At the end of November Year 10 students took part in a huge selection of end of year activities put on for them by Nayland staff.

Some of the two night camps included a waka ama camp into the Abel Tasman,  a West Coast caving trip, canoeing on the Motueka River and rock climbing in Golden Bay.

There were also a wide variety of day activities on offer, ranging from creating your own art at school to salmon fishing at Anatoki to mountain biking, day walks and adventure racing.

Highlights from the organisers:

Mr Isherwood on the West Coast trip:

"Highlight was of course the blackwater caving which involved a train trip through the majestic Paparoa National Park with its limestone cliffs and ancient Kaihikatea forests before a short climb and then descending through the cave system to an underground stream which we floated through back to the river. 

Close to the cave exit is NZ's largest glowworm population for over 100 meters along the cave roof above the stream, incredible experience.They also learnt heaps about the history of Charleston which was a major town in its heyday, visited a local gold mine, where we heard the local mining history, explored the underground mines and panned for gold. 

Lots of swimming in sea and river spots and visited all the tourists spots, the seals at Tauranga Bay, Pancake Rocks and in what was quite moving visited the Pike River Memorial for the 29 men who died. Very cool trip and great way to finish the year."

Mrs Bruce-Millar on the waka ama trip:

"Waka Ama Camp was amazing and the kids were fantastic. They did not want to come home! "

Ms Cotton on the camping at Marahau:

"Awesome. 5 teachers took 24 students to Marahau for a 2 night 3 day camp. Activities included horse riding, paddle boarding, kayaking, walking the Abel Tasman, river swims, Masterchef challenge, photo orienteering and fun group activities. The weather was amazing and it was a awesome time camping at Old Macdonald's Farm."

Mr Malthus on the adventure racing activity: 

"For the adventure racing we went to the Waimea River, Rabbit Island,  Whispering Falls and jumped off the Hackett bridge." 

Ms Wall on the fish-walk-swim activity:

"Thanks to extra orders from staff [for salmon], they could eat what was caught and take several back to school."