Published: January 11th 2008Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Taupo » OhakuneJanuary 11th 2008
Sweet as bro! New Zealand adventure capital of the world. I am in this stunning country with breathtaking views, which seems to have a chilled out vibe and is renound for been somewhat of an adrenalin junkie’s wet dream. Bearing that in mind I decided to jump 15,000 feet out of a plane, of course I was attached to a parachute. Slightly hung-over from the night before I found myself falling out of the door of an aeroplane! Freefalling for 60 seconds it is a great feeling. I had the silliest grin on my face all the way down I just couldn’t help it, it was so cool. The parachute opens up suddenly you are suspended in the sky it’s a strange feeling floating to the ground. It doesn’t seem real but it is oh so real, I think you only realize this when you touch the earth. The experience has just confirmed how much I love flying and jumping out or off of things. Bring on the bungee! My advice if you care to listen. If you ever have the opportunity to do a skydive, DO IT! It is exhilarating, just JUMP! FEAR? The perfect place to conquer it, you


Auckland
View from a Maori Mound
will probably find that fear is a concept that does not exist, break the illusion and go for it!
Sledging if you like anything that is wet and wild this is for you. I did it in a place called Rotorua; it smells of egg there due to the volcanic activity! Sledging is basically white-water rafting on a plastic float going face down into grade 3 rapids. Amazing fun!
Rotorua is also the cultural capital of New Zealand. When in Rome! I decided to have a cultural evening Maori style, yes the haka and all that jazz. My group selected me as chief, meaning that when we approached the village, I had to face the tribal challenge. The challenge decides whether I am going to fight or just have some dinner! I am stood separated from the group, various Maori warriors run out with spears, bulging eyes and protruding tongues to intimidate you. While they did this I had to keep a straight face or risk initiating a challenge. They do the haka which is interesting to watch, after the challenge you have to greet them. This is done by shaking hands and rubbing your noses together twice.


Haka Time
I think that guy has a problem with me, to keep the peace we had to keep a straight face, it was so hard!
Don’t do it a third time otherwise you have to get married. A traditional song and dance is performed which is encapsulating and melodic. To round off the evening you are given a Maori feast (the food is lush), I was also presented with a necklace for been the chief. Chief woody has a certain ring to it, don’t you think?
Yours in Adrenalin Junkiness
MRW 11/01/08 Lake Taupo
As seen as I was drunk last night I think I should include some wise words of wisdom so here we go:
“Beer is proof that god loves us and want us to be happy” - Benjamin Franklin this guys got a bit of pedigree so I agree
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Chris
non-member comment
A chat from home
Wow Woody, I'm almost out of breath reading your latest blog. I would never dare jump out of an aeroplane, but it looks amazing! Like the pics of your New Zealand party too! It's good to have our Danny back, just like old times, and you will both soon be home too. Looking forward to seeing you both, we need a party round here. Take Care you both Lots of love Chris
From Blog: Free as a Bird