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Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Rotorua
January 21st 2008
Published: January 21st 2008
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Sat 12th Jan:
Up at 0600 as someone else was in my room. Lazed around for a while then time to get physical. Collection at 0900 for Kaitiki Adventures. First activity of the day, white water sledging! Once kitted out into the minibus and off to Kaitura River. Some land training with the sledge then a long walk with the sledge on my head, down to the river. We had to climb over a fence to the riverside, then grab the sledge, rest it on your hips, then just jump into the white water, its that easy!!!
we had to practice some rolls before we went any further and then we were off. Sledging down the rapids, all crazy stuff. Kicking back into the rapids to surf across them was great fun until it sucks you in then spits you out! This was a savage ride and all too soon, we were back on the bus to return to HQ.
Not long there and I was re-kitted, this time for white water rafting! 3 rafts, 5 in each, 2 of them containing a stag party. again we had to practice a few moves, the main one called, GET DOWN! Based on the fact that we were going to be rafting over a 7m waterfall, I was keen to get it right! Then we were off, rafting down the rapids. The stag rafts were getting thrown everywhere, spending as much time in the water as they were in the raft. We did a few smaller rapids before reaching Tutea Falls, then, over we went, fortunately not capsizing!
We stayed at the bottom of each rapid as the safety boat for the other 2 rafts. It was all running smoothly until 1 rapid where one of the rafts capsized, accidently this time and there were bodies everywhere. It was in a dangerous part of the river as we were going around a bend. There were bodies and paddles floating around the rafts but getting in between the raft and the rocksides. We started grabbing bodies and paddles and eventually had 11 in our raft. In all the excitement it was hard to see where we were going and the next thing we know, we're going down the next rapid, backwards!!!
Once in calmer water, everyone got back to the correct raft and we carried on. I think the rescue made it more fun but the whole thing was a real rush.
Once back at the hostel and all adrenalind out, I took a walk to the Mall to upgrade my knee brace and spent a chilled evening chatting to Dave. Small world, he's from Helston!!

Sun 13th Jan:
Feeling less energetic today but not wanting to waste it, took a walk down to Rotorua Lake. Had a wander around and passed the day away.
had a great afternoon and evening at the hostel, chatting to G, the owner and Hilary (New Jersey) and Dave.




Additional photos below
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Time for some raftingTime for some rafting
Time for some rafting

Warming up on the smaller rapids! Me, front right as you look at the pic


2nd February 2008

soooooo jealous!!!
I want to do this.....looks so much fun....

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