American Visit 2014 - Blog
|
The ambassadors took turns sharing their day's adventure while they were in New Zealand, and we present that here as a web log. |
|
3 March: Stewart Island
- By Ambassador Emma
The first thing we did today was arrive at the airport. When we got there the first group took a plane to Stewart Island but that wasn't my group. We waited for a little longer to get on a plane. The plane fit six people and I sat in the front of the plane. The first half of the plane ride I had my face buried but then the pilot had me look out the window and explain what I saw.
After we landed we took a boat to Ulva Island. On the boat ride we did some fishing. When we got on the island we took a bird tour and we saw some of the rare birds of New Zealand. At the end of the tour we stopped at Sydney Cove, a beach where we took a group photo. The weather was a little cold!
We went back to the boat and ate lunch on the way back to Stewart Island. We had some time to look in the shops there while we waited to take a bus tour around the island. When the tour was over we went and ate tea. We had fish and chips. For me that was the best part of the day. We took flights back to Invercargill that left at different times. Once we were back, Jackson helped us do math homework till we left to go home to our host famillies.
- By Ambassador Emma
The first thing we did today was arrive at the airport. When we got there the first group took a plane to Stewart Island but that wasn't my group. We waited for a little longer to get on a plane. The plane fit six people and I sat in the front of the plane. The first half of the plane ride I had my face buried but then the pilot had me look out the window and explain what I saw.
After we landed we took a boat to Ulva Island. On the boat ride we did some fishing. When we got on the island we took a bird tour and we saw some of the rare birds of New Zealand. At the end of the tour we stopped at Sydney Cove, a beach where we took a group photo. The weather was a little cold!
We went back to the boat and ate lunch on the way back to Stewart Island. We had some time to look in the shops there while we waited to take a bus tour around the island. When the tour was over we went and ate tea. We had fish and chips. For me that was the best part of the day. We took flights back to Invercargill that left at different times. Once we were back, Jackson helped us do math homework till we left to go home to our host famillies.
27 February: Queenstown
- By Ambassador Parker
Today was lots of fun! We woke up at 7:30 and headed for breakfast. I had pancakes - they were delicious. After breakfast we walked to the bird reserve where we got to look at kiwis and learn some new things about native birds in New Zealand.
Then we walked down to the place that booked our next activity we were going to do that day. THe package we got was called the "high five." It included a jet boat ride, a helicopter ride, five luge rides, and a ride on the gondola back down the mountain. We started by taking a bus to the river where the boat was. Before we got in we put on trench coats that kept us warm, and life jackets. When we got on the boat the driver told us safety rules and that if he turned his finger in a circle he would turn the boat in a 360 degree spin. The boat ride was tons of fun!
Next we took another bus to the helipad. They took us in four groups. While in the helicopter we wore headsets that we could hear the pilot through. In the helicopter the view was amazing. The helicopter landed right next to the luge.
The luge was tons of fun! To get to the luge course you would ride a chair lift to the top. When you got to the top you would choose to do the scenic track or the fast track. I got stuck on my first run, but I got the hang of it. To get down from the luge you took the gondola that drops you off in town.
After the gondola we had some free time to shop before dinner. For dinner we had Mexican - nachos and enchiladas. After dinner we haded back to our accomodations and went to bed. Overall today was loads of fun!
- By Ambassador Parker
Today was lots of fun! We woke up at 7:30 and headed for breakfast. I had pancakes - they were delicious. After breakfast we walked to the bird reserve where we got to look at kiwis and learn some new things about native birds in New Zealand.
Then we walked down to the place that booked our next activity we were going to do that day. THe package we got was called the "high five." It included a jet boat ride, a helicopter ride, five luge rides, and a ride on the gondola back down the mountain. We started by taking a bus to the river where the boat was. Before we got in we put on trench coats that kept us warm, and life jackets. When we got on the boat the driver told us safety rules and that if he turned his finger in a circle he would turn the boat in a 360 degree spin. The boat ride was tons of fun!
Next we took another bus to the helipad. They took us in four groups. While in the helicopter we wore headsets that we could hear the pilot through. In the helicopter the view was amazing. The helicopter landed right next to the luge.
