We have all just returned from the second tour – of the South of the South Island, having covered nearly 1500km. Activities included riding the Shotover Jet boat and the picture shows just some students during their hair raising trip. We were divided into four boats and these jet boats stormed up and down the river, narrowly missing rocky outcrops and spinning at great speed – sometimes in just 10cm of water. It was great fun for all concerned. Following this, students visited Queenstown and took the gondolas to the top of the mountain where they raced each other (and some staff!) on the luge followed by everyone joining together for the Skyline Restaurant dinner- a wonderful array of food in a stunning location which was enjoyed by all. Ms Hurst-Levy and Ms Coffin took leave of their senses and did the bungy jump (tied together) at Kawarau Gorge to the delight of everyone else on the trip. Unfortunately the helicopter trip to the Franz Josef glacier could not happen due to the low cloud-base but we did get to walk to the foot of the glacier and see this magnificent, growing phenomenon. We saw stunning scenery and could see why this area was chosen for the location of Lord of the Rings, countless waterfalls, incredibly heavy rain on the West Coast, gold mining towns, various lakes and Mount Cook. All in all a wonderful experience and yet again the students were nothing other than exceptional and were a real credit to the school, their families and their country. (Oh – and we ate some great pies so you may not recognise us when we arrive back home because some of us are 2 stone heavier!)
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