ADVENTURE

Thrill-seeker

BRANCHES OUT

If the past 12 months has harnessed adventure travel for many go-getters then this summer offered a fresh opportunity to swing into action as MANDY GUNDERSEN discovered.

Zipping through the trees some 30 metres off the ground might not be everyone’s idea of fun but the flight path at Bombay’s Adrenalin Forest is certain to excite those who enjoy an adrenalin rush.

Officially opened in December of 2019, this challenging ropes course, hidden in an old quarry, never really got off the ground (so to speak) – Covid-19 put a halt to that.

Then, when the first lockdown was over and winter set in, it was decided to wait until spring before re-opening. As it turned out, a second lockdown proved that decision to be wise.

By September last year the adventure playground was up and running so, come the Christmas school holidays, I, and my 11-yearold son, were dead keen to test the ‘high’ wires and see if we could make it through all six levels (plus two ‘b’ levels) within three hours – an ambitious task!

Being quite a thrill-seeker without being a true daredevil, I love the mental challenge of overcoming fears and pushing physicals limits… as long as I’m in no real danger. This attitude seems to have rubbed off on my eldest son, Blake, who has become my partner in all things adventurous.

Furthermore, because we had both completed similar clip and climb obstacle courses in the past, we didn’t anticipate any difficulty learning the ropes here. Subsequently, after a thorough rundown with safety instructions, we felt ready to conquer Adrenalin Forest.

We were in for a shock. The course was high, and I quickly reassessed my expectations that this would be a straightforward clamber.

Comprising six difficulty levels, as well as two alternative ‘b’ courses at levels two and three, I immediately realised that the top two levels would provide more than a decent test of ability, strength and courage.

I was also impressed by how aesthetically unobtrusive it all seemed. The long and varied aerial course was set perfectly into its woodland setting, incorporating many natural climbing elements as well as excellent shade for participants and spectators.

Instructor, Tristan, was clearly knowledgeable and competently managed our group, which included three other young children.

There was a knack to ‘clipping-on’ but ample opportunities to practice the technique. It was also reassuring to know that the first three levels could be completed using “quick connectors” if we struggled to clip-on.

After assessing the obstacles, Blake and I were confident to make a start and had three hours to climb as far as we could. ‘Easy.’ I thought. But… not so easy!

The first two levels were straightforward (ideal for beginners). However, we opted to also tackle levels 2B and 3B to ensure we were fully confident before progressing. In hindsight I might have skipped these two in order to maintain my strength for higher and more demanding levels.

Importantly, the early obstacles were varied and interesting, requiring sufficient focus so that I quickly forgot I was up in the air. Course 3 required more daring and we encountered some exciting and quite different obstacles such as the hanging rings by which we travelled ‘Tarzan style’ from one platform to a cargo net with only one foot braced in a small metal ring.

As we progressed further, Blake had one minor fall, mid-obstacle. It was quickly dealt with by Tristan who had him back on the platform ready to continue in minutes. Afterwards, my son said that his little slip actually gave him confidence that the harness would hold if he fell again. It spurred him on.

However, much as it pains me to admit, Adrenalin Forest got the better of me, physically. Having completed courses 1, 2, 2b, 3 and 3b I was starting to tire but was determined to go on.

Level 4 (a leap up in difficulty) began with a cargo net climb. The net was free-swinging and reclipping was required every few rungs. On reaching the top my arms were done and after traversing this level’s sixth obstacle, the rope bridge, I knew I

didn’t have the muscle strength to go one rope further.

As lead instructor Kimberley Waldek later said – “your mind was willing but the body said, enough.”

Instead, I enviously watched Blake complete a further three obstacles, including the Commando Flying Fox, before declaring himself bruised with muscles on fire.

I don’t take defeat lightly. I loved the challenge of this course and both Blake and I are set to give it another crack especially after watching other high climbers swinging with great agility into Level 5.

We plan to return but will bypass the initial stages to ensure our muscles go the distance. We’ll begin where we left off – at Level 4 – and I like to think we will make it to the end even though the final two levels are high – very high. It’s possible I may have to settle for giving it my best shot.

But Blake assures me that although we aren’t SAS material – yet – by again tackling this amazing treetop arena with its exacting set of physical (and mental) challenges, we will, indeed, scale new heights!

CLIMB EVERY… TREETOP!

Importantly, the ropes course, with its various levels of difficulty, can also inject new confidence into the not so brave.

