Senior School
Head Of Senior School - Neil LaRocca
Overnewton Anglican Community College
New Zealand Reflection
Article by Lisa Field, Head of Learning Senior School
On September 17th, a group of year 11 students and 8 teachers, embarked on their 8-day journey to New Zealand, travelling from Rotorua to Mt Ruapehu through Taupo, finally ending their trip in Auckland. The group started off with a packed day, participating in multiple rounds of luging, and the much-anticipated Hell’s Gate Mud Baths, serving as a highlight of the trip.
The first night ended with a cultural Māori experience, where the group was taken on a tour, had a Hangi feast, and then watched a performance by the Māori people. Day 3 consisted of the most character-building activity, where the students and teachers took on the Waitomo Caves, walking on rocks in cold water, eventually floating through the river where glow worms shone above from the roof of the cave – a breathtaking adventure. The next day included travel to the Huka Falls, engaging in a thrilling jet boat ride, allowing everyone to get close to the waterfall, taking beautiful pictures.
Another bus ride took everyone to Mt Ruapehu, where they spent two days at the Whakapapa Ski Fields. The first snow day had sunny weather, perfect for everyone to learn how to ski and snowboard. Although the second day had severe weather conditions and therefore had to be cut short, everyone still managed to make the most of the experience and skiing and snowboarding for as long as possible.
The second last day was spent travelling to Auckland via Hobbiton, where the group was able to experience the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movie set, followed by a festival feast lunch. The last day ended with shopping in the outlet near the Auckland Airport, followed by great sadness to be leaving such an amazing group of students and teachers. The trip was something to be remembered as perfect; many friendships were made and everyone had such a positive outlook to every day, allowing the trip to be the most fun it could’ve been.
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