My first zip lining adventure was way back in 2017 (also with Rotorua Canopy Tours), with my friend Tamizan. It came at a time when I wanted to face my fear of heights, and face it I did! It would be another two years before the Ultimate Tour was built and after seeing their teaser video, I knew I just had to do it. I bought the voucher in 2018 just before I left for Peru, so I guess you can say that this adventure was two years in the making.
Read MoreRain jackets with hoods up sums up a January summer in New Zealand these last few years. We had a big storm just a couple of days ago, so I knew the water would still be a mucky soup of driftwood, but the rain stayed with us as we kayaked around Whale Island.
Whale Island (Moutohora) is a dormant volcano (although there are active fumaroles) about 9km offshore from my hometown of Whakatane. It is currently a Department of Conservation Nature Reserve, and landing on the island is by special permit only and subject to strict quarantine conditions. Owner and operator of KG Kayaks, Kenny McCracken, is allowed to land on the island, and the tour includes landing on a couple of beaches, which includes Hot Water Beach on Onepu/Sulphur Bay.
Read MoreWe met at Rotorua Canopy Tours’ headquarters on Fairy Springs Road, where we were checked-in by super-friendly staff. There usual waiver and emergency checklist to be completed, but since I had booked and paid online, it was all pretty straight forward. Soon we were greeted by our guides who kitted us with jackets and harnesses. After a quick (and humour-filled) safety briefing, we hopped into the van and made our way to the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve, which took about 15 minutes.
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