Taupo (& skydiving!)

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Leaving Waitomo and the caves behind the coach continued on to Taupo. We went for nice walk around Huka falls and on coming into Taupo we stopped at a nice viewing point so could take pictures of the Lake, the largest in New Zealand. The weather was actually sunny at Taupo by the time we arrived there which made a nice change from all the rain we'd had! Perfect weather for skydiving which in a moment of madness I'd signed up to! As so many people from my bus were all doing it the same afternoon I had quite a long wait before finally going up but it was probably a good thing! When I arrived I was so nervous but after having to wait so long by the time it was my turn i was just looking forward to having it done with! I was very lucky as had a very nice skydive partner/instructor called Glenn, probably would have fallen to pieces if had been someone horrible as was so nervous! After Glenn had sorted out all the equipment and fitted all the harnesses etc it was time for us to go up in the plane!

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The Jump was from 12,000 feet and it took quite along time to get up there, it certainly felt like an age! The worst part was when they opened the shutter at the side of the plane and saw all the clouds below! After that everything happened in bit of a blur and before I knew if the first guys from our plane Nick and Max had already jumped. It was then my turn and I was terrified but before I knew it i was dangling out the side of the plane! It wouldn't really be accurate to say I jumped out of the plane I sort of half tumbled out and was half pushed out by Glenn as obviously they are the ones controlling everything. Of the Skydive itself all I can say is that was one of the most amazing things ever! Was such a great feeling and had fabulous view of the lake and surrounding scenery. The freefall was the most exciting part but that was over quite quickly. After Glenn pulled the parachute the rest of the descent was just really slow and relaxing and we were able to have normal chat which felt bit surreal in mid air! Was so glad I did it but wasn't half nervous beforehand! Unfortunately I haven't fot any pics  but this is the company did it with! http://www.freefly.co.nz/

After that the rest of my time in Taupo was pretty tame in comparison. Had a free day there and just took it very easy and relaxed! Had a wander around the town and then walked along the lake front and sat and read my book in the sun for a while! It was just a very nice and chilled day which I needed after the excitement of the day before! Taupo isn't a huge place but really liked it there, especially down by the Lake which was pretty and nice place to relax!