White water rafting
Trip Start
Jun 06, 2006
1
53
83
Trip End
Dec 16, 2006
Turangi, New Zealand
Saturday, October 14, 2006
We got up to the moutnian quite late so I just chilled at the resort - wasnt worth it to rent everything and pay so much $$ for a half day- but there was a race that afternoon and everyone was really excited for it- typical New Zealand- the race was to ski/snowboard to the bottom, hop on your bike and ride down the mountain, then run to the local pub and chug a beer! It was all for good fun (to watch and cheer on!) and then there was a bar-b-que afterwards. Greit, Tom, Todd and I danced to night away as we extended our visit together as long as we could!!
The next day the weather was rubish so we were thinking what to do- a long list of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, fishing, etc. came into mind, but first i had to figure out how to get to Auckland to meet a freind the next morning. SO, we went to the local cafe/hostel to buy a bus ticket and ofcourse I opened my big mouth to a nice older man and asked if he was going to Auckland- and low and behold- he said "Yup!"
So there it was, once again, my ride worked out and it was that simple--- but first he said "I am with a group of people going white water rafting and to some hot springs after- if you would all like to join than we´d love to have you! Then I´ll you can ride to Auckland with us!" WEll, off allt he outdoor adventures on our list we had not thought of white water rafting (considerign the water temperatures!!) BUT, the idea was grand and it was what we were supposed to do at that moment- so we all jumped at the opportunity and had a blast!!!!!!!!!
I had not had a river experience yet in NZ so I was thrilled so see the scenery and be on the water - it was so perfectly clear with huge brown trout swimming under us, everywhere! we had a great guide and the rapids were like nothing I experienced in the States- there were over 50 rapids and they were all class 3-4. In full wet suits Greit and I got pushed in the water numerous times! After we crusied on the river we headed to the hot springs to warm up and had some tomato soup- then I sadly said goodbye to Greit and Tom and Todd!The lovely tour director gave me door to door service back to the logde in Auckland.
I know Greit and I will see each other again- and Tom is coming to California in Feb!!
