Day 5: 19 November 2007, Monday – Rotorua

After having had our first taste of adrenaline yesterday with the bungy jump, my cousins and I were thirsty for more. We had picked up a few brochures along the way and contemplated what other extreme sports activities we could do. I was quite interested to try out Zorbing, which involved rolling downhill inside a transparent plastic orb. I thought it looked really fun. However, due to budget constraints, we decided to spend our money on white water rafting and skydiving instead.

Uncle S found a white water rafting company called Raftabout (click here), and they had a base at Rotorua Airport. The company offered a few white water rafting options but we only had our eyes on Kaituna Waterfall, a Grade 5 course with a 7-metre plunge down Tutea Falls. Apparently, it is the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. Raftabout promised lots of thrills and spills and that was exactly what we got.

All the equipment were provided – wetsuits, fleeces, booties, life vests and helmets. We just needed to bring along our swimsuits and towels. After donning the gear, we proceeded for our training session on dry land, where we were taught how to paddle and react to the commands by the guides. After that, it was time to hit the water!

It was our first time trying out white water rafting and we were all very excited as we didn’t know what to expect. The first part was smooth and easy as we were given a gentle introduction to the river. Even though it was a hot and sunny day, the water was very cold but the wetsuit and the paddling kept us warm. The water was crystal clear and the scenery along the river was spectacular.

After rafting serenely for some time, we reached the first rapids and the excitement began. We picked up speed, swerved from side to side as water splashed on our faces. Sometimes, the raft hit some bumps but our guides expertly navigated us through the danger spots and we emerged safely each time.

Then came the 7-metre drop. Our guides told us to brace ourselves and hang tight while we plunged down the waterfall. It was the most exhilarating feeling ever and a real adrenaline rush! When we emerged unscathed, we cheered and put our paddles up as a show of unity.

Shortly after, it was our fellow group’s turn to tackle the waterfall. However, they weren’t so lucky. After the drop, their raft submerged in the water before resurfacing, but they couldn’t get away from the falling water fast enough. As a result, their raft capsized and all the members were tossed into the water. However, it was nothing to be alarmed about because our guides had already taught us precisely what to do in such an event.

We paddled hard to reach the floating members and extended our paddles towards them so that they could grab on to the sides of our raft. The guides and a few of the stronger members then hoisted the raft upright, before pulling all the members back on board. It took some effort but both teams were quickly back in action. Definitely an experience to remember!

The whole white water rafting experience was amazing and we had so much FUN. It was everything Raftabout promised, the ultimate adventure for thrill seekers indeed. Since then, I have done river rafting three more times – in Malaysia (2008), Nepal (2012) and Bali (2017). Hands down, my first experience in Rotorua is still the best. Largely because of the clear water, beautiful scenery, thrilling rapids and of course, the 7-metre drop. If you have the chance to visit Rotorua and you only have time for one activity, make this the one.

Immediately after finishing white water rafting, we went for a second dose of thrills at Nzone Skydive, also located beside the Rotorua Airport. YS opted to sit out of this one so it was only JJ and me taking part.

We had the option to jump from three heights – 9,000 feet, 12,000 feet or 15,000 feet. I cannot remember the prices now but the greater the height, the more expensive it is. There were also photo and video packages that we could add on. I was really keen to get video footage but the total cost was prohibitive. In the end, we decided to compromise by going for a 9,000 feet jump with photos only (no video). 9,000 feet is approximately 2,743 metres.

After a safety briefing, we donned the gear (jumpsuit, hat, goggles and gloves) before boarding the small propellor plane. As it was a tandem skydive, I was strapped to a Tandem Master, like how a turtle is attached to its shell.

As the plane made its slow and steady ascent, all I could think about was how noisy the propellor blades were. To be honest, I wasn’t feeling scared at that moment because I had already conquered bungy jumping and white water rafting. The feeling was one of eager anticipation rather than fear.

Finally, the altitude meter on my Tandem Master’s wrist showed that we had ascended to 9,000 feet. It was time. We edged our way to the open door and I felt the blast of rushing air against my face. The next thing I knew, I stumbled out of the plane with my Tandem Master strapped to my back.

The initial moments could best be described as topsy turvy. I was spinning around and I had no sense of direction of where was up and where was down. However, my Tandem Master steadied me quickly and put me in the correct gliding position. I tried to open my eyes to enjoy the view but the wind was very strong and I could barely keep my eyes open even though I was wearing goggles.

The free fall lasted for about 25 seconds but it felt like no time at all before my Tandem Master deployed the parachute. From then on, it was a relaxing descent as the parachute slowed things down and I could open my eyes properly to take in the view before me.

Finally, after a few minutes, we made a safe landing on the open field. It was my Tandem Master’s 3,500th successful jump. All in a day’s work for him, but an experience of a lifetime for me.

After JJ and I completed our jumps, we waited for our hardcopy photos and digital photos to be ready. We shared our experience with the rest of our travelling party. Judging by their accounts, I think they were more scared than we were!

Comparing the three extreme sports activities we did, I think bungy jumping was the scariest among them all. And I can say definitively that bungy jumping is scarier than skydiving. The reason is because for bungy jumping, you are the one who has to will yourself to take the plunge. The staff don’t push you off the platform so you have to make the move yourself. Whereas for skydiving, you are strapped to the Tandem Master so you don’t really have a choice as he will nudge you out of the plane once you have reached the required altitude.

White water rafting is the most thrilling and most enjoyable because the entire experience takes place over two hours, with the white water river action lasting around 50 minutes. For bungy jumping and skydiving, the experience is over in a matter of seconds and minutes. White water rafting is also a team effort whereas the other two are essentially individual pursuits, so you feel a greater bond and camaraderie while white water rafting. I am just so happy that I managed to do all three activities during this trip, giving me the some of most memorable experiences in my life.

Dinner that night was as usual, home-cooked with love. We had a great time feasting and recapping the events of the day, going through the details again and marvelling at our own bravery. What a day it was!