New Zealand It Is!

Aug. 17, 2005 — -- "Good Morning America" viewers voted to send the Paine family on a dream vacation to New Zealand, where they will swim with dolphins and stingrays, visit the "Lord of the Rings" movie set and learn about Maori culture.

"GMA" partnered with National Geographic Traveler magazine for the "Good to Go" Family Vacation Contest that will send this deserving family on the trip of a lifetime.

The Paines, from Ottawa, Kan., have had their share of hardships, which they call "speed bumps" in life. The patriarch, Tim Paine, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a rare cancer, two years ago. And the family was given the crushing news that he would likely die within 10 years.

For years, Tim Paine has suffered from Type One diabetes. In order to survive, he wears an insulin pump. He has almost died from complications of diabetes several times.

Paula Paine said the couple's daughters understand their dad might not be around when they get married and have kids of their own. "So that's why they want to make the memories we can while we've got him around," she said.

"My dad is a wonderful dad," said Jan. "He's my hero. He has fought diabetes for 23 years now and the cancer. And he's just an amazing person."

Now this family will have an unforgettable experience. "GMA" viewers choose between trips to New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Tahiti, with New Zealand the overwhelming viewer favorite.

The Paines said they hoped for a trip to New Zealand or Africa, but their biggest wish is to help children in crisis. They want to volunteer while they are on vacation, and perhaps even help children orphaned in the Southeast Asian tsunami.

The other two finalist families -- the Apels of Farmington Hills, Mich., and the Malaves of Kissimmee, Fla. -- also got a surprise this morning. Orbitz offered to donate a seven-night vacation in the continental United States to each family.

For more information on the Paine family's possible vacation destinations, click here.