Skywire

Skywire is a unique experience (the only ride of its type in the world) . You are strapped onto a high tech 4-chair carriage, which is launched 1.6km over and back, high above a native forest valley. You reach speeds of up to 100 kph (we hit mid 80's) on an endless cable, dropping 150 metres, similar in principle to an extreme high-speed ski lift.

First up was Nana & Poppa with Aidan & Abbey.

The destination is 1.6km across the valley to the other ridge.

We held off going for a couple of days waiting for a still day. It is Spring, but there is still a lot of snow around and anything more than a breeze can be quite chilly at altitude even before barreling down a wire at 100 clicks and getting the full wind chill.

We all had a blast. The kids got to go twice. Once with Nana and Poppa and once with Sam and I.

On the journey back down we stopped in the middle of the forest to experience some history.

There were a bunch of Maitai trees (both Male and Female) that are over 2000 years old.

The guide told a story that the tree is semi hollow and liquid gathers and ferments on the sap of the tree. The liquid is apparently quite fowl but is very alcoholic. The story goes that it was so alcoholic the bushmen were restricted from drinking it until Friday afternoon (which meant they couldn't fell the Maitai trees until Friday).

I can't find any references to this, but I like the story.

There is also a Maori Toki protecting the Maitai trees. Both Aidan and Abbey learnt how to do the Maori kiss.

After the trip Aidan & Abbey got to feed the lambs, eels and ducks. 

Aidan's lamb was very receptive.

Abbey's wasn't too keen on feeding time. 

The eels were very hungry.

But the ducks were fighting them off to get the bread.

A top afternoon enjoyed by the whole family.