The luge was tons of fun! To get to the luge course you would ride a chair lift to the top. When you got to the top you would choose to do the scenic track or the fast track. I got stuck on my first run, but I got the hang of it. To get down from the luge you took the gondola that drops you off in town.
After the gondola we had some free time to shop before dinner. For dinner we had Mexican - nachos and enchiladas. After dinner we haded back to our accomodations and went to bed. Overall today was loads of fun!
26 February: The Amazing Race, and Off to Queenstown
- By Ambassador Cyrenna
Today was a very fun day. We did the amazing race and my team, the Paua shells, finished in second place. We traveled around in cars to different places, taking pictures and answering questions.
After lunch we araveled to Queenstown. We got to go shopping for about an hour around all of the shops. For dinner we had pizza at the park down by the lake. Then we went to our hostel/lodge. It was a fun day and I can't wait for tomorrow!
- By Ambassador Cyrenna
Today was a very fun day. We did the amazing race and my team, the Paua shells, finished in second place. We traveled around in cars to different places, taking pictures and answering questions.
After lunch we araveled to Queenstown. We got to go shopping for about an hour around all of the shops. For dinner we had pizza at the park down by the lake. Then we went to our hostel/lodge. It was a fun day and I can't wait for tomorrow!
25 February: Te Anau and the Glow Worm Caves
- By Ambassador Kelsey
We started off our glow worms day with a bus ride to Te Anau with our host students and the New Zealand ambassadors coming to the USA in September. When we got to Te Anau we had some time so we got to go shopping. Shopping was really fun! It was even better with our New Zealand friends there.
We took a boat to the glow worm caves. We got to watch a short video on now glow worms glow and how they catch their food. Did you know glow worms glow because there is a reaction inside of them?
Once we got inside the caves, it was pretty dark but not dark enough where you couldn't see anything but pretty dark. After walking through the cave we got to these little boats and then oncewe all got in the boats they turned out the lights and that's when we saw the glow worms! They were pretty cool. It looked like the night sky all over this cave wall. It was a really cool experience!
- By Ambassador Kelsey
We started off our glow worms day with a bus ride to Te Anau with our host students and the New Zealand ambassadors coming to the USA in September. When we got to Te Anau we had some time so we got to go shopping. Shopping was really fun! It was even better with our New Zealand friends there.
We took a boat to the glow worm caves. We got to watch a short video on now glow worms glow and how they catch their food. Did you know glow worms glow because there is a reaction inside of them?
Once we got inside the caves, it was pretty dark but not dark enough where you couldn't see anything but pretty dark. After walking through the cave we got to these little boats and then oncewe all got in the boats they turned out the lights and that's when we saw the glow worms! They were pretty cool. It looked like the night sky all over this cave wall. It was a really cool experience!
24 February: Adventure Southland
- By Ambassador Vegas
The activities at Adventure Southland were fun. The first one was sea kayaking. It was fun because you got to just smack into the waves. You also get blown down the beach a ways and have to walk back.
The other activity that we did was the ropes course. On the ropes course we got strapped up in the harness and it felt like I had to trust Levi with my life. By the end of the day I definitely trusted Levi more.
- By Ambassador Vegas
The activities at Adventure Southland were fun. The first one was sea kayaking. It was fun because you got to just smack into the waves. You also get blown down the beach a ways and have to walk back.
The other activity that we did was the ropes course. On the ropes course we got strapped up in the harness and it felt like I had to trust Levi with my life. By the end of the day I definitely trusted Levi more.
21 February: Dunedin
- By Ambassador Lauren
Today we woke up in a museum. The museum staff member that stayed overnight with us woke us all up. We all got dressed for the day and ate breakfast. After that we went into the butterfly exhibit. They were beautiful. They were all very graceful and most of the butterflies were friendly. some would land on you if you stood still enough.
After doing that we packed and did a scavenger hunt of the museum. It was fun to go around the building before it was open. Then we left the museum and drove to the pool. At the pool there were some diving boards and lap pools. There was a kids pool, a wave pool, and water slides. There was also a hot tub for the adults.
