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.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Crusie Ship Packages
It has been a busy few days and we are about half way through with 28 of the 58 ships visiting Tauranga completed so far. So this is a bit of a catch up for me.
17th January 2009:
Two ships were in port this day. The Volendam and the Millenium. It was pretty busy and in no time the van was full with a family from Auzy, Colin (dad), Robin(Mum), Luke, Joel, Breanne and Keely and two f
riends from America Shelly and Claire. As our name says it is all about Adventure in the Bay of Plenty and in no time we had the days activities planned and we were heading over to Rotorua. First stop Agroventures. Colin, Luke and Joel decided to give the jet boats ago, Breanne and Keely raced each other on the Shweeb and Robin was in charge of the photos. Shelly and Claire chose the jet boats as well. Next Dad and the boys were getting ready for
the Swoop, Breanne and Keely were off to the Free Fall (mum was in charge of the photos) and Shelly and Claire had a bit of catching up to do back in America and were surfing the net. Soon we were heading off to Raftabout Rafting Tours on the Kaituna River. It had been Shelly's idea to do some rafting and no-one needed any convincing. About a 20 minute drive from Rotorua Raftabout provides a very professional, safe and fun adventure. The family from Auzy were in one raft while the 
girls from America plus a few ring ins were in the other. This time I was in charge of the photos because Robin was rearing to take on the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world at 7m's. After the necessary safety and technique briefings they disappeared with their rafts over farmland to the launching ramp just down t
he hill. I jumped into the courtesy coach and was taken to all the best photo spots with Barry from Adventure Photography. The 7m waterfall was the winner on the day taking a few prisoners under its turbulent waters but spitting them up again before too long. Keely was too young to go down the waterfall but made up for it by riding up front shotgun style on the surfing sections of the river. Everyone was feeling a bit hungry so we returned to Rotorua for a quick feed. Now you cannot go to Rotorua without seeing some of the geothermal activity and I just happen to know of a couple of places that the big bus tours don't take people. (and its free) by now it was getting late as Shelly and Claire's boarding time was 5.30pm so we had to head back to Tauranga. I also had an evening tour with another group from Auzy wanting to go to the Mitai Village for a Maori Concert and Hangi Meal. I could wright on forever about this trip but as they say a picture says a thousand words so I have put on as many as I could. On a passing note for my Auzy friends "GO THE WARRIORS"
The Afternoon of the 17th Jan 2009:
After dropping Colin and his Family, Shelly and Claire back at the Port I was off again with another family from Australia. Their ship wasn't leaving Port until around midnight and although just coming back from Rotorua they wanted to head back to see the Mitai Village Maori Show. After picking up a few cold ones for them from the liquor store we were off. Sharon, Leroy, Paula, Mark, Brendon and Indy (after the racing cars) were from a small town in Auzy that hadn't seen much rain for quite a while so our green country side was quite refreshing. As Auzys and Kiwis do we talked about sport, politics, history and culture until we arrived at Mitai. I dropped them off for the 2hr show and headed into town for something to eat and catchup on some paper work. About 9.30 I picked them up again and returned them to the ship. A long busy day and I hope they all enjoyed it as much as I did.
18th Jan 2009
Things started off a bit slow this day and after speaking with Tim who owns The Enterprise (the boat we use for some of our tours) who told me there were TV cameras everywhere for the hydroplane etc boat races I shot over to Tauranga a put my flag up on his boat hoping to get a bit of exposure. don't know if it worked or no yet. Not long had a being there Shelly from the I- Site Mt Maunganui called me saying their were four off the boat wanting to go to Kiwi 360 and Comvita in Te Puke. Back I went and waiting for me was Lisa, Genya, Julie who were dances off the boat and their friend Catherine. AS in all our tours I took them around the Mount and told them a bit of the local history and culture of the area and showed them all the best sights on our way out to Te Puke about 1/2 hour drive away. We soon arrived at Kiwi 360 and after booking the guided tour they browsed
around the souvenir shop, sampled some kiwifruit, wine, liquor etc. The manager offered me a free tour which I gladly accepted. The tour takes you around the orchard explaining in detail the kiwifruit industry and how it came about and why it became so successful in New Zealand after originally being imported from China (Chinese Gooseberry).
Once finished we piled back in the van and went to Comvita, specialists in natural health care with a bee focus. they had a look around for a while and before long it was time to head back but not before taking the back we went to the top of Papamoa Hills to show them the amazing panoramic views of The Bay of Plenty.
