Mount Ruapehu Snow Camp!

Wow what a fantastic camp we had in Week 5. The weather wasn't the best, but that didn't deter us from having an amazing time at the mountain.
After all piling on to the two buses and waving (some tearful) goodbyes to the parents, we set off on our adventure. First stop was Hamilton Gardens where we broke into groups and raced around completing a photo hunt. The gardens are an amazing place to explore, if you haven't been...you should.

Next stop Otorahanga to look at the Edmund Hilary walkway and have a play at the new park and playground. Then we completed the last leg of our journey to The Crossing Backpackers in National Park. What a cool place that is! Lots of rooms, funky wooden stairs, a big games room and a movie room inside a wardrobe...just like in 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe!'
The next day was the first day on the snow. We had to transfer from the buses to two big shuttles with chains on. The weather wasn't great but we were all so excited. As we climbed the mountain and snow appeared, the children's expressions were priceless. We got off the buses and the snow was falling. We had a look around and then went up the mountain on the gondolas, so much fun! While we were at the top, the snowball fights started, even the teachers weren't safe, so they had to defend themselves with the odd one fired back.

We went back down on the gondolas and went sledding while we waited for our first ski/snowboard lessons. This was a lot of fun, we even got Miss McGrath to have a go.

Finally it was time for lessons. It was hard the first time, we all felt restricted and clompy in our ski boots. Some got it pretty quickly and advanced up the slopes to the top of the magic carpet. Others persevered with learning how to stop and turn. At 4pm it was time to head back down the mountain. We arrived back wet an tired to hot chicken and veggie soup, yum!

The next day was a complete white out, the snow was falling and the wind was whistling. The students didn't care, they all eagerly went for their next lesson then had to be encouraged inside for hot chips before they had 3hrs free time on the slopes! It was amazing to see their determination, bravery and perseverance. We teachers felt so proud seeing them whizzing down the slopes. Ms Sands even took an adventurous crew up a bank to ski down. What a day!

The students were tired and hungry on our return. The food at The Crossing was really good and everyone had heaps to eat. We put a movie on and they were almost asleep as their heads hit their pillows.
After packing up our gear the next day, we set off for the Taupo Hot Pools. This was a great stop, everyone jumped in the steaming hot pools in the rain. There was a slide, a Tarzan swing and even an island we could bomb off! After swimming we ate American hotdogs that the adults prepared and then we were off to look at Huka Falls.

After one last stop in Hamilton Gardens on our return for a biscuit and toilet stop, we finally made it back to school at 7pm. There were some very happy parents.
It was an incredible trip, lots of funny stories and lots of happy kids. We are so proud of how everyone behaved and challenged themselves. True to the Waikowhai way, we were complimented where ever we went by the public and staff at the places we visited.
Can't wait for the next one!

There will be a slideshow and videos to follow soon...so stay tuned.