After the pool, we went to a place called Natures Wonders where we had lunch. Then we rode eight wheel vehicles down to the shore and say baby fur seals, an elephant seal, and penguins. After that we found a mall in Dunedin, and stopped for dinner part way back to Invercargill.
- By Ambassador Lauren
Today we woke up in a museum. The museum staff member that stayed overnight with us woke us all up. We all got dressed for the day and ate breakfast. After that we went into the butterfly exhibit. They were beautiful. They were all very graceful and most of the butterflies were friendly. some would land on you if you stood still enough.
After doing that we packed and did a scavenger hunt of the museum. It was fun to go around the building before it was open. Then we left the museum and drove to the pool. At the pool there were some diving boards and lap pools. There was a kids pool, a wave pool, and water slides. There was also a hot tub for the adults.
After the pool, we went to a place called Natures Wonders where we had lunch. Then we rode eight wheel vehicles down to the shore and say baby fur seals, an elephant seal, and penguins. After that we found a mall in Dunedin, and stopped for dinner part way back to Invercargill.
20 February: Dunedin
- By Ambassador Kaeli
On Thursday, we went to the Cadbury Factory. Then, we went to the Otago Museum.
On the Cadbury tour, there was lots and lots of chocolate. During the tour, our guide gave us chocolate. We got to walk aroung the factory and it was really cool because we got to see how they make chocolate.
After we went to the Cadbury factory, we drove to the Otago Museum. It was really cool because we got to see things that we'd never see in the USA. There were many activities, like making menus and outfits, and the "night walk."
The night walk was fun at night in the museum when everything was dark. We stopped at the Animal Attic and there were animal that used to be alive, but they were stuffed. We were to find four things in the Animal Attic. We had to find Sultan and Sonia, the rat king, animals that didn't make it back to their cages, and a blue whale's eye.
Then we spent the night in the museum!
- By Ambassador Kaeli
On Thursday, we went to the Cadbury Factory. Then, we went to the Otago Museum.
On the Cadbury tour, there was lots and lots of chocolate. During the tour, our guide gave us chocolate. We got to walk aroung the factory and it was really cool because we got to see how they make chocolate.
After we went to the Cadbury factory, we drove to the Otago Museum. It was really cool because we got to see things that we'd never see in the USA. There were many activities, like making menus and outfits, and the "night walk."
The night walk was fun at night in the museum when everything was dark. We stopped at the Animal Attic and there were animal that used to be alive, but they were stuffed. We were to find four things in the Animal Attic. We had to find Sultan and Sonia, the rat king, animals that didn't make it back to their cages, and a blue whale's eye.
Then we spent the night in the museum!
19 February: Farm Day
- By Ambassador Claire
Today we started by going to the Knight of New Zealand factory tour. It was really cool because we got to see all of the steps of making coats from many different animal skins, including goat skins. Then we went downstairs and the lady touring us around the factory gave us all a free possum tail. Then we got to shop for a while.
After, we went to Riverton to have morning tea at the bridge lookout. The bridge lookout is just almost like a dock. After we ate, we went to the Te Hikoi Riverton Museum. We got to watch a 16 minute movie about discovering New Zealand. While watching the movie, I learned that New Zealand was an island with many species of birds living there before people.
Then we walked down the block and went to the Paua Shell Factory Tour. We got to go in the back and learned about the Paua shell. I learned that is almost like a snail, and that the holes on top of the shell is how the Paua breathes.
Then we walked across the street, picked up our fish, and drove the three minute drive to the beach. Everyone ate their fish and chips. We had extra time, so we got to play at the beach for a while. We found crabs under the rocks.
When it was time to go, we put on sunscreen and drove to a dairy farm. It was really cool because we came at milking time, so we got to see the cows get milked. We also got to hand milk a cow if we wanted to, and drink the fresh milk.
Then we drove over to the sheep farm. When we got there, we went straight to "sacking," which is where you get pulled by an ATV (four wheeler) on a sack, but also sitting on a tire so you don't hurt your bum. We also got to help shear a sheep, hold puppies, and get our own dog whistles to keep.
Then we drove back to James Hargest. What a long and fun day!
- By Ambassador Claire
Today we started by going to the Knight of New Zealand factory tour. It was really cool because we got to see all of the steps of making coats from many different animal skins, including goat skins. Then we went downstairs and the lady touring us around the factory gave us all a free possum tail. Then we got to shop for a while.
