It was the sound of about 30 Southland children living with illnesses on a journey to the clouds for this year’s Koru Care Southland trip at the weekend.
While the organisation would normally take children overseas to the Gold Coast and Disneyland, Covid-19 meant it had to change its focus.
Instead, the children took a one-hour scenic tour over the mountains, valleys and lakes of Te Anau and Queenstown.
Koru Care Southland committee member Pauline Gillan, who worked with the children on board at Southland Hospital, said the whole experience was "just wonderful".
"We thought there’s nowhere better than our own backyard.
Many of the children were in wheelchairs and all had compromised health, so it was a very special experience for all involved.
"We met with all the children for a couple of hours beforehand for them to see children with similar illnesses and to share that moment with each other."
For the first time, parents and caregivers were also able to take to the skies.
"This was a lovely chance for them both to experience it and it’s something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives."
Mickey and Minnie Mouse made an appearance while children had their faces painted, and tucked into the food donated by various Southland organisations.
Koru Care Southland said it was grateful to Air New Zealand and the staff on board for making it such a successful day out.
"It was mission accomplished today."