19th Jan 2009
Today I had Steve and Patricia from America and Stu and Joy from Australia. They had been to the I-Site and decided to go white water rafting. So it was back to Raftabout. We went via Pyes Pa and as being the adventurous type people I wanted to show them a few of the attractions. Unfortunately due to some road works we got a bit delayed and after grabbing something to eat we were off to Raftabout headquarters. On arrival we were greeted as usual by the friendly staff and because there was room on the raft Blair offered me a free ride which I happily accepted. Again after the prelims of safety and technique we were off down the river. There was one other raft, named Team China and from the start you could tell there was going to be some mischief on the water. Alfie 
our fantastic guide had us maneuvering the raft pretty well and except for a few words to our American friends to paddle harder we had it mastered. To be fair though having an Auzy and a Kiwi on the same boat probably isn't the best thing. Stu was probably trying to paddle harder than me and I know I was paddling hard to make sure Stu wasn't getting the upper hand. I guess the most memorable moment was looking back after going down the 7m water fall and our guide Alfie was nowhere to be seen. I think the photo tells the story. Again it is one of those activities that is hard to put down in words and I am made about water sports/activities so I just had an amazing time. Steve and Patricia put on par with skydiving. Again the pictures tell the story. Afterwards we look at the photos taken 
by Barry and it was decided to show them a bit of geothermal activity back in Rotorua. Again we are able to take them to the places where the crowds don't go so they get to get up close and spend as much time as they want. But again the day is only so long and we had to head back to Tauranga after stopping off at a kiwifruit orchard for Steve. We were even able to make this an adventure by jumping a gate to a private farm to get a photo. No harm was done and we were soon back at the port.
17th January 2009:
Two ships were in port this day. The Volendam and the Millenium. It was pretty busy and in no time the van was full with a family from Auzy, Colin (dad), Robin(Mum), Luke, Joel, Breanne and Keely and two f
riends from America Shelly and Claire. As our name says it is all about Adventure in the Bay of Plenty and in no time we had the days activities planned and we were heading over to Rotorua. First stop Agroventures. Colin, Luke and Joel decided to give the jet boats ago, Breanne and Keely raced each other on the Shweeb and Robin was in charge of the photos. Shelly and Claire chose the jet boats as well. Next Dad and the boys were getting ready for
the Swoop, Breanne and Keely were off to the Free Fall (mum was in charge of the photos) and Shelly and Claire had a bit of catching up to do back in America and were surfing the net. Soon we were heading off to Raftabout Rafting Tours on the Kaituna River. It had been Shelly's idea to do some rafting and no-one needed any convincing. About a 20 minute drive from Rotorua Raftabout provides a very professional, safe and fun adventure. The family from Auzy were in one raft while the 
girls from America plus a few ring ins were in the other. This time I was in charge of the photos because Robin was rearing to take on the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world at 7m's. After the necessary safety and technique briefings they disappeared with their rafts over farmland to the launching ramp just down t
he hill. I jumped into the courtesy coach and was taken to all the best photo spots with Barry from Adventure Photography. The 7m waterfall was the winner on the day taking a few prisoners under its turbulent waters but spitting them up again before too long. Keely was too young to go down the waterfall but made up for it by riding up front shotgun style on the surfing sections of the river. Everyone was feeling a bit hungry so we returned to Rotorua for a quick feed. Now you cannot go to Rotorua without seeing some of the geothermal activity and I just happen to know of a couple of places that the big bus tours don't take people. (and its free) by now it was getting late as Shelly and Claire's boarding time was 5.30pm so we had to head back to Tauranga. I also had an evening tour with another group from Auzy wanting to go to the Mitai Village for a Maori Concert and Hangi Meal. I could wright on forever about this trip but as they say a picture says a thousand words so I have put on as many as I could. On a passing note for my Auzy friends "GO THE WARRIORS"The Afternoon of the 17th Jan 2009:
After dropping Colin and his Family, Shelly and Claire back at the Port I was off again with another family from Australia. Their ship wasn't leaving Port until around midnight and although just coming back from Rotorua they wanted to head back to see the Mitai Village Maori Show. After picking up a few cold ones for them from the liquor store we were off. Sharon, Leroy, Paula, Mark, Brendon and Indy (after the racing cars) were from a small town in Auzy that hadn't seen much rain for quite a while so our green country side was quite refreshing. As Auzys and Kiwis do we talked about sport, politics, history and culture until we arrived at Mitai. I dropped them off for the 2hr show and headed into town for something to eat and catchup on some paper work. About 9.30 I picked them up again and returned them to the ship. A long busy day and I hope they all enjoyed it as much as I did.18th Jan 2009
Things started off a bit slow this day and after speaking with Tim who owns The Enterprise (the boat we use for some of our tours) who told me there were TV cameras everywhere for the hydroplane etc boat races I shot over to Tauranga a put my flag up on his boat hoping to get a bit of exposure. don't know if it worked or no yet. Not long had a being there Shelly from the I- Site Mt Maunganui called me saying their were four off the boat wanting to go to Kiwi 360 and Comvita in Te Puke. Back I went and waiting for me was Lisa, Genya, Julie who were dances off the boat and their friend Catherine. AS in all our tours I took them around the Mount and told them a bit of the local history and culture of the area and showed them all the best sights on our way out to Te Puke about 1/2 hour drive away. We soon arrived at Kiwi 360 and after booking the guided tour they browsed
around the souvenir shop, sampled some kiwifruit, wine, liquor etc. The manager offered me a free tour which I gladly accepted. The tour takes you around the orchard explaining in detail the kiwifruit industry and how it came about and why it became so successful in New Zealand after originally being imported from China (Chinese Gooseberry).Once finished we piled back in the van and went to Comvita, specialists in natural health care with a bee focus. they had a look around for a while and before long it was time to head back but not before taking the back we went to the top of Papamoa Hills to show them the amazing panoramic views of The Bay of Plenty.
