The Weekend Sun
Friday 17 March 2017
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Zoran, the legend! It’s March 5, on this side of the hemisphere…and I am living on a sail boat in Tauranga. I have three roommates: Zoran, Leoni, and Lisa. We are all couch surfers. Zoran Cacic is somewhat of a legend, he has been hosting couch surfers for merely three years now, and holds the record for most surfers hosted in one night – a solid 27 people. His very first surfer happened by chance. You see Zoran is an amputee – he is also highly driven by adrenalin. It was 2009 when he was in a car accident and suffered a crushed bone in his left leg – an easy fix. Zoran was in hospital when he received the news – the doctor had overlooked a minor detail in the surgery. And within just a night, one of the bones that was crushed in the accident had been cutting off the blood supply to the nerves in his leg just below his knee – and it had turned gangrene. The only possibility was one that shook his world and within a few hours he was on a helicopter to try and save the leg, but in the end they amputated. Within a few short hours, Zoran lost mobility, his ability to work, to snowboard – one of his favourite things in the world – in total he lost what was his identity. He spent much of his time trying to distract himself from the trauma and reality of what had happened to him. During this time he conquered some magnificent tasks. One included tramping the Tongariro Crossing – a seven-hour, rocky terrain hike in the centre of the North Island. Zoran bungee jumped, he even re-learned how to snowboard again, and spent months of his time on the South Island doing just that. It was in the Bay of Islands at a restaurant when he noticed a German backpacker crying, so naturally he asked if everything was okay. She recounted to him how all of her things had been stolen at the backpacker hostel, and she was left strapped with no money, passport or phone. Zoran realised he’d been spending so much time
feeling down and out about his own misfortune and he was tired of it. Without a second thought, his adrenalin kicked in, and he offered to take her on a trip of New Zealand. The two friends spent three months together, travelling, discovering new parts of the breathtaking country, and forgetting completely about their unfortunate circumstances. This was just the start of what had become a real life passion, a fire d Zoran Cacic. Lisa Heinrichs an driven by misfortune, yet magnified through strength of character. Zoran has since travelled around NZ 31 times, Leisure Time Tours and counting. He has now hosted more than 347 couch surfers. He has camped for months on end with million-dollar views, jumped out of planes, and BAY OF ISLANDS WHY LEISURE TIME? bought a sail boat on a ESCAPE Comprehensive escorted whim which he currently chooses to spend most of tours designed for 14 - 19 JUNE 2017 his time on. seniors Journey with us this winter to Zoran has opened up a world of opportunity for Value for money the Bay of Islands, rich in travellers from all around the globe to see his adopted culture and history, and Door to door collections country of NZ in a more pure light. blessed with a pristine available He has mentioned his weakness has been his biggest natural environment. While Modern coaches strength. Before the accident he was consumed with touring this beautiful his business of engineering satellite networks for destination, we visit Rawene, Roadside morning teas Russell, one of the oldest Single travellers welcome much of Australia and NZ. He lived a charmed life European settlements in New up until 2009. Early-Bird discounts Zealand, the Waitangi Treaty But the darkest moments of his life have made available Grounds, enjoy a cruise of brighter the good times. He says his loss is an the inland waterways of ‘awakening’, it allowed him to realise his desire to Opua & Okiato and much serve those coming to and around his community. To more. This tour includes a trip to the top of New him, the best thing is to see the backpackers he takes Zealand to view Cape under his wing smile, because that lets him know he Reinga. is doing something right. Last chance to book! Call And why not? After losing everything, what else is today for an itinerary! left to fear? The only thing left to do now, is to live 0800 365 632 with courage, and achieve those dreams that have Email info@lttnz.co.nz www.leisuretimetours.co.nz Dana Balsley been shelved for too long.
Booking your travels smarter It’s how everyone always did it – book flights today, worry about accommodation tomorrow. Sixty per cent of New Zealand’s international travellers still do it that way. But it’s no longer the smart way because while there will always be cheap fares, there may not be the right accommodation available.
If we are travelling to Fiji or Samoa we will be spending a few hours on a plane versus a whole week in a resort. “So you want to take the time to ensure your accommodation is the best fit for your needs,” says House of Travel marketing director Ken Freer. “There are all sorts of things to consider like kids’ clubs, restaurants, location, room types; the list goes on.”
Inspiring Travel Experiences Since 1987
2017 Tours
South Island Autumn Tour ANZAC Wellington Cook Islands Bowls Carnival Scenic East Cape Bay of Islands Escape Samoa Tongariro Winter Tour Adelaide & Murray River Canada & Alaska Preservation Inlet Southland & Stewart Island Wellington Wearable Arts Lake Waikaremoana & Gentle Annie Taranaki & Scenic West Coast Forgotten World Christmas & New Year Gisborne Stay Put Warbirds over Wanaka
Plus many more! Call today for information on any of these tours!