This morning we drove out to Zorb headquarters, the birthplace of this unique NZ pastime. Now for those of you not familiar with this ‘sport’ let us explain….imagine a 12ft round large inflatable globe, a steep 160 metre hill and a person crazy enough to agree to be strapped inside the globe and rolled down the hill, namely us!
First up was Nicola, figuring it was best to go first she stepped up to the jeep, which would take her up the short steep drive to the top of the hill.
She couldn’t hide the nervous smile! Now we had all signed up for the ‘Zorbit’ ride, which is described as the ‘Astronaut in training’ option, where you are strapped into a specially designed safety harness in the Zorb globe.
We all watched, Nicola at the top, and Ben and Tracy at the bottom, as the Zorb was lifted up the slope.
Once at the top you had to superman dive into the globe, and strap yourself into the harnesses, two around your body and two around your ankles. You were left with the key instructions, '”for a smooth ride, pull down on the straps, and push down with your feet!’.
Once in, all that was left was for the gate to open, and the final push to start you on your roll…head over heels, over heels, over heels, over heels. At the bottom, exhilarated and slightly stunned you are left to unbuckle and slide out, in albeit an ungraceful manner!
Next up was Tracy…yes, after much thought she was up for the challenge…we think even she was amazed she was doing it!
Mummy Smith, below is the best shot we have of your middle child upside down in a large plastic ball, rolling down a hillside!!
Last, but by no means least was Ben…Mr Calm, Cool and extremely Collected!
We watched him at the top of the slope waiting to board his globe.
His journey down was a fast one, and before we knew it he was out and smiling!
With all of us down, and still smiling we looked at our professional photos taken by the crew, and as they were so good made a purchase! When we get the right technology we will upload them onto the blog…there are some classics!
The afternoon was spent visiting a living Maori thermal village in Rotorua, called (deep breath)…Tewhakarewarewatangaoteopetauaawahiao (meaning ‘The gathering together of the war party of Wahiao’), or Whakarewarewa as the locals know it better!
For centuries Whakarewarewas Village has been home to the Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao people, and since the 1800s they have invited tourists in to experience their everyday life. The village is home to 70-odd Maori residents, and we were lucky enough to experience the sights, smells and sounds of their unique cultural way of living.
We passed through the memorial archway, which commemorates the tribal members who fought and died in the I and II World Wars.
We then walked to the Kapahaka (performance venue), where we met some of the performers before the main show.
We watched as they performed the Haka (war dance), Waiata a Ringa (action song), games, the famous Poi dance and also took part in the audience participation part!
We then sat patiently (practising our very own Haka moves) waiting for the guided tour.
Our guide was amazing and thorough, we learnt all there was to know about the village, it’s life and people. For one, the whole village is built on a geothermal area, so no houses have kitchens, but cook in the ‘microwaves’, which are basically a hole in the ground outside with 100 degree steam venting through them.
The thermal nature of this area was also utilised by villagers when it came to the natural pools which are abundant throughout the area, which are used as healing hot baths.
From the village you can also see the two famous geysers, Pohutu and Prince of Wales’ Feathers.
After the tour Ben did a bit of shopping and bought a traditional Maori carving. We then returned to the campsite and ate dinner in our cabin…shepherds' pie – yum!
Last night in Rotorua before travelling back to Waitomo tomorrow…glow worms here we come!
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