This post features student writing.

Hello from Wanaka!

Today we left our homestay families and traveled by bus to Wanaka, New Zealand. Halfway through our 3 hour bus ride, we stopped for lunch and later walked around the streets of Wanaka in small groups, exploring the shops and local cafes. We all had a great time at our homestay! The first day, we went to the Whitestone City museum, the Moreaki Boulders and walked around Omaru.  Then we split up into our homestay groups and spent the rest of the day with our homestay families.  During the next couple days, the homestay families took us to get pizza, sushi, spot penguins, drink ginger beer (non-alcoholic of course), see a local production of Mama Mia and meet the cast.  We went to go see the Elephant Rocks featured in Narnia. We also visited the Whitestone Cheese Factory, where we went on a tour of the production, and went to the Steampunk Museum. Some families demonstrated their traditional recipes and we got to help cook them! One morning, we visited a local sheep farm, watched the sheep get sheared and herded, and some of us even got to give shearing a go! Our last day, we watched our homestay sisters play netball and then went to the final rugby match (Go Valley!). For our final dinner, each family brought a family favorite main and dessert for everyone to eat together, potluck style. What a great way to end our amazing homestay experience!

Can´t wait to continue the trip!

Serelle and Chloe