I had a few quiet days but plenty of office work to catch up on. But on the 5th I got a call from Brooke from Mount Backpackers who had two interested in going for a kayak. We scheduled for 1pm and on my arrival to Pilot Bay Tom and Sophie from Christchurch NZ were there waiting for me. (I was early too) After a quick safety and technique drill we were off out around Mt Maunganui and heading out the entrance to into the wide open sea. There was a bit an onshore wind so the ocean conditoins were a bit rough but after giving our offering of bread to Kuia Rock they reassured me they were keen to carry on so that's exactly what we did. I have done this tour countless times and never get sick of it. It is always different, conditions are never the same and you never know what you might come across. With visitors to our shores including dolphin, penguin, Orca and seals there is always that unknown. tom and Sophie were pretty fit and we timed the tide perfectly so we had a bit of time on our hands and stopped off at Matakana Island to stretch our legs. Sophie took over the reins on the way back steering their kayak safely home.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Short and Sweet
5th Feb 2009
I had a few quiet days but plenty of office work to catch up on. But on the 5th I got a call from Brooke from Mount Backpackers who had two interested in going for a kayak. We scheduled for 1pm and on my arrival to Pilot Bay Tom and Sophie from Christchurch NZ were there waiting for me. (I was early too) After a quick safety and technique drill we were off out around Mt Maunganui and heading out the entrance to into the wide open sea. There was a bit an onshore wind so the ocean conditoins were a bit rough but after giving our offering of bread to Kuia Rock they reassured me they were keen to carry on so that's exactly what we did. I have done this tour countless times and never get sick of it. It is always different, conditions are never the same and you never know what you might come across. With visitors to our shores including dolphin, penguin, Orca and seals there is always that unknown. tom and Sophie were pretty fit and we timed the tide perfectly so we had a bit of time on our hands and stopped off at Matakana Island to stretch our legs. Sophie took over the reins on the way back steering their kayak safely home.
I had a few quiet days but plenty of office work to catch up on. But on the 5th I got a call from Brooke from Mount Backpackers who had two interested in going for a kayak. We scheduled for 1pm and on my arrival to Pilot Bay Tom and Sophie from Christchurch NZ were there waiting for me. (I was early too) After a quick safety and technique drill we were off out around Mt Maunganui and heading out the entrance to into the wide open sea. There was a bit an onshore wind so the ocean conditoins were a bit rough but after giving our offering of bread to Kuia Rock they reassured me they were keen to carry on so that's exactly what we did. I have done this tour countless times and never get sick of it. It is always different, conditions are never the same and you never know what you might come across. With visitors to our shores including dolphin, penguin, Orca and seals there is always that unknown. tom and Sophie were pretty fit and we timed the tide perfectly so we had a bit of time on our hands and stopped off at Matakana Island to stretch our legs. Sophie took over the reins on the way back steering their kayak safely home.
Cruise Ship Adventure Package
2nd Feb 2009
The Rhapsody of the Seas was back in Tauranga Port. It didn't take long before someone wanted that little bit more than just the set packages provided by the other companies. Here at Adventure Bay of Plenty we will take the time to sit down with you and let you build you own adventure, taking you to places you want to, whereas other companies have their packages and that's it. Tonya and Rosalla (Daughter and mun) and Nick and Sarah (partners) were keen to do a bit of adventure in while in Bay of Plenty. The Zorb was the first place we went to. Hop in a big plastic ball and roll down a hill. The picture tells the story. Tonya opted for the wet option while the rest went down dry. As we left the Zorb we were treated to farmers herding up sheep using their dogs in the paddock 
opposite. A sight I must remember is something unique to many of our visitors. After a quick drive through Agroventures to show them the attractions there, including the Ostriches we headed into town. There is a small village by the lake that you can drive around and see Marae (Maori buildings) and geothermal activity and its free. I had to mention our meat pies after my the last couple of crazy Amercians I had and once again they went down a treat. Time to head out to Raftabout for the white water rafting. This time I went along for the ride. As mentioned, great company, great guides. We had Albie take us down and its just a cool trip. After surfing a few of the rapids and conquering the 7m water fall, and getting totally sucked in by Albie and getting thrown out of the boat we made it to the end of our white water adventure. Nick was keen to have a go on the luge but after having a look at Lake Tikitapu and Lake Tarawera plus a 
real neat thermal pool (sapphire blue in colour) it was time to head back to Tauranga. I had to mention one last activity and that was Blokarting. We were pushed for time but we went and had a look and managed to get a 15 minute ride in. There was a good wind and their guide got another ride on the house so no complaints. We probably got more in this trip than any other I have done. But it just goes to show if you choose Adventure Bay of Plenty for your cruise ship excursions you get a whole lot of bang for your buck. Sorry Nick had to show you with the helmet on backwards.
