The excitement of our trip to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup 2011 is building. We are currently at 55 days and counting!
For my daughter Tegan, the excitement of the trip is centered around activities that I have selected for us to do while in New Zealand. It is great to hear her talk about the fun things she is excited about trying. Here are a few of the activities that she has been talking about:
Clip 'N Climb - Tegan loves climbing and she is actually quite good at it even though she only gets to do it a few times a year. These climbing centres offer unique fun inspired climbing walls and obstacles to contend with while being harnessed on a safe auto-belay device. There are centres located in Auckland and Ohakune on the North Island and Christchurch and Wanaka on the South Island.
Tree Adventures - This will be our first adventure activity when we land in New Zealand. It looks like a great way to start of our stay in NZ. If there is monkey in Tegan, it should come out here! There are minimum height requirements for the courses, harder courses require an older participant. Tegan will only be allowed to do the first 4 courses.
Hot Water Beach - The novelty of digging a hole on a beach and enjoying a warm soak in waters heated by the Earth's core is very appealing to my daughter. This is what we will enjoy after returning from our first tramp on the Pinnacles Track. We should be arriving at around 1pm on September 17th, 2011 with low tide scheduled at 3:58pm. A little early, but we need time to get out campsite booked, wardrobe changed etc...
Beware the riptides at this location, very dangerous!
Irish Dancing in Napier - We have contacted Irish Dance Hawkes Bay with a request for Tegan to stop by and introduce herself to the school. She is really excited about meeting Irish Dancers from half a world away. We are hoping to bring some gifts for the dancers from Canada to show our gratitude of their effort to involve Tegan in their classroom training.
Adventure Forest - Tegan wants to go on a zip line or as they call it in New Zealand a flying fox. We are going to try to book this for the 14th of Spetember the day of the rugby game against Tonga. I hope this works out, because Tegan has been talking about this one constantly. Looks like a lot of fun!
Sky Diving in New Zealand - When I suggested this, Tegan was all up for the challenge.
I don't think she sees it as a challenge yet.
There are a few options as far as locations to do this. I would sooner try for the Abel Tasman or Queenstown locations. I think having the Southern Alps for scenery will be better and more significant as a memory. Just found this one and it is highly rated on Rankers NZ:
Skydive Franz
Motor scooter around Stewart Island - When we travel to Stewart Island towards the end of our trip, I want to rent a scooter and take Tegan around the Island roads for a little explore. If we don't go by scooter then we will rent bikes instead.
There are some other interesting cruises available such as the Marine Nature Cruise.
I am really excited to be sharing this magical journey with Tegan. She is a great companion and absolute joy to be around. Hopefully she enjoys the rugby matches as much as I will and I certainly hope she is encouraging when I lace up my cleats for games in Whangarei and Napier.
