Free as a Bird

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New Zealands flagPublished: January 11th 2008Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Taupo » Ohakune
January 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
AucklandAuckland
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 TimeHaka Time
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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Martyn Robert Wood
Not much to say really, most people viewing this will already know us. Well here we go 3 lads, 3 passports 3 countries. Heading off on are extended break soon taking in Thailand(jungle trekking, Buddhist monks and the delights of Bangkok). Followed by a trip to OZ and New Zealand. Hope to keep everyone updated here also give you a chance to contact us if need be and keep is in the loop about events back home.... full info
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The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year...more info

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Cheer up mate!Cheer up mate!
Cheer up mate!

He did that exact pose for about a 100 photos what a man!
Me performing the HakaMe performing the Haka
Me performing the Haka

Im suppose to be mean, if we did that in front of an enemy i think they would just laugh and continue to hack at us!
Thermal ActivityThermal Activity
Thermal Activity

A Geyser going for it!
The PowerThe Power
The Power

Fact: this waterfall could fill up an olympic size swimming pool in 3 seconds
Ice ColdIce Cold
Ice Cold

Pre Throwing myslef 15,000 ft out of a plane
My sweet lordMy sweet lord
My sweet lord

this is so much fun not an ounce of fear
60 Seconds Freefalling60 Seconds Freefalling
60 Seconds Freefalling

i have a t-shirt to prove it!
It openedIt opened
It opened

RELIEF!





Comments
Date: 12th January 2008

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

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