Organised annually, the purpose of the trip is to put New Zealand into context for the current international students at the College, most of whom are in their fifth and final year.
The staff who took part and coordinated the group were Head of Learning Support David Ward, Head of Admissions Graeme Syms, Technology teacher Ged Leicester and English teacher Tom Lusk.
The busy itinerary included jetboat riding in Queenstown, the Franz Joseph Glacier, knife-making in Greymouth and several exciting cultural experiences such as flax weaving and receiving a pōwhiri/welcome.
Other activities in the schedule included dotterel bird watching, rock climbing, a bike tour and the Westcoast Tree Top Walkway experience.
It was a fantastic experience and created many memorable moments for the students to share before they return home.
“The trip was stunning, from the incredible weather to the brilliant students and fellow teachers,” says Tom Lusk.
“The highlights for me were the knife-making and the five whitebait fritters I had for dinner!”
To end the trip the students travelled on the Tranzalpine train to Christchurch before flying back to Auckland.