The Rhapsody of the Seas was back in Tauranga Port. It didn't take long before someone wanted that little bit more than just the set packages provided by the other companies. Here at Adventure Bay of Plenty we will take the time to sit down with you and let you build you own adventure, taking you to places you want to, whereas other companies have their packages and that's it. Tonya and Rosalla (Daughter and mun) and Nick and Sarah (partners) were keen to do a bit of adventure in while in Bay of Plenty. The Zorb was the first place we went to. Hop in a big plastic ball and roll down a hill. The picture tells the story. Tonya opted for the wet option while the rest went down dry. As we left the Zorb we were treated to farmers herding up sheep using their dogs in the paddock 
opposite. A sight I must remember is something unique to many of our visitors. After a quick drive through Agroventures to show them the attractions there, including the Ostriches we headed into town. There is a small village by the lake that you can drive around and see Marae (Maori buildings) and geothermal activity and its free. I had to mention our meat pies after my the last couple of crazy Amercians I had and once again they went down a treat. Time to head out to Raftabout for the white water rafting. This time I went along for the ride. As mentioned, great company, great guides. We had Albie take us down and its just a cool trip. After surfing a few of the rapids and conquering the 7m water fall, and getting totally sucked in by Albie and getting thrown out of the boat we made it to the end of our white water adventure. Nick was keen to have a go on the luge but after having a look at Lake Tikitapu and Lake Tarawera plus a 
real neat thermal pool (sapphire blue in colour) it was time to head back to Tauranga. I had to mention one last activity and that was Blokarting. We were pushed for time but we went and had a look and managed to get a 15 minute ride in. There was a good wind and their guide got another ride on the house so no complaints. We probably got more in this trip than any other I have done. But it just goes to show if you choose Adventure Bay of Plenty for your cruise ship excursions you get a whole lot of bang for your buck. Sorry Nick had to show you with the helmet on backwards.
International Cultural Youth Exchange
1 Feb 2008
I was fortuante enough last year to pick up some work through ICYE. The NZ National Manager, Michelle had earlier arranged for me to provide transport for 30 who were going to raft down the Kaituna. They had earlier book with River Rats, one of five companies that have tours in the area. I had hired a bus from Curtis Coaches and we left Tauranga at about 1pm giving us plenty of time to get to Rotorua. We ended up being a little too cautious and had aboiut an hour up our sleeve so we decided to go and see the Blue Lake (Lake Tikiapu). With 6 rafts full I stayed behind with the bus and caught up with some paper work. Once they had returned and seen the photos we headed back to Tauranga for dinner at China Town Restaurant. A cruisy day topped off with a nice meal.
I was fortuante enough last year to pick up some work through ICYE. The NZ National Manager, Michelle had earlier arranged for me to provide transport for 30 who were going to raft down the Kaituna. They had earlier book with River Rats, one of five companies that have tours in the area. I had hired a bus from Curtis Coaches and we left Tauranga at about 1pm giving us plenty of time to get to Rotorua. We ended up being a little too cautious and had aboiut an hour up our sleeve so we decided to go and see the Blue Lake (Lake Tikiapu). With 6 rafts full I stayed behind with the bus and caught up with some paper work. Once they had returned and seen the photos we headed back to Tauranga for dinner at China Town Restaurant. A cruisy day topped off with a nice meal.
