Donald McLeod is something of a hero in his hometown of Kalumburu in Western Australia.
In September last year he saved the life of Melbourne-based New Zealander Ryan Blair, 37, from the jaws of a monster 6m crocodile which had chased him onto a remote island.
Mr McLeod and his grandson Donny Imberlong were in Rotorua recently and stayed at Ann's Volcanic Rotorua Motel and Serviced Apartments.
He shouted his grandson the trip to New Zealand to celebrate his entering university in Australia.
Mr Blair got trapped on the remote Governor Islands after the crocodile followed him while he was trying to paddle his kayak to the mainland.