On 19 March, 31 students and 5 staff members from Harrow Hong Kong embarked on our second trip to Aotearoa, New Zealand, to explore the South Island and live like a ‘Kiwi’ for eight days. All the activities in New Zealand were designed and planned to put students out of their comfort zone.
The students chose their activities, which included horse riding, paintball shooting, mountain biking, bubble football, the mule (military obstacle course) and stand up paddle boarding. The highlights of the trip were the heli-hike that involved a helicopter ride up in to the highlands and a hike back down to a valley, the Wanderer boat in the Milford Sounds which took us out to the Tasman Sea to do some kayaking, swimming, watching dolphins play around the boat and witnessing stunning scenery all around.
The final highlight was the famous shot over jet. This jet boat produces 700hp and had us pushed back in our seats whilst racing up and down the very tight Kawarau River (Shotover River). Amongst all the fun, the students were able to learn about caring for the environment, being safe in the outdoors, learning about New Zealand culture and enjoying each other’s company in a foreign country.
We look forward to giving another group of Harrow Hong Kong students the opportunity to have an outdoor adventure in New Zealand again next year.