Before the sunlight had climbed up from behind the hill, a group of international students gathered in front of the school entrance, excited about the trip that was ahead of them. The international students were heading towards the lovely city of Queenstown, to expand their experience and knowledge of New Zealand and its culture.
First, the group visited Arrowtown, which is a famous historical gold-mining town. There are several old buildings and luxuriant trees set beside the sidewalk. The students had some good details about the history of NZ gold mining, after listening to the guide’s interesting explanation at the Goldfields Mining Centre beside the Kawarau River.
Later in the day, the group took the iconic scenic ride ‘Skyline Gondola’ giving a magnificent view of the beautiful outline of Queenstown, followed by a delicious buffet dinner in the Stratosfare Restaurant.
The ext day, the students were taken by bus to Wanaka, where the clear-blue lake is connected with the snowcapped mountains. After free time for lunch in the town, the group went on the bus again to go to the puzzling World Great Maze and Illusion Rooms. It is a unique attraction specialising in puzzling eccentricity. There are the modern-styled Great Maze, and the remarkable illusions rooms which show different aspect of space, shape and dimension in the design of visual art.
Leaving Wanaka and back in Queenstown, the international students gathered in the city centre for a delicious dinner- Fergburger. Students could taste the warm and juicy hamburger while viewing the sunset beside Lake Wakatipu.
Another exciting day started as the students gathered at the Queenstown wharf to get their ticket for the steamship TSS Earnslaw – one of the last remaining fully functional coal-fired passenger ships in the southern hemisphere. On this trip the students were heading toward
the Walter Peak High Country Farm, where they received a fascinating farm tour and a tasty gourmet BBQ lunch.
During the trip, the international students bonded together as a group. As there are numerous students who are new to our community, it is a heart-warming experience for all the international students to get to know each other better.
A huge thanks to all the staff, including our International Student Department, Ms. Gillies, Ms. Greengrass, Ms. Price, and our Deputy Principal, Mr. Green, for organising and supervising such a wonderful tour.
Jolin Chen