Instructors, headed by operations manager, James Pegg and lead instructor, Kimberley Waldek, both come from a background of outdoor activities. James has worked at Camp Adair in the Hunua Ranges, at camps in the USA and, more recently at an adventure centre in South Australia.

On the other hand, Kimberley rides and snowboards and, for the past two years, has been an instructor at the Lakewood Lodge adventure and confidence-building camp in Glen Murray.

“I’m loving this new environment which really makes use of my skills,” she says. “Not a day goes by when we aren’t tackling some part of the course and every two weeks, James and I test the whole course completely.

“The safety equipment is the best I’ve seen and it’s great to see such a variety of climbers leaving here feeling exhilarated regardless of what level they have achieved.”

Built around a bowl structure within a former quarry, Adrenalin Forest offers more than 100 individual obstacles across the six main levels and two sub levels.

“There’s something for most ages and abilities,” James says. “Our oldest climber was 78 and loved it.” With three hours to try and complete the entire course, James says total success is possible especially for those who are fit and strong.

“However, many are content to complete three to four levels in their time frame and still feel they have gone beyond their own expectations. Generally, we see them back to complete the course at a later date.”

In addition to individuals and family groups who come to test their skill, James adds that many companies use the course for team building or just for a fun work social.

With plenty of outdoor tables to accommodate spectators, and those who have ‘done their dash”, he says barbecues are permitted but must be arranged with management beforehand.

“We share the site with the Franklin Archery Club and, although it operates on different times than ourselves, we are in a forest too so, safety is always of prime importance.”

With three other sites across the country (Christchurch, Wellington and the Bay of Plenty) the Auckland site may be relatively new but James says word has spread and it is attracting visitors from far and wide.

“Whether looking for a confidence booster or a test of both body and strength of mind then Adrenalin Forest, with its many unexpected twists, seems to be meeting all expectations. Climb to 30 metres and the adrenalin is redlining!”

SUNDAY MARKETS

Weddings – Birthdays or any special occasions

RED SHED PALAZZO

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16 Jesmond Rd (just off Karaka Rd), Drury Phone 09 294 6687 www.redshedpalazzo.co.nz

PalazzoRed Shed

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WEDDINGS AT HIGHWIC!

Highwic is one of New Zealand’s finest Victorian mansions and provides a spectacular historic setting for your wedding. Highwic offers an elegant Drawing Room, Billiard House and heritage gardens making it the perfect venue for your big day. In these uncertain times we are providing you with some certainty. If your wedding can’t go ahead due to Covid-19 restrictions in New Zealand, you will receive a full refund except for a small admin fee. T&Cs apply. Contact highwicfunctions@heritage.org.nz for more information.

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AMBROSIA

Wedding coming up? Ask us about our wedding package with set menu – so easy, so beautiful

What could be better than a meal fit for a king? How about meals fit for the gods? Named after a substance the ancient Greeks believed to be ‘the food of the gods’, Ambrosia Bar & Restaurant delivers with more down-to-earth cuisine too. From bar snacks and breakfasts, to lunches and dinners, Ambrosia (open weekdays, 10am-11pm, and 8am-11pm, weekends) offers a wide range of fare from around the world, including a sumptuous Sunday roast – just $21 including any house drink!

44 Third View Ave, Beachlands Phone 09 536 4151 Email ambrosiabar.beachlands@gmail.com www.theambrosiabar.co.nz

SWEET STRINGS

The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s Assistant Concertmaster Miranda Adams and her APO colleagues in the Jade String Quartet bring us a fascinating collection of music in Howick’s All Saints Church. The programme includes Schubert’s movement from an unfinished quartet, and Piazzolla’s vigorous tango and works from three New Zealand composers. Anyone who saw the Royal NZ Ballet’s Hansel and Gretel in 2019 will want to revisit Claire Cowan’s hugely successful score. In Your Neighbourhood: Sweet Strings 6.30pm, Monday 22 March All Saints Church, Howick Book at apo.co.nz

Howick’s best kept secret

THE LOUNGE

The Lounge is a boutique events venue catering for weddings, birthdays, corporate and special events with sumptuous food and top notch service. Featuring an eclectic mix of antiques from early to mid-century across three ‘lounges’, this unique venue is sure to wow! Check out regular public events, Platter and Chatter and Vinyl Friday while new additions include Lady Lunchalot, Lounge Around the World, Friday Night Live and our upcoming Wine Club. See our website or FB page for details and booking. 1/186 Wellington Street, Howick Phone 09 666 0505/021 121 5167 Email functions@howicklounge.co.nz www.thelounge.nz

