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12 | InTouch SPRING 2023 Ricci (F1 fans relate). The staff at Freedom Mobility were all so understanding and helpful, and wanted to ensure our specific needs were met. Once we reloaded the van we headed out on the Southern Motorway, and it felt amazing to finally get on the road. The scenery was so green and the waters still high from the recent flooding. The landscape turned Jurassic-like as we neared the volcanic crater of Rotorua. A great place to explore – so flat and central. We spent a good half day at the Te Puia Geothermal and Māori Centre – and we saw kiwis up close! Before leaving Rotorua, we entered the Redwood Memorial track, a tranquil accessible 2km natural wonderland. You could feel the coolness on the forest floor and breathe in the untainted air. Some tree roots and rocky steep terrain was challenging but a real adrenalin rush! A spectacular drive south, via Craters of the Moon and nearby Huka Falls were absolutely spectacular, the intensity and velocity of the crystal-clear blue water. After another stunning scenic drive we arrived in the seaside art deco town of Napier where we enjoyed learning about the 1931 earthquake and did some fun vintage tours. The Crown Hotel had good access. Onward to not so windy Wellington, our final destination on the North Island. Te Papa museum and the accessible cable car with a magnificent view from the Botanic Gardens were highlights of the capital. Zealandia Nature Sanctuary was full of NZ birdlife and worth the visit. That afternoon Steve and I wheeled along Oriental Bay to take some panoramic shots. A fun city with so many bars, pubs and restaurants. A quick drive-up Mt Victoria before we boarded the InterIslander Ferry – make sure it has a lift like ours – the Aratere. The Marlborough Sounds were absolutely magnificent! Unfortunately, our wheelchair accessible apartment at Picton Waterfront Apartments had a huge step to enter – access fail! The managers built a dodgy wooden ramp but we were annoyed. The dolphin cruises too weren’t accessible, but the souvenir and craft shops certainly were! Scenic trip along Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock for the local specialty green lip mussels. After a restful few days, we drove a scenic 7 hours south to the majestic Lake Tekapo. All I can say is you must visit to see its beauty! Photoshoots around the Lake, romantic Valentine’s dinner and a drive to Lake Pukaki (to try) to see Mt Cook made this stop a true gem of the South Island. ACCESSIBLE AOTEAROA Our final days in NZ were packed with delightful scenery, animal encounters and epic adventures! Warm welcome at Christchurch’s super accessible Sudima Hotel. Romantic dinner for two at the hotel’s restaurant, and we’d just finished chatting to our waiter about when he had last felt a tremor, 6 years ago, you’ll be fine he said. And then Top: Steve and Carolyn at Huka Falls. Above: Carolyn all packed into Ricci the Renault! Planning Tips • Get help with planning eg support coordinator, NZ Accessible Travel Forum, peers • Be clear with care team about roles, roster, contingencies – if your needs aren’t met, say so! • Use NDIS funding for disability-related costs. Continued ...