Rafting Experience
22nd Jan 2009
The Rhapsody of the Seas was in Port and although quite a large ship things were pretty slow. At about 11.00am Jessie and Gretchen from America were very keen to give white river rafting a go. The next scheduled raft trip was at 12.30 so after a bit of indecision they decided to give it a go. The Kaituna boasts the largest commercially rafted waterfall which is 7m the staff are fantastic, being laid back but very professional ensuring you have a great time. I had a hard choice of turning down a ride to take a few photos but its a sacrifice I am prepared to take from time to time. Once Jessie and Gretchen had mastered the drills they headed down to the river to start their adventure. Approx 45mins later they were finished and heading back to Raftabout base. After viewing some photos we headed back to Tauranga. We had to stop off at a Kiwifruit Orchard on the side of the 
road and get some photos then I decided to stop off and show them Blokarting. Although Jessie and Gretchen were interested they decided to pass. They had mentioned earlier about New Zealands meat pies and how their friends had told them they must try one, so we stopped of at a local cafe. After taken photos of the warming drawer they bought a couple of pies and we headed back to the ship. Needless to say they thought the pies were delicious.
The Rhapsody of the Seas was in Port and although quite a large ship things were pretty slow. At about 11.00am Jessie and Gretchen from America were very keen to give white river rafting a go. The next scheduled raft trip was at 12.30 so after a bit of indecision they decided to give it a go. The Kaituna boasts the largest commercially rafted waterfall which is 7m the staff are fantastic, being laid back but very professional ensuring you have a great time. I had a hard choice of turning down a ride to take a few photos but its a sacrifice I am prepared to take from time to time. Once Jessie and Gretchen had mastered the drills they headed down to the river to start their adventure. Approx 45mins later they were finished and heading back to Raftabout base. After viewing some photos we headed back to Tauranga. We had to stop off at a Kiwifruit Orchard on the side of the 
road and get some photos then I decided to stop off and show them Blokarting. Although Jessie and Gretchen were interested they decided to pass. They had mentioned earlier about New Zealands meat pies and how their friends had told them they must try one, so we stopped of at a local cafe. After taken photos of the warming drawer they bought a couple of pies and we headed back to the ship. Needless to say they thought the pies were delicious.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Adventure in the Bay
21st Jan 2009
Once again I find myself playing catch up with updating our blog. The new cruise ship package page I put on the web site almost immediately started getting results and as a result I had was
able to arrange a trip via emails for Monika and Jimmy from Australia. I was glad I encouraged Monika to try and get a few more as we ended up with 8. John, Helen, Lubi Vicky, Dimitra and Tina were our extras. Monika and Jimmy had already forwarded me some ideas of where they would like to go so we stuck with that. First stop was Rainbow Springs, Rotorua. Rainbow Springs provides a lovely walk through native bush with displays of native animals and birds including the Tuatara, Kiwi, Tui and plenty of Rainbow and Brown Trout with a few introduced species also.
Next stop Hells Gate, with a short stop at a local park that shows on a smaller scale what some of the larger attractions offer, and it's free. Hells Gate was still the preferred choice so off we went. Providing the largest and probably the most active of the geothermal areas it is a favourite of many tourists.
Whenever we have time I like to show our groups a couple of the more beautiful lakes in the area so after Hells Gate we took off to the Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu) and Lake Tarawera. They are places where you get to relax and enjoy the scenery away from all the crowds. it was soon time to head back to the ship but we had one lat stop, Papamoa Hills, which provides amazing panoramic views of Tauranga, Bay of Plenty.
Once again I find myself playing catch up with updating our blog. The new cruise ship package page I put on the web site almost immediately started getting results and as a result I had was
able to arrange a trip via emails for Monika and Jimmy from Australia. I was glad I encouraged Monika to try and get a few more as we ended up with 8. John, Helen, Lubi Vicky, Dimitra and Tina were our extras. Monika and Jimmy had already forwarded me some ideas of where they would like to go so we stuck with that. First stop was Rainbow Springs, Rotorua. Rainbow Springs provides a lovely walk through native bush with displays of native animals and birds including the Tuatara, Kiwi, Tui and plenty of Rainbow and Brown Trout with a few introduced species also.Next stop Hells Gate, with a short stop at a local park that shows on a smaller scale what some of the larger attractions offer, and it's free. Hells Gate was still the preferred choice so off we went. Providing the largest and probably the most active of the geothermal areas it is a favourite of many tourists.
Whenever we have time I like to show our groups a couple of the more beautiful lakes in the area so after Hells Gate we took off to the Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu) and Lake Tarawera. They are places where you get to relax and enjoy the scenery away from all the crowds. it was soon time to head back to the ship but we had one lat stop, Papamoa Hills, which provides amazing panoramic views of Tauranga, Bay of Plenty.
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