White Water Rafting

The minimum age for white water rafting is 10. Jeff called the company and explained that Natalie was 9 and would turn 10 in June - full disclosure (followed by some discussion of her rafting "skills", hmmm). They said that was fine (because Jeff is good at talking people into stuff) and so we were off and running.

They picked us up at our hotel and took us to the office to fill out the paperwork. We were given wetsuits, a fleece, helmet, life jacket, booties, and a waterproof jacket. Hmmm, that water is going to be cold. After getting Natalie dressed, I hustled to get my gear on. I still managed to be the last one ready with my pull over jacket somehow on backwards. Even the hung over stag party guys beat me to the bus. I raced on the bus right behind the others (and turned my jacket around on route).

At the river we hauled the raft to the edge (those things are heavy) and got on board. We learned the commands our guide would be calling out. Hold On, Get Down, Paddle, Back Paddle, etc. We would go down 60 Rapids in this section of the Turangi River for the next 2 hours, class III.

Natalie was seated right in front of the guide with Jeff across from her and me in front of her. She did an amazing job, only struggling when we had to lift the paddle over our head for the picture for an extended time. The rapids were exciting, but we managed to not flip the boat. Though we did slam into rocks and bounce off plenty (mind the bump). The river was beautiful and we even saw 3 of the endangered and elusive Blue Ducks.

We stopped for an opportunity to jump off a cliff into the lake. Jeff and Natalie took the plunge holding hands. I stayed dry instead. I had not been at all cold on the river with the sunny day, but wanted to be sure to stay that way. Onward we went with cliffs rising up on either side of us. After what seemed like a long time, we were at the half way point and were treated to chocolate fish and the stag guys pushing each other out of the boat. Their female guide just laughed.

Later downstream, Jeff was reprimanded by our guide as Jeff took one stroke for the 2 of the lady in front of him. We were supposed to match the stroke of the person in front of us, but she paddled short and quick. As always, Jeff did not want to conform. She later complained her paddle was broken and changed her paddle 3 times.

Natalie did such a great job continuing to paddle through the rapids. Even keeping a hold on her T grip after getting back into position, when other adults did not. The day exceeded my expectations and showed us yet another amazing side of New Zealand. She does not disappoint.