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Published: November 24th 2008
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Polly:
After a brief ski we were left with plenty of time to meander up to Taupo. As we entered Taupo there was a field by the road where a guy was hiring out Segways. We've seen people rolling around airports on them, but have never had a go before, so thought we'd try it out. It's weird balancing at first, but you pick it up quite quickly. Although, our Segways looked the same, mine went much faster than Ross'. Not wanting him to blame his tools, I suggested we swop. Easier said than done. We hadn't actually been told how to work them so when I stepped off it, it shot in reverse and was stopped by my foot/leg. I jumped back on and whizzed about a bit more, then we asked the guy if he would hold them while we swopped. He said that mine had been set to the wrong speed setting, but didn't change it. Ross looked pleased as punch as he sped of across the field before spectacularly wiping out. No injuries apart from the large grass stain on his butt. Very funny. We'd signed something saying we were liable for any damage, but cunningly
Ross had put our address as "Campervan". We left shortly after that.
That night we slept at a free camping ground by Huka Falls. It was a beautiful spot, and had a little toilet. We cooked up some noodles (yes, more Indomie) and watched a DVD. We were skydiving the next day so thought it best to have a chilled one.
It was a freezing, starry night. The stars are incredible out here, but when they're twinkling it usually means we have to sleep in thermals, wooly hat, liner, sleeping bag & duvet! The cloud of the past week had cleared and the weather was looking good for jumping. It was sunny when we woke up, so we had some breakfast before driving up to the airport.
We had both planned to do the 12000ft jump, and maybe get one of the photo or DVD options, but a very good sales person (from Plymouth no less!) sat us down and, both a bit nervous and dazed, we just nodded our heads and agreed to the 15000ft jump with the complete video footage package. We didn't just 'get the t-shirt', we got two t-shirts each! Plus we got
Lake Taupo
With Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe (aka Mt Doom) in the distance a cameraman each to jump with us and film the whole thing.
Me, Ross & a Brazillian guy called Fabio filed into the plane backwards onto benches. You take off backwards which is a strange sensation. Whilst airborne, our tandem buddies pulled us backwards towards them and strapped us on to their harnesses. Ross' buddy (Brad Rock - legendary name!) actually sat Ross on his lap and told him not to smile. I didn't get that treatment, thankfully!
Ross went first, and it was both amazing and terrifying to see him disappear out the door. I was shuffled forwards straight afterwards and then went for it myself. The freefall lasted 60 seconds, and once I'd regained my stomach and remembered to breathe, it was the most incredible experience. The breathing is a weird one because you're rushing with adrenaline, but have -20 deg C air rushing up your nose at 200 kph. I think we both screamed for the majority of it.
I haven't got a photo of it but when we get the DVD's down to size, Team X-Treme will hopefully enjoy the 'X' I pulled during freefall - quite a tricky manouver due to the
air resistance.
Once the chute opens and after the initial jolt all you feel is calm. It feels like you're barely moving, just floating gently over Lake Taupo. The views were amazing, you could see Mount Ruapehu (where we'd been the day before), hills, boats on the lake - absolutely stunning.
We both got to do some spins on our 10 minute descent, and then came in for successful landings.
I would recommend this to anyone. It is AWESOME!!!
Ross:
Skydiving has to be about the most intense thing I've ever done. It's a complete sensory overload as your body and mind tries to work out what the hell is going on. We'd previously been warned about doing the 9000ft jump because the freefall is over before you've had time to orientate yourself. The 15000ft jump gives you plenty of time to adjust to what's going on. I'm not entirely convinced that this is a good thing however...
Taupo has to be one of the cheapest places in New Zealand, if not the world, to jump due to the sheer volume of people they push out of planes everyday. The views are truly
Ross
Just before the pilot chute is released to balance you stunning.
Also, I would just like to clarify that I did not in fact scream for the majority of the jump although I was muttering quietly to myself for much of the ascent and may have released the odd whimper or two on the way out of the plane. And yes, having to sit on Brad Rock's lap was little disconcerting...
Polly:
After jumping, we drove up to see Rosie & Tom at their campsite near Mount Manganui. We went down to their local beach, a couple of minutes away, and chilled on the beach with a few beers. We then went back and Rosie cooked us dinner in their bus. It was great to see them again and see the Mount.
The next day we drove to the Coromandel Peninsular for our last night. We found a great little camping spot by Hot Water Beach and cooked up a lamb dinner with a mushroom, cream and balsamic sauce, and veggie rice. We shared a bottle of cheap bubbly and toasted the Queenie and all the fun we've had.
It was sad giving her back, but it was time for our next adventure. We
had a final merry night in Auckland with Becky & Tom before flying to Fiji...
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