The annual Year 13 Geography and Tourism trip to Queenstown happened during Week 1 this term. The trip was made up of 18 students, Mr Sherborne and Ms Meronek.

First of all it was no small miracle that this trip even happened. We were lucky that New Zealand was able to get Covid 19 under control and allow our economy and travel to open up again. Needless to say our journey to Queenstown on the day took a little longer than expected due to other less apocalyptic events such as a snowstorm and a house relocation that blocked the road. 

The first activity was the zip line and bungy at AJ Hackett, Kawerau Bridge. Five students were brave enough to bungy and around 13 did the zip line so all students challenged themselves in some way. The seminar that the company presented to the students was interesting and many of the students identified with AJ Hackett’s new motto ‘Live more, fear less’.  From there it was off to Queenstown for a walking tour, Fear Factory and dinner. 

Day 2 was full on to say the least. The gondola and luge were up first and the students were amazed that it had snowed and the luge tracks were surrounded by snow which made for a picturesque morning activity. The seminar from management at Skyline informed us about the restructuring needed to get through the Covid 19 slowdown, but it was great to hear that business has been better than what they predicted and although they had to let 80% of staff go, they have now begun hiring more. The Kawarau jetboat ride was up next. An hour of racing around the Kawarau and Shotover rivers was a thrilling first time experience for many, albeit a cold one. 

During the time away all in all the students had many new experiences and heard from industry leaders who proudly talked about resilience in the face of Covid 19 and future career pathways in the Tourism industry. The student’s behaviour was impeccable and they were great ambassadors for Queen’s High School. After a year where many opportunities have been lost it was great for the students to be able to get out and experience Queenstown as a group in their final year of school.