Kaituna rafting

The day after we finished the canoe trip, we did a 2 hour rafting adventure out of Rotorua. We went down a 7 m waterfall (a little scary but we were assured that we should be fine if we tipped- 50/50 chance). Lots of fun!!

Whanganui River Canoe Trip

The Whanganui River is on the north island, and the canoe trip is part of the great walk system. It was really great to have the chance to do some "Canadian" canoeing- as they call it here. There was a fair bit of moving water on the trip- although there is ablsolutely nothing dangerous about the route if you do know how to steer a canoe. However, since most people don't, it is not surprising that many people tip in the rapids and that several people have died from hypothermia/drowning on this journey over the years. It is another reminder of how in this country (unlike in Canada), people are very much left in charge of their own safety and are usually expected just to use their own judgment. Anyway- it was a beautiful trip and we had a wonderful time! We had great weather and it much of the paddle was through beautiful native forest and gorges.

Fishing in Kaikoura

We spent Friday afternoon catching some fish on a fishing charter. Later we had an awesome fish fry and enjoyed some crayfish as well. The crew from home went on the dolphin encounter in the morning and had great time (aside from the sea sickness) getting really close to some Dusky dolphins!