are also educational options being developed for businesses such as firefighters learning new techniques in a safe yet real time environment,” he says.

Open seven days from 10.00am until 10.00pm daily, Realm offers packages for locals and groups and Devon says it is a brilliant evening activity or something quite different after a day on the mountain.

“There are 20, 30 or 60-minute sessions or it’s possible to book the entire centre that all include a five-minute orientation for free. Realm is accessible for all ages from seven to 99 years old and it’s highly immersive. The virtual reality world is an incredible place to experience.”