During the holidays, a group of international students, including those from Boys' High, embarked on a memorable three-day trip to Rotorua.

Our adventure included a brief stopover in Taupo before heading to Rotorua, where we enjoyed a gondola ride up the Rotorua Skyline and raced down the thrilled Luge tracks. To return to the starting point, we took the chair lift, which treated us to a breathtaking view of Rotorua Lake. As the evening descended, we explored the Eat Streat and had some delicious food for dinner.

The following day, we explored the Kuirau Geothermal Park, where we observed the hot mud pools, had fun at the playground and snacked some yummy food at the Saturday Market. The park's distinctive aroma, reminiscent of sulphur, didn't deter our enjoyment, especially when we could soak in the warm footbath. In the afternoon, we embarked on an adventurous zipline tour, relishing the splendid views of forested waterfalls. As night fell, we ventured on the Redwoods Tree Walk through the forest, illuminated by enchanting lights. Despite the rain, the captivating scenery allowed us to have a fun and memorable night.

On our final day, we began our journey back to Palmy, stopping at Huka Falls along the way. The light blue hue of the river left a lasting impression on us. We couldn't resist the charm of a quaint cafe named "Brown Sugar" in Taihape. We also enjoyed the lemon and yogurt cake made by Ms Brookie. We want to thank Ms Brookie and Ms Hong for driving and looking after us for three days. This trip was an opportunity for us to share our diverse cultural backgrounds with our friends and appreciate the natural beauty and history of New Zealand.

Written by student Charlotte Herzberg