From Kiwi Gorge Jumps to Croatian Rally Adventures: Embracing the Spirit of Seizing the Moment

As I drive back from Queenstown to Dunedin, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and adventure. Before heading home, I make a stop at the Kawarau Bridge, where it all began. This iconic bridge is where people like me can take the plunge into a 50-meter gorge for the first time.

A.J. Hackett and his friends had tested their elastic on smaller bridges around Auckland before doing the math and physics for the Kawarua Bridge jump. Their daring jumps eventually led them to jump off the Eiffel Tower in Paris, making Hackett a household name. His adventurous spirit and motto of seizing the moment continue to inspire me today.

Now it’s time to leave behind the beautiful fall weather of New Zealand and head to Croatia for spring. The past week has been an incredible experience, thanks to the Oakley boys for organizing an amazing rally with 16 single-use stages running perfectly on time. Brandon and Kris, are we doing this again next year? Absolutely! And if anyone is interested in experiencing the thrill of racing an Impreza H6 in Otago, let us know. It may cost around £5,000 for car rental plus expenses, but the 170 miles of racing through a stunning landscape with great drinks and sports in the background is worth every penny.

So don’t hesitate, go for it and experience the ride of a lifetime in a truly remarkable part of the world. Drive like you mean it!