Being up close to the many thousands of breeding gannets that call Cape Kidnappers home is Jan Chisum’s second favourite activity. She loves their cheeky personalities, their somewhat clumsy walk and how they steal seaweed from one another’s nests.
And, when the gannet chicks born on this rugged Hawke’s Bay coastline are ready to make their maiden voyage to Australia, Jan nervously holds her breath as they lift off, and up, and glide away.
“It’s pretty fabulous watching the breeding pairs nest, their chicks hatch and then see the young take their very first flight off the top of the Cape!”
The tour guide, who is part of the passionate team at Gannet Safaris Overland, says there’s just one thing she enjoys more than observing her beloved gannets – and that’s being airborne herself. “It’s a disease!” the 67-year-old accomplished pilot laughs.
Jan is, quite simply, obsessed with flight. Nicknamed “Gipsy Jan”, she is the proud owner of the only remaining Gipsy Moth in New Zealand. She – and her Moth – flew stunts for the TV One drama Jean, which told the story of Jean Batten, New Zealand’s most famous aviator.
And, wait for it, she lives in a hangar, right on the runway at the Bridge Pa Aerodrome, with a house attached. She and her Alaskan husband Jerry, a former commercial pilot, only have to roll up the doors, jump into one of their three aircraft, and taxi down to the tarmac. “We go out quite often and practice our formation flying – that’s good fun,” Jan tells as Jerry tinkers on a plane nearby.
Esta historia es de la edición January 11, 2021 de New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición January 11, 2021 de New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK