New Zealand offers some of the best panoramic views in the world, which are best maximized from the sky. Early Sunday morning two different groups packed into two small planes with two very different objectives; the first being sight seeing, the second being skydiving.
The weather was perfect, with a crystal blue sky and a view for miles. One group (Ben W, Sidney, Wes, Caitlin, & Leighton) took the scenic flight over Fiordland National Park and enjoyed the scenic mountain peaks, waterfalls, and peak-top lakes. http://www.realjourneys.co.nz/ A boat-cruise through Milford Sound followed which travelled the fiord out to the Tasman Sea. With a waterfall taller than Niagara Falls, the cameras were out and people were soaking up the beauty around them.
On a slightly different note, another group (Abby, Ben K, Chris, Jen, Maggie) took the skydiving plunge at12,000 feet- and yes they are still alive to tell the tale! http://www.nzone.biz/ The skydivers were left with a bird’s eye view of glacial lakes and the Remarkables (a bit of the mountain range in the Southern Alps). The Remarkables earn their name as they are one of two mountain ranges in the world to run "true" north-south. With a 45 second free-fall and a 3-4 minute hang-glide, the jump seemed over too soon.
In the afternoon, the good times started anew and some of the same skydivers, with the addition of the PA Apple Queen, headed off to the 106m Canyon Swing through Shotover Canyon behind Queenstown (Hannah, Jen, Chris, Maggie). http://www.canyonswing.co.nz/ We showered our spectators with blood-curling screams as we fell through the canyon- and we loved every second!
And what would adventure sport be to New Zealand without bungy? With a direct fall of 134m over a wee small river flowing through a rocky valley (Lindsey) conquered the Nevis jump. http://www.bungy.co.nz/index.php/pi_pageid/29 Moral of the story, Pennsylvania farmers face and conquer their fears!
On a lighter note, the non-adrenaline seekers (Harsh family), with a few of the fiordies (Caitlin, Ben W, Sidney) headed to the Kiwi Birdlife Park and saw the rare Kiwi birds, the Kea (alpine parrot), and falcons. http://www.kiwibird.co.nz/ The Tuatara, an actual species from the dinosaur era (picture an iguana/lizard), shocked its viewers with a third eye on top of the head. A Maori cultural show rounded out the afternoon with traditional singing, dancing, and warrior cries. Good times all around today! Cheers!
Sidney and Baby Girl with the SCARY Maori. I am just about to get the "Mom..you traitor" finger point. I did mention that they were in good company...Santa got an even worse reception.
Sunday evening, after a day full of death defying events, we celebrated Hannah's American birthday with cake and classic NZ Hokey Pokey ice cream. Leftovers were finished for breakfast Monday morning.
Maggie Reid
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