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ENTRIES OPEN NOW:

ENTRIES CLOSE: Thursday 27 May midnight

Awards Ceremony: Saturday 3 July 2.30pm

Exhibition: 3 July-28 July ESTUARY ART & 2021 ECOLOGY AWARD

Join us as we celebrate 15 years of the Estuary Art and Ecology Award. The only contemporary art prize in Aotearoa New Zealand with ecology at its core. Artists are invited to research and respond to the Tāmaki Estuary – to underscore the ecological value of this vital waterway and to encourage action against its pollution. Total prize pool this year $10,000. For more information go to UXBRIDGE online. Malcolm Smith Gallery, UXBRIDGE Arts & Culture, 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick. Phone 09 535 6467 www.uxbridge.org.nz

20TH ANNIVERSARY ROYAL VARIETY SHOW

Operatunity Daytime Concerts and Travel is celebrating its 20th Anniversary! And what a journey it has been. 154 touring seasons amounting to more than 3000 performances, Operatunity has touched the lives of nearly 900,000 attendees. To mark this momentous occasion, Operatunity is presenting their 20th Anniversary Royal Variety Show national tour. The tour celebrates Operatunity’s best musical, comic and memorable moments of the past 20 years, in a show of razzmatazz, shoes and sparkles! Tuesday, April 6th at 11am St Columba Presbyterian Church, 480 Ti Rakau Dr, Botany Book on www.operatunity.co.nz Or toll free: 0508 266 237

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PORTERHOUSE GRILL

At Porterhouse Grill, home of the finest steaks in Auckland, our dedicated team aim to bring you superb meals, served with a smile, in a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere. We strive to serve great steak and a variety of other mouth-watering dishes, as well as delicious desserts. We are fully licensed and with our spacious areas we can cater for everyone. After work catch ups, large birthdays and celebrations or just dinner with the family we have you covered. We look forward to seeing you soon. Open for Lunch & Dinner from 11am to late Monday through Sunday 10 Aylesbury Street, Pakuranga Plaza Phone 09 576 3030 www.porterhousegrill.co.nz DY0286

PROSE

TO SHOW YOU

THE WORLD AT MY FEET THE BURNING GIRLS THE NINE LIVES OF KITTY K A WEDDING IN THE COUNTRY

A story about the transforming power of love, The World at My Feet follows two women on their journeys of self-discovery. From post-revolution Romania to the English countryside, this novel weaves together narratives that, in some ways are very different but, in others, couldn’t be more similar.

Catherine Isaac: The World at My Feet | RRP $35 | Simon & Schuster Sometimes the ghosts of the past refuse to stay buried. Reverend Jack Brooks thinks he’s found the perfect place to make a fresh start, the delightful village of Chapel Croft. And yet, as the hidden secrets of the village are revealed in this twisting thriller, Jack’s faith will be pushed to its limits.

C. J. Tudor: The Burning Girls | RRP $37| Michael Joseph Kitty Kirk (1855–1930) was no shrinking violet. One of the toughest women in New Zealand history, she lived through the turbulent times of Otago’s goldfields’ era. In this historical novel, Margaret Mills shares the story of an indomitable woman facing tragedy, fame and infamy in equal measure. To some, she was a harlot, to others a heroine, but either way, ‘Kitty K’ was remarkable.

Margaret Mills: The Nine Lives of Kitty K – The Unsung Heroine of the Goldfields | RRP $34.95 | Mary Egan Publishing Following the presumption that a way to a man’s heart really is through his stomach, Lizzie is set to learn how to cook from her aunt. But, as this story is set in the swinging sixties, even the best planned recipe for a splendid wedding in the country may not turn out as expected. A heartwarming novel by a bestselling author, this book is sure to appeal to those dreaming of the perfect someone – as well as of imperfect ones too!

Katie Fforde: A Wedding in the Country | RRP $37 | Century

THE SEARCHER

A return to the old country could be just what the doctor ordered for a former policeman but, as Cal Hooper soon discovers, the quiet life in the Emerald Isle may not be on the cards. As this twisting tale of suspense reveals, sometimes small town secrets can have huge... consequences.

Tana French: The Searcher | RRP $37 | Viking

A SKY FULL OF STARS

From the pen of an awardwinning romance writer comes a story written in the stars. When a notable astronomer meets her untimely demise, four strangers’ lives are changed as this heart-breaking love story unfolds. How can they ever go on? There’s only one way to find out!

Dani Atkins: A Sky Full of Stars | RRP $29.99 | Head of Zeus