After, we went to Riverton to have morning tea at the bridge lookout. The bridge lookout is just almost like a dock. After we ate, we went to the Te Hikoi Riverton Museum. We got to watch a 16 minute movie about discovering New Zealand. While watching the movie, I learned that New Zealand was an island with many species of birds living there before people.
Then we walked down the block and went to the Paua Shell Factory Tour. We got to go in the back and learned about the Paua shell. I learned that is almost like a snail, and that the holes on top of the shell is how the Paua breathes.
Then we walked across the street, picked up our fish, and drove the three minute drive to the beach. Everyone ate their fish and chips. We had extra time, so we got to play at the beach for a while. We found crabs under the rocks.
When it was time to go, we put on sunscreen and drove to a dairy farm. It was really cool because we came at milking time, so we got to see the cows get milked. We also got to hand milk a cow if we wanted to, and drink the fresh milk.
Then we drove over to the sheep farm. When we got there, we went straight to "sacking," which is where you get pulled by an ATV (four wheeler) on a sack, but also sitting on a tire so you don't hurt your bum. We also got to help shear a sheep, hold puppies, and get our own dog whistles to keep.
Then we drove back to James Hargest. What a long and fun day!
18 February: School Day
- By Ambassador Jackson
Today was school day for the ambassadors! We got to visit the classrooms at the James Hargest Junior Campus. We broke into groups so that we could present our PowerPoint presentations to the classes.
My group went to the science room first. Then we went to P.E. and some other classes, where we presented our presentations. In our last class, we asked the kids to try to say their names in an American accent. Most of them just said their names in their normal accents, but a few were really good!
The school itself was pretty cool. It is divided into different blocks, not just one building like Meeker. They have two breaks as well. they get "morning tea" in the morning, where they can buy milkshakes and cookies from the school, and they have a longer lunchtime than Meeker does. We spent lunch in a group with some new friends that we had made. All in all, a great day in New Zealand!
- By Ambassador Jackson
Today was school day for the ambassadors! We got to visit the classrooms at the James Hargest Junior Campus. We broke into groups so that we could present our PowerPoint presentations to the classes.
My group went to the science room first. Then we went to P.E. and some other classes, where we presented our presentations. In our last class, we asked the kids to try to say their names in an American accent. Most of them just said their names in their normal accents, but a few were really good!
The school itself was pretty cool. It is divided into different blocks, not just one building like Meeker. They have two breaks as well. they get "morning tea" in the morning, where they can buy milkshakes and cookies from the school, and they have a longer lunchtime than Meeker does. We spent lunch in a group with some new friends that we had made. All in all, a great day in New Zealand!
17 February: Welcome Assembly and More
- By Ambassador Anna
Today we had a welcome assembly. We also went to the velodrome, the Tuatara museum, and we went to a community plant nursery.
At the welcome assembly our James Hargest hosts introduced us and we said something that we have enjoyed so far about New Zealand. After that we went to the velodrome. There we rode bikes around the track and some of us even rode up on the side walls. It was fun but a lot of energy was used.
Then we went to the Tuatara Museum. There we had a teacher/guide that showed us the Tuataras. we had a little snack which was pineapple lumps, cheese rolls and pavlova. Then he took us in to look at the Tuataras. They had a couple females and some babies and then they had their oldest one whose name was Henry. He fed them a bug and one tried to get the bug but it hopped away and so it went back into the bushes to hide. We never got to see a Tuatara eat the bug!
After that we went to the community plant nursery. At the nursery we had a walk around to see all of the different plants and things and then we drove back to school and met our host and went home for the evening.
- By Ambassador Anna
Today we had a welcome assembly. We also went to the velodrome, the Tuatara museum, and we went to a community plant nursery.
At the welcome assembly our James Hargest hosts introduced us and we said something that we have enjoyed so far about New Zealand. After that we went to the velodrome. There we rode bikes around the track and some of us even rode up on the side walls. It was fun but a lot of energy was used.
