New Zealand’s Disabled-Friendly Adventures

A quick flick around the internet will confirm that travellers with disabilities can enjoy adventure activities in New Zealand – from leaping out of planes and exploring the rainforest canopy to jet boating in white-water rapids, going fishing, tearing down the slopes or landing on a glacier, India’s The Financial Express reports.

On a fine day, fishing is an ideal way to relax and Coromandel Fishing Charters’ vessels Joint Venture and Rubin Jack are perfect for wheelchair users. Business owners Tom Meyers, himself a double amputee, and Lorraine Corbett, said the boats are ideal for wheelchair fishing. “There’s no reason why anybody in a wheelchair can’t come. It’s no problem and we have staff on hand to help,” Meyers said.

Skiing, snowboarding or just getting out in the snow is a unique way to enjoy a crystal-clear, sparkling winter’s day. The Ruapehu Adaptive Programme, on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu active volcano, has been developed for people with disabilities who want to go skiing or snowboarding. In the South Island, Cardrona’s Adaptive Snow Sports programme also enables people with physical, sensory or cognitive impairments to enjoy the snow. Participants ditch their wheelchairs for ski chairs, or can use specially designed outriggers.

Wheelchair users, people with cerebral palsy and blind people can do tandem skydiving with Skydive Abel Tasman in Motueka, over the coastal Nelson region. Another venture, Skydiving Kiwis, in Ashburton, said that more than 50 wheelchair riders have used a specially developed harness to tandem jump. There’s no age limit, and so long as you can fit the body harness, you can take part.

Original article by The Financial Express, August 4, 2017.