Anaru's healing weekend

FILE

Auckland man Anaru Young is looking forward to a healing soak in Rotorua's thermal water this weekend.

It's just one of the city's many attractions the terminally ill 29-year-old plans to visit for a trip organised by the Race for Life Trust Wish-List Service for his 30th birthday - a date he didn't think he'd make having been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.

Mr Young said his life had been extended since he had his first heart attack six years ago.

"I really shouldn't be around. I said if I make it to my 30th birthday I want to do something for it."

It will be his first stay in Rotorua, having previously just passed through, and he was looking forward to spending time with family and having a look around.

On the agenda is a two-night stay at Millennium Hotel Rotorua, dinner at Rydges Hotel Atrium Restaurant, a soak at the Polynesian Spa, a visit to Rainbow Springs and lunch at Wairere Cafe. Then it's off to Skyline Rotorua to ride on the gondola and the luge before a buffet dinner at Stratosphere Restaurant and Bar.

He is particularly looking forward to fun and adrenaline-filled activities like the luge and racing in the Shweeb at Agroventure before finishing with a lunch at Capers Epicurean Restaurant.

"I'm trying to have a lot of fun. Because I'm Maori I see a lot of kapa haka and I wanted a different experience. I'm really thankful to the people of Rotorua because without the sponsorship I wouldn't have been able to get together with my family - it's very expensive to do all these things."

Mr Young will be visiting with his nephew and four brothers and sisters. "It's quite a big thing for us because we don't get together all that often."

Wish-List Service co-ordinator Viv James said it was fantastic how the Rotorua community had got behind Mr Young.

"He's a wonderful example of someone being able to embrace the moment. He was told he wouldn't make last Christmas and it's his wonderful energy and human spirit and determination that has made the difference."