We ventured further afield to Cable Bay Adventure Park and were brave enough to try The Skywire Experience, one of the world's longest flying foxes, soaring high above the forest canopy reaching speeds of up to 100 kph.

We also learnt to play golf croquet at Brooklyn Golf Croquet with the very patient Sue Heagney, which we all thoroughly enjoyed.

Another highlight of the week was a trip down the Pelorus River paddling our own canoes. The weather was perfect and we saw the exact location of the dwarves in the barrels scene from the Hobbit film and had a dip in the water at the end as well which was refreshing.

It was great timing for the PYO cherries to open so we could try the freshest fruit at the start of the season and something which the girls from Germany had not done before.

Emily, Caroline and Clara were lucky enough to have a behind the scenes tour at Wither Hills Winery courtesy of Patricia Miranda-Taylor one of our host parents who is a senior winemaker at Wither Hills. At the vineyard they were able to learn about winemaking, chemistry, biology, maths, management, lean manufacturing, budgeting and project management.

After a busy week the girls also had the chance to volunteer at Enliven which supports seniors attending a day programme. We had great fun using the VR headsets to explore South America and take a skydive! Also a delicious lunch of make your own tacos.

Some of our international students now head home to celebrate Christmas in colder climates with their families and we look forward to welcoming new arrivals in January.