The senior school have been away on camp for a week in Te Anau.
The adventure began as a group of 38 eager students and six teachers and parents, buckled up and headed in convoy to Te Anau for school camp. The campers found themselves at the Swag Steamers Lodge Backpackers, a cozy accommodation nestled in an idyllic location right across from the lake. This served as the perfect base for their camp, offering easy access to various activities.
Day one mostly involved travel in convoy to our destination and a trip to the playground. The weather obviously did not get the memo that we wanted some sun, so the plan changed to stay at camp and have some fun quizzes. Swimming was the only activity on the cards that did not get us any wetter from the rain, so we headed to the wharf for a dip before dinner. No camp would be complete without a Fiordland theme toilet paper challenge.
Day two campers geared up to walk for the morning heading to Rainbow Reach and walking to the control gates. Speeds varied from the ultra marathon runners at the front led by Fiona to the campers who were just as happy to take their time and take in nature at its best. Kudos to everyone as they completed the near 10km walk before lunch. A quick bite to eat and we headed to McGregor's Pond, where Bill from Fish and Game gave us a demo and tutorial before we were unleashed on the pond. After a very long wait of casting and very little fish catching, Amelia Morrison showed her skills and landed a sizeable trout, making some others question their choice of lures and bait. Rounding off the day with a quick dip in the lake as the fresh snow made the water feel sub antarctic. Last events were with some skit practice and some classis ding dong ditch before lights out.
Day three everyone was awoken at a very early hour (some would have preferred earlier as they needed a two hour window to get ready) to convoy their way to Milford Sound. A quick stop at Mirror Lakes for adult fuel (four flat whites and two long blacks) before making the boat to head out through the fiords to the Tasman Sea. Being washed by pure waterfalls and seeing a small pod of dolphins and funding the entire staffs wages by buying overpriced cafe food were points worth mentioning. Thankfully it was a balmy 17 degrees most of the day and so we gravitated a few steps to the waterfront where we jumped, manued and swam for a solid hour and a half. Notable mention to Simon Walker for showing the seniors his outstanding back flips. Burgers were a hit for dinner and who knew that you could dry beetroot?
Day four was water themed and amped up the excitement with a jet boat ride down the Upper Waiau River with Fiordland Jet. A huge buzz with exhilarating turns, complimentary water and informative Dad jokes. Less exhilarating was the bird park but still quite fascinating to see Takahē up close as well as rogue sparrows. Keeping with the nautical theme and precipitation, we headed north on a boat to the glow-worm caves which turns out is a marketing ploy for seeing neon maggots. A truly remarkable experience to see these worms and caves up close and one we won't forget. The last evening meant it was time a garlic bread eating competition (well done Boston), big fish little fish, and time for skits. The laughter and calibre of skits was entertaining, with dating shows, the news, Master Chef and even a wedding.
This school camp has been truly unforgettable for everyone involved. As we reluctantly packed our bags to return home, we have not only newfound knowledge but also a load of memories from a camp with endless experiences jammed into a week. This camp would not have been possible without the epic amount of planning from Sarah Cairns, the support of the crew of Fiona Wilkinson, Angela McAlpine, Mark Preddy, Robyn Lietze and Simon Walker, all of whom contributed with their strengths to make this camp one of the best yet. Thanks Te Anau you were a blast!
Highlights:
Waterfalls at Milford Sound - Yui
Swimming - Natalie, Astrid
360s on the jetboat - Boston, Keera
Jet boating - Kaiyo, Liam, Harry
Milford Sound - Flynn, Astrid
The cruise - Harrison
The dolphins - Elyssa, Liv
Fishing - Mason
Food - Harper
Lowlights:
The weather - Yui, Sueloa
Walking - Kaiyo, Mason
Falling over - Boston
The caves - Natalie, Elyssa
Rainbow Reach Walk - Harrison
Waking up early - Liv, Astrid
Cold weather - Keera
Noise factor - Harper
