SNN_December_2023

SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 33
HAVE VAN, WILL TRAVEL—Renting will get you
mobile.
Selecting the right
accommodation is crucial
for any accessible travel.
Transportation
—Christine Gold
If you haven’t got your own modified vehicle, or you’re too
far away and need to fly in, renting from an accessible
vehicle company such as Freedom Mobility and Milner
Mobility will get you mobile.
Both companies have a fleet of vehicles, ranging from
hand-controlled cars to drive-from-chair vans and
passenger-wheelchair vans. Delivery is available
throughout New Zealand, including to your home or the
airport. Demand is high, especially during the holiday
season, so pays to book in advance.
The crucial details
As you’ll be aware, selecting the right accommodation is
crucial for any accessible travel. Missing out on an
activity because of accessibility issues may be
disappointing, but if the accommodation you’ve booked
doesn’t measure up it can be a disaster. Although the
options we mention have been based on accessible
travellers’ feedback, homework is essential. Be sure to call
providers in advance and do the usual talk-through on
your requirements. Don’t shy away from asking for
photographs and measurements to ensure what you need
is there, from flooring and grab handles to worktop and
basin heights. While you’re at it, cover parking and what’s
accessible nearby, like cafés, shops and supermarkets. It
all helps to ensure a hassle-free holiday!
Same with activities. Again, the ones selected are based
on people’s feedback, but nothing beats calling ahead to
determine exactly how something might work for you.
Days 1-3, Rotorua
There’s so much to see and do in and around Rotorua you
could spend your whole holiday here. The choice of
activities alone is immense, ranging from the serene to
heart-stopping, with varying degrees of accessibility.
One of our favourites is the Kayak Glow Worm Tour to a
cavern on the shore of Lake Rotorua. Of course, it requires
a certain level of physical ability but Paddle Board
Rotorua has accessible bathroom and changing facilities,
and a seating system to help support the kayaker. Check
with them to see if it’s right for you.
One activity anyone can enjoy is the Skyline Gondola, with
its spectacular views. Beyond that, the Luge and Sky swing
have accessible options, just check ahead to gauge suitability.
Rotorua is of course famed for its Māori cultural and
geothermal experiences, and you can enjoy both at Te
Puia along with a high degree of accessibility. Plus,
discounted prices for those with disabilities. Other
fabulous choices that provide for accessible visitors
include the Sulphur Spa at Hells Gate, Paradise Valley
Springs, The Buried Village, Waiotapu geothermal park
and Te Pā Tū Māori Village (formerly Tamaki Village).
Again, accessibility including parking provision varies.
But all aim to be welcoming, and a call beforehand can
reveal all the details and often enlist some help on arrival.
For great entertainment the Sir Howard Morrison Centre
is always worth checking out. Depending on
configuration, there are up to eight allocated wheelchair
spaces in the Sir Owen Glenn Theatre and up to four in Te
Haumako | Black Box Theatre. You’ll find wheelchairaccessible
toilets on the ground floor and a drive-through
drop-off zone at the front of the building. Just check
availability before booking.
After that taster, next time we delve into some accessible
accommodation options in Rotorua, walks and trails that
can be tackled by wheelchair, plus some fantastic day
trips into the surrounding areas.
Catch you next time!
With that said, let’s get started!