Then we went to the Tuatara Museum. There we had a teacher/guide that showed us the Tuataras. we had a little snack which was pineapple lumps, cheese rolls and pavlova. Then he took us in to look at the Tuataras. They had a couple females and some babies and then they had their oldest one whose name was Henry. He fed them a bug and one tried to get the bug but it hopped away and so it went back into the bushes to hide. We never got to see a Tuatara eat the bug!
After that we went to the community plant nursery. At the nursery we had a walk around to see all of the different plants and things and then we drove back to school and met our host and went home for the evening.
14 February: Lord of The Rings Tour and On to Invercargill
- By Ambassador Rumer
Today was the most exciting day of the trip so far! We started off by doing a really cool Lord of The RIngs tour where we actually get to go to real filming locations! I tried to be dramatic like the actors when we had the chance to recreate some scenes. After that we got to go see where all the props are made. It was really interesting.
We spent our final hours in Wellington at Oriental Bay and at the airport. Then we got to see our hosts! I love my host, and the family is so cool! At the Invercargill airport it was so crazy, everyone meeting with hosts!
New Zealand is becoming such a great adventure!
- By Ambassador Rumer
Today was the most exciting day of the trip so far! We started off by doing a really cool Lord of The RIngs tour where we actually get to go to real filming locations! I tried to be dramatic like the actors when we had the chance to recreate some scenes. After that we got to go see where all the props are made. It was really interesting.
We spent our final hours in Wellington at Oriental Bay and at the airport. Then we got to see our hosts! I love my host, and the family is so cool! At the Invercargill airport it was so crazy, everyone meeting with hosts!
New Zealand is becoming such a great adventure!
13 February: Parliament and Te Papa
- By Ambassador Levi
Parliament was very fun. We learned all about the way New Zealand's government works and how the branches of goverment were different from ours. We also learned about immigration to New Zealand and that only two thirds of skilled appllicants are accepted to live in New Zealand.
We also toured Te Papa which is a museum in downtown Wellington. We learned about things from Māori culture to earthquakes. Did you know Wellington has over 300 earthquakes a year? Now that's some cool info!
All in all, it was a great day and we are ready to go meet our host families tomorrow!
- By Ambassador Levi
Parliament was very fun. We learned all about the way New Zealand's government works and how the branches of goverment were different from ours. We also learned about immigration to New Zealand and that only two thirds of skilled appllicants are accepted to live in New Zealand.
We also toured Te Papa which is a museum in downtown Wellington. We learned about things from Māori culture to earthquakes. Did you know Wellington has over 300 earthquakes a year? Now that's some cool info!
All in all, it was a great day and we are ready to go meet our host families tomorrow!
12 February: Arrival in Wellingon
- By Ambassador Madeline
Today was our first day in New Zealand and I had so much fun! This morning we arrived in Auckland at 8 AM after a 12 hour flight from LA. Then we went through customs and walked "the green mile" to get to our plane to Wellington. While the plane was getting ready to land a New Zealander told us that the Wellington airport is one of the hardest airports to land a plane at (the runway is short and there is a lot of wind here).
After we got our luggage and checked in to our hostel we went on a tour of Wellington. On the tour we learned a lot. For example, the roads are much narrower, there are a lot of jaywalkers, and that there are a lot of hills that no one can build on because they are national parks. We saw crystal clear lakes, and different types of plants and trees. We also rode on a cable car.
Back at the hostel, we played pool and watched TV together. All in all today was a good first day in New Zealand.
- By Ambassador Madeline
Today was our first day in New Zealand and I had so much fun! This morning we arrived in Auckland at 8 AM after a 12 hour flight from LA. Then we went through customs and walked "the green mile" to get to our plane to Wellington. While the plane was getting ready to land a New Zealander told us that the Wellington airport is one of the hardest airports to land a plane at (the runway is short and there is a lot of wind here).
After we got our luggage and checked in to our hostel we went on a tour of Wellington. On the tour we learned a lot. For example, the roads are much narrower, there are a lot of jaywalkers, and that there are a lot of hills that no one can build on because they are national parks. We saw crystal clear lakes, and different types of plants and trees. We also rode on a cable car.
Back at the hostel, we played pool and watched TV together. All in all today was a good first day in New Zealand.
