zipline granny - Chuffed Gifts

How a 72 year old Granny became a Zipline Freak

When Chuffed Gifts started, our goal was simple. We wanted to inspire Kiwis to give gifts that could turn into real stories.

The kind of gifts that get people trying something new, discovering places they have never been, and sometimes doing things they never thought they would.

Carol Cotter-Payne is a pretty special example of that.

Carol is a 72-year-old granny from Awhitu on the Manukau Harbour. For Christmas, her daughter-in-law gave her a Chuffed Gift, along with one very cheeky challenge.

Try ziplining, if you dare.

When Carol first contacted us to redeem her gift, she said,

“I’m 72 and getting challenged to try stuff outside my comfort zone.”

So, did Carol take on the challenge?

Of course she did.

Carol booked herself a trip to Waiheke Island and got ready to take on EcoZip. What started as a Christmas gift soon became the beginning of a whole new world of adventure.

She had such a great time, and surprised herself with what she was capable of, that within three months she was off to Rotorua to take on one of New Zealand’s premier zipline experiences, Rotorua Canopy Tours.

“Honestly, I think I have become a zipline freak in my old age. If I can persuade my husband, I’d now like to go to Nelson and try canyoning,”

At that point, it was pretty clear Carol had caught the Chuffed adventure bug.

She must have been dropping a few birthday hints too, because a few months later, our gift packers spotted another order heading Carol’s way, this time with a happy birthday note.

Before long, we saw her choose her next adventure. This time, she was off to Ziptrek in Queenstown, Chuffed Gift in hand.

Zipline Granny was at it again.

We couldn’t help but check in with Carol to see how she was getting on.

“I’ve told the kids to only give me Chuffed Gifts from now on. They also got me my special Zipline Granny tee shirt. I just want to say to everyone, don’t be stuck for gifts. I am having a great time with my gifts, off indoor skydiving in Queenstown next month. Had a few ziplines now. I am 72 and loving the excitement. Might have to change tack to whitewater rafting next.”

We are pretty proud that a simple Chuffed Gift helped spark so much adventure for Carol. One Christmas gift turned into ziplining on Waiheke, flying through the forest in Rotorua, another adventure on the Coromandel, and a very well-earned Zipline Granny tee shirt.

That is exactly what we love about giving experiences.

You never quite know what story someone will create once they get to choose.

We’ll be keeping an eye on Carol. Something tells us Zipline Granny is far from finished.