Recollection En Route: Rafting in Rotorua

Before studying abroad in New Zealand in 2012, I was unprepared for the amount of spontaneous adventures I would embark on.  I am not your typical ‘outdoorsy’ girl. However, something about being in the country of adrenaline filled activities and blood pumping adventures empowered me to channel my inner Bear Grylls. Or at least my tamer version of him.

One of my top experiences in the land of the kiwis was white water rafting in Rotorua.

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We began our journey with about five to ten other rafts. We were known as ‘The Americans’ the entire boat ride. As original {please note sarcasm} as the name was, we couldn’t deny the fact that we were the loudest and most energetic group on the ride. All seven of us came as a group which gave us quite an edge when it came to communication and, of course, having a laugh.

For the rest of this post, I will let the pictures do the talking.

{for the most part}

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^ at one point, immediately following this moment, we were completely submerged under water which was probably one of the coolest experiences of all time

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^ and then we popped right back up

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I can recommend this experience to any and all visitors of New Zealand! I will never forget this rafting journey and share it with anyone who will listen. You need no prior experience or certificate of any kind to partake in the rafting. Just some guts as you look out over that final waterfall!

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