19th Jan 2009
Today I had Steve and Patricia from America and Stu and Joy from Australia. They had been to the I-Site and decided to go white water rafting. So it was back to Raftabout. We went via Pyes Pa and as being the adventurous type people I wanted to show them a few of the attractions. Unfortunately due to some road works we got a bit delayed and after grabbing something to eat we were off to Raftabout headquarters. On arrival we were greeted as usual by the friendly staff and because there was room on the raft Blair offered me a free ride which I happily accepted. Again after the prelims of safety and technique we were off down the river. There was one other raft, named Team China and from the start you could tell there was going to be some mischief on the water. Alfie 
our fantastic guide had us maneuvering the raft pretty well and except for a few words to our American friends to paddle harder we had it mastered. To be fair though having an Auzy and a Kiwi on the same boat probably isn't the best thing. Stu was probably trying to paddle harder than me and I know I was paddling hard to make sure Stu wasn't getting the upper hand. I guess the most memorable moment was looking back after going down the 7m water fall and our guide Alfie was nowhere to be seen. I think the photo tells the story. Again it is one of those activities that is hard to put down in words and I am made about water sports/activities so I just had an amazing time. Steve and Patricia put on par with skydiving. Again the pictures tell the story. Afterwards we look at the photos taken 
by Barry and it was decided to show them a bit of geothermal activity back in Rotorua. Again we are able to take them to the places where the crowds don't go so they get to get up close and spend as much time as they want. But again the day is only so long and we had to head back to Tauranga after stopping off at a kiwifruit orchard for Steve. We were even able to make this an adventure by jumping a gate to a private farm to get a photo. No harm was done and we were soon back at the port.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
School Trip
February last year I was involved in an educational trip with Gisborne Intermediate. Now that I have got my head around blogger I thought I would fill you on on last years trip as they have contacted me again this year for more of the same, and man do I hope it's more of the same. For those of you who don't know, Gisborne is a city of about 40,000 on the East Coast of New Zealand. (My home town) Anyway Brendan Hart (Harty), one of the teachers contacted me and asked if I was interested, and of course, I was. There were two groups of around 60 children each. One group was going to Otoi and the other group to Mahia. First I was going to Otoi which can be best described as a very small rural community. Amazing landscape with steep gullies, beautiful lakes and rivers. On our arrival I helped out with the setting up of camp and general supervision of the children aged f
rom 11-13. The children were housed in tents while the adults were in the hall. After rubber tubing down the nearby rivers rapids and a few games in the paddocks it was time for dinner, followed by some card games. Soon it was bed time but Harty and I stayed up for a while chatting. When I decided to hit the sack one of the parents, who I will not name was snoring away and the more I tried to ignore it the worse so I packed up the sleeping bag and curled up in the back seat of my van. The next day our activities consisted of kayaking, biking and another ride down the river on tyre tubes. Not far from camp was a small, safe lake on private farm land that we had permission to use. It was ideal as the kids could be supervised form the shore if need be although saying that if I was not in the water with them a couple of parents and teachers were. Harty took another group riding over the country roads and when he returned they swapped around. It was a great day with beautiful 
weather. The next morning I packed up and headed to Mahia. (approx 1 hour drive) Mahia is another fantastic spot. Situated on a peninsular it is spoilt with beaches ranging from golden sand to rocky coast, clean waters and some of the best surf, fishing and diving in the country. The second group was staying at the motor camp and on my arrival we planned the days activities and off we went. Again I was in control of the kayaking with the help of one of the parents while a couple of the teachers, including the principal who had come to see how things were going went on a bike ride.At the time Mahia was the home of a dolphin called Moko. He/she would turn up out of the blue and had in the past played with swimmers. We were onto our second group when I heard a whole lot of excited kids and I turned to notice Moko swimming amongst them as did all the kids in the kayaks. They all headed into shore while I decided to kayak over to the group. Moko soon
noticed me and swam over and began nudging the back of my kayak. I took this as meaning he wanted to have a race so off I went closely followed by Moko. I managed about 30 meters before I needed a rest but Moko got in behind and started nudging me again so off I went heading back towards the group in the water. Someone threw a ball into the water and Moko took it and didn't return it. Grant to the rescue, or so I thought. Moko would bring the ball over to me but just as I was within reaching range he would take it away again. I decided to throw him my water pump which was a great idea to get the ball back but now I couldn't get my pump. Eventually Moko came right up to the kayak with the pump on his nose and gave it back. Let me pat him on the nose for a while before he heard the spalsh of the ball again so we had to do it all over again. Moko was like a pet dog in the water, totally superior in every way. It is one of those experience you just can not describe or explain. Even writing this almost 12 months I still get goose bumps. Was I happy to get asked to go again this year, HELL YES. Nature being nature though Moko may not be there this time but hey, I love what I do and Moko was just icing on the cake.
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