WeddingMaven
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Skydive Kaikoura
New Zealand is synonymous with adventure and adrenaline.
How could I come to such an amazing country and not experience both?
I had been thinking about Skydiving since I spontaneously booked my trip to NZ but hadn't really done any research, etc. I mentioned to my Haka Tours group that I thought it would be cool and without even knowing it got booked into Skydive Kaikoura!
Sarah is a dream! She's confident, friendly and the perfect person you want to greet (& reassure you)! Henk was my Jump Master and immediately he puts you at ease! He's fun, quirky and completely LOVES his job and it shows!
It's a fantastic location, a great team and honestly I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Gorgeous mountains on one side and the ocean penninsula of Kaikoura on the other - absolutely spectacular!
I highly recommend Skydive Kaikoura whether it's your first jump (like me) or you're an experienced jumper looking for something special... that view is just jaw-dropping!
Thank you Sarah & Henk - the pictures & video are amazing and I'm so proud of my very first jump (and definitely not my last)!
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Milford Sound - Fiordland National Park ▷
Southern Discoveries / Milford Sound Red Boats
I was in such awe of the beauty found in Milford Sound that more than once I repeated "I am just so small in this world".
It was a true WOW moment for me. The crew were super friendly, incredibly informative and really worked to make sure each one of us was well taken care of. Even tho we were on a boat it was awesome how close to nature and the animals the boat actually got us and with the guide describing everything from algae and forest life to long lost birds and seals... truly memorable and well worth the drive. We did a selfdrive and it worked out awesome to get there stopping along the way for pictures as we went.
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura
This is an experience like no other in the world...
massive pods of dusky dolphins swimming over you, under you and all around you. They interact and are super playful. A highly recommended must-do in NZ!
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
ZORB Rotorua
This was HILARIOUSLY fun.
Zydro is a wet and wild ride down a zigzagged hill you'll never forget. It's like a slip n slide inside of a ball. You can't help but laugh as you stumble, fumble and slide your way down. The sensation of being "reborn" as you and the water comes out the end is even funnier. Not for truly motion sick people but serious fun nonetheless. A must-try-once-in-your-life moment. My only critique, like others - a bit pricey for what it is but hey, you only live once, right?
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Christchurch ▷
Haka Tours
Kia Ora!
If you've ever travelled with a big brand travel company and HATED the experience... you're gonna LOVE this! Haka Tours is not about making you another number but recognizes that their small groups are about the people. Like a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure book you work with your Tour Manager and fellow travellers to custom design your adventure! Personally I wanted to skydive but was nervous about it - they became my very own cheering squad and I likewise for them. With Haka you don't just walk away with great stories but with great friends and a total sense of self-fullfillment and pride. What more could you ask for? I cannot wait to get back to Aotearoa and do another tour with Haka... my eye is FIRMLY on the South Island next time!
Tour Manager, Si, is just Kiwi As. He encouraged, pushed, and supported every adventure, idea or Bucket List goal our group designed. He was EVERYTHING you want a Tour Guide to be... flexible, knowledgeable and a great guy!
Ellen & Ryan in the Haka Office were super customer service focused and every email, phonecall, etc was super enthused, super excited and super positive. Where do I sign up?
Sweet As, Bro.
Great having you Crystal - and lovely to meet you and put a face to the name! Will pass those comments onto Si. Keep in touch and come back anytime! Been loving your blog / Ellen