What an exciting day we have planned today! The 1st order of business is that my mom is going to skydive from 13,000 ft with Skydive Auckland. I am happy, nervous and excited for her all at the same time. I believe she is brave to do this because it was a definite no from me (especially because I literally have a fear of falling so falling from a plane…no thank you I’ll pass-I will have my own unique experience doing something else in Christchurch which will be equally as exciting and adrenaline rushing).

She ended up getting a photo and video package along with it as well as transportation to and from (I mean if you’re going to dp something like skydiving yoy would want those things). Thankfully today is a gorgeous day and she needed to call an hour before the meeting time at 8:30am just to make sure with the weather it would still go on (no one answered it was a voice recording). To be at the Skytower on time (pick-up spot) we left the hotel right before 8am as on the bus it doesn’t take long.

You could definitely tell that today is a weekday as the bus was crowded and the streets were busy. My mom is ready to do this as it’s something on her bucket list and I’m going along for moral support. We got picked up at the Skytower along with about 5 others. The ride out to West Auckland Airport was about 45 minutes and along the way we passed some horses and cows.

Once there everyone participating checked in at reception and were briefed on how everything will go and safety features. The group was split up and my mom was in the 1st group. As she prepared I sat outside in the waiting area to enjoy the weather. I got a quick video of her emotions before and watched as she and her jump man Jacob headed towards the plane. Jacob told me to be on the lookout for a blue and orange parachute and that that would be them. After watching the plane go from the runway to the air a good 15 minutes passed before it was in sight again. Now they were ready to jump!

Thankfully another spectator was able to point out her parachute and I was able to follow it as it came down. My mom was the 1st to land and stayed on the ground for a minute so I was checking to make sure she was ok (she said she was taking it all in and thanking God). One by one everyone else in her group landed.

My mom said she really enjoyed the experience and would do it again even higher like 18,000 ft. She dedicated this jump to my grandma and wrote the words “Mama” on her hands. Her photos and videos of her experience will be emailed to her so she’ll have some momentos from her experience (which I’ll share). I’m very proud of her as this is something she can now say she’s done and in New Zealand of all places.

She was anxious to leave a great review and made sure to do so before we left. While waiting for group 2 we hung out outside chatting with an older couple who brought their small 2 grandchildren just to watch. They were from London but have lived in Auckland for 20 years. After all of group 2 came down once ready we headed back to the van for the ride back to the city.

The ride back was quiet and I think everyone went to sleep. We were dropped back off at the Skytower and since we were there we decided to get food nearby 1st and then go enjoy the Skytower. We decided on Tony’s Steak and Seafood and I’d say it was a good choice as my mom and I both agreed that that was the best meal we’ve had so far. Before the “itis” could kick in we were ready to see views from the Skytower.

We began on the 51st floor and whew was it high but the views were stunning. Not only could you see out from the sides but there were some portions below you that were clear glass and you really get a sense of how high you are. While walking around we coukd see someone jump from a few floors above us as part of the Sky Jump experience.

After the 51st floor they take you to the 60th floor which after doing the 51st floor isn’t so bad. We got a few videos and pictures a little higher up and then headed to the 53rd floor where the bar/cafe was. We sat and each enjoyed a drink while taking in the views. From this level you could see a group outside doing the Sky Walk as they walked around the Sky Tower on a harness.

Once we finished our drinks, we hit up the gift shop and bought a few things. Now we just wanted to find some food to take in with us and we found a Chinese place. On our way there we stumbled across a festival which was nice so we decided to stick around for a bit. We stayed for about 30 minutes listening to music and visiting vendors. There’s an Indigenous conference going on this week and a lot of attendees were there.

When ready we continued on to get Chinese food and stopped at another store afterward before hopping on the bus on the way back to the hotel. It’s been a busy, adventurous and fun filled day. We settled in the hotel and ate dinner and took a breather. We have only 1 activity tomorrow but it’s a bit lengthy. The weather won’t be the best but we were informed our activity is still on so we’re still going to do it.