Year 10 Camp

Year 10 New Zealand Camp

Bounded by magnificent mountains, snug on the shores of the crystal blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is home to one of the world’s premier lake and alpine resorts. Once the logistics of the passport application nightmare had passed, this idyllic setting in the ‘land of the long white cloud’ was to be invaded by sixty-eight boys from De La, keen to get in on some of the world famous adrenalin-fuelled action. Enduring the 7 hour drive from Christchurch to Queenstown (and then the return) would prove to be the most painful part of the week. A few enjoyed the picturesque New Zealand beauty, but most preferred to draw the curtain and watch the video playing at the front of the coach, fittingly Lord of the Rings. Some chose sleep to pass the time away, those that couldn’t, simply counted sheep — and there was no shortage of them. The trip provided students with the option of spending the week skiing and snowboarding on the breathtaking slopes of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, or alternatively, engaged in adventure-based activities in the waters below. The Snow group revealed vastly mixed abilities; many were on the snow for the first time, others were advanced enough to pull off aerial manoeuvres. But, regardless of whether it was sticking to the runs, or creating their own route down the mountain (on purpose or by accident), everywhere one went there was a plethora of powder, and (thankfully for the teachers) everyone was completely spent at day’s end. The Adventure group spent their time jet boating up the Dart River, plunging down ferocious white water, and four-wheel driving through rugged terrain. On one particular night over a beautiful buffet Mr Walton volunteered to provide a peace offering on behalf of the College — only to be confronted with the ferocity of a Maori upper lip in his face as they ripped out the Haka. The feedback from both camps was overwhelmingly positive. The NZ Experience had provided students and staff with an equally educational and thrill-seeking week in a country where most had not ventured. Many of the boys ultimately adopted the locals’ catchphrase to describe the trip: ‘sweet as’.