Excitement and Not So Cheap Thrills

As one of our missions on this trip is to keep the tourist industry well and thriving we kept with tradition and did even more exciting and expensive trips. The first of these was a white water rafting trip down the Kaituna River. While originally from Idaho, a land of raging white water rapids, we were drawn to this trip with the promise of a 7 m (~23 ft) waterfall drop.

A sample rapid in the Kaituna River

Arriving at the river, we were again outfitted in wet suits, and this time also boots and warm top layers. After carrying our raft down to the river (down a very slippery hill, which resulted in me slipping and sliding on my butt nearly into the river) and a quick explanation of how and when to paddle we were off to our first water fall.

The first drop was not very high, just enough to get us a little more used to things. While we were able to deftly maneuver our raft correctly down the first drop, we accidentally got turned around for the second and took it backwards in style. Since we were now experienced veterans we were now ready for the 7 m (~23 ft) waterfall.

Waterfall on the Kaituna River

This waterfall was much bigger than the first two (obviously) and we were completely vertical in the raft as we went over the edge.

I would like to point out my superb form, head ducked and all.

Not too shabby.

Following our waterfall experience we did a little 'river surfing'. River surfing is where you paddle as hard as you can into the base of the waterfall, as if you are trying to go back up the falls. This results in the front of the raft being sucked up and down and a very bumpy and enjoyable ride.

Here is our best scared faces we could muster, apparently mine was a split second late.

The front of the raft gets absolutely soaked, yeah for Brooke and Bree.

It was on a river surfing experience that our guide told us to 'wave to the camera', obediently, we all waved, smiled, coo-d - and acted like wonderful tourists. During the waving, Brooke had momentarily chickened out and was grabbing for the raft when the guide yelled out 'keep waving', reluctantly, Brooke began waving hysterically, only to at that exact moment hit a large upsurge and was knocked from the raft into the waterfall.

Woman overboard!

As our guide had instructed us previously, in the chance that you fall out of the boat, immediately roll onto your stomach and swim to shore as fast as possible to avoid going over the next waterfall. Brooke remembering these instructions, immediately began paddling to shore. The guide however, quickly shouted out instructions for us to grab her, and luckily for Brooke (and Bree and my muscle ego's) James was able to grab her out of the river and scoop her back into the raft.

While it was fortunate that Brooke fell out on the same side as James, it would have been absolutely brilliant if she had been on my or Bree's side, as any attempts made by us to rescue her would most likely have resulted in another one of us also falling into the river.

Following our eventful rafting experience we headed to the Rotorua Luge's. While Brooke and Bree had done the luge in Queenstown, we had been repeatedly informed that the luges at Rotorua were much better (aka faster, more dangerous, exactly what we were looking for). As it was fast approaching sunset, we opted to take the gondola and purchase a 5 run all inclusive gondola/chair lift package.

Of course we took photos on the gondola, we are tourists remember?

Hot helmets eh?

The luge at Rotorua held up to our expectations and the next hour was filled with ridiculously fast rides down the concrete tracks. Luckily for us, there was no major accidents, though I did have a small run in with Bree's kart, resulting in only minor damage to my kart...

On your marks, get set... GO!

Looking fabulous in this summer's latest fashion

Following our night time luges, we decided to have one final soak in the thermal water, as we were completely frozen from the rides. The best part of this was our dress, or lack thereof in getting to the hot pools.

Check the kicks

Needless to say we caused a bit of a stir in the hallway and elevator.