By TBHS | Posted: Saturday March 6, 2021
Covid restrictions have meant that our International Students have remained in New Zealand for the holiday period rather than returning to their home lands.
Our thanks go to Director of International Students Andrew Gill and Homestay Coordinator Sarah Shaw who hosted an 8 day tour of the upper South Island for these students.
Leaving on 11 January, the group headed to Christchurch for a night before continuing on to Kaikoura for a Whale Watch Tour - unfortunately, the whales were not to be seen but our students were rewarded with a pod of dolphins playing around the boat. The weather wasn’t the best and sea sickness was bountiful. The fish and chip tea, (36 pieces of fish!) went down a treat. Next day after stopping off at the seal colony, they continued to Blenheim for lunch before travelling to Picton. The weather was beautiful and the students enjoyed free time taking photos and eating ice cream.
Wellington beckoned the next day - an extraordinary city when the sun is out and the temperature was delightful. Everyone had the opportunity of exploring the city with some choosing to visit Te Papa whilst others found restaurants and shops equally as enjoyable.
Returning to Picton that night, they headed to Nelson the following morning for two days, visitng Kaiteriteri beach and participating in a paintball challenge.
Enjoying the Hanmer Springs hot pools on the last night followed by a Thai dinner was a great way to finish the tour.
The Top 10 holidays parks were very accomodating for our group of 24 people.
Overall, it was a very different Christmas holiday break for all of our students who remained n New Zealand but presented an opportunity to explore further afield from South Canterbury. Here’s hoping to a better 2021 and that our students can reconnect with their families this year.
