International students celebrate their time at Macleans College

As part of the end-of-year international student summer programme, the Macleans College International Department organised a number of activities and day trips.

On Monday 4 November, Macleans College hosted an Inter-schools Sports Day where students played football and netball against other international students from Sancta Maria College, Botany Downs Secondary College, Howick College and Pakuranga College. It was a fun-filled day, with some students experiencing the game of netball for the first time.

On Friday 8 November the students visited Mānawa Bay - New Zealand’s premium outlet shopping destination. They enjoyed shopping up a storm, buying designer clothes at discounted prices. The students all returned home full of excitement over their shopping bargains.

The following week the group took a ferry into Auckland CBD before boarding another ferry to head to Devonport and Rangitoto Island. Situated in the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto is a volcanic island reaching a height of 260m. The students eagerly took on the challenge of climbing to the top and were rewarded with 360 degree views of Auckland.

An early start was in order on Monday 18 November, to make the three hour journey to Rotorua. The first pitstop enroute was Tirau where a large corrugated iron sheep, ram and dog provided much fascination for the students. The group then headed to Rotorua Canopy Tours where they geared up and walked through the beautiful Okoheriki forest with its ancient ecosystem, native birds, zip lines, swing bridges and treetop platforms.

A visit was then paid to Haka House to check-in for a tour of Rotorua, starting at Kuirau Park where the students got to soak their tired feet in the thermal foot bath. The students then walked around the crater lake to observe the hot springs and mud pools bubbling away. The day concluded with dinner at a local Mexican restaurant.

The following day the students headed to the enchanting Redwood Forest, to walk amongst trees which are over 120 years old. The group were surprised to find Seven Sharp were filming to celebrate Zorb Rotorua’s 30th birthday. The zorb is an iconic, and rather quirky, New Zealand adventure activity involving a large inflatable ball rolling down a hill. There was great excitement from the students knowing they would feature on New Zealand TV singing Happy Birthday. They were rewarded with free zorb rides; slipping and sliding down a 250m hill proved to be the highlight of the trip.

The final stop on the Rotorua tour was the Blue and Green Lakes (Lake Tikitapu and Lake Rotokakahi) - two lakes which are located side by side, but with vastly different water colours. The differing colours are due to the depth, the Blue Lake being 28m deep and the Green Lake 32m deep.

Last week the students undertook two final activities. The group travelled to Woodhill Forest to test their climbing skills at Tree Adventures. Three hours of challenging fun was had amongst a maze of ladders, bridges, swings and zip lines. Ten different courses ranging from 3m to 14m above ground were available to explore. The students loved the thrills and adventure of an unforgettable experience.

The final activity was designed as a kiwi send-off - gathering as a group at Eastern Beach for a feast of kiwi kai; fish and chips, L&P and hokey pokey cornetto ice creams. The students played ball games and signed one another’s flags with messages to keep as souvenirs. The Macleans College International Department staff presented the short-term students with certificates and a Macleans College drink bottle to remember their time at the school. There were many heartfelt tears as the students said goodbye to the school and each other. Some students exchanged friendship bracelets and all agreed they had made friendships for life.