Taupo

On Tuesday 17th we departed for the little of Taupo located on the famous lake. On the way we stopped off at the Huka Falls. Everyone took plenty of photos and we watched a speed boat drive around at the bottom of the falls. After that groups split up and went to explore the surrounding areas. After about an hour we got on the bus again to complete the journey to Taupo. We arrived at the beautiful town about 5 hours after we departed. We then checked into our accommodation the rather swanky “Flash packers”... Groups of about 6 or 7 were put in each dorm. We then had showers and left for dinner at the world famous restaraunt “the Shed”. We all enjoyed a delicious buffet consiting of lasagne, steaks, chips spring rolls and much more... After dinner we watched the ATB play a bit of pool. Next on the agenda was the thermal springs. We hopped on the bus, picked up our swimming gear and drove to the near-by springs, which were unbelievable. We stayed until their closing time – we all felt very relaxed and ready for bed but the year 7s couldn’t control their excitement and pillow fights broke out in the hotel. The year 9 and 10 room didn't want to miss out on any fun so we decided to join in...The next few minutes were great fun until Mrs Foden was forced to control the hyper year 7s. (and a few Year 9s and 10s too... -ed.!) A quick telling off was enough to send them to bed.

We needed all the sleep we could get as the next day would be a busy one. We woke up early and congregated down stairs to walk to cafe for breakfast. The on the way to the cafe we enjoyed the stunning view of the lake. Then we enjoyed a buffet breakfast but the best part was definately the hashbrowns. After that we rushed off to the harbour to board the “Cruise Cat”. The Cruise Cat took us on a scenic tour of the lake. We saw some beautiful Maori carvings in the rock. After the stunning 3 hour journey we arrived back at the harbour and got on the coach. We then drove to the “Craters of the Earth” park. This was a picturesque thermal walk which took us right up to some huge geysers. After that we got back on the coach and went back to the main town and had free time for lunch. We split off into groups and had time to do what we wanted. The weather was amazing but after an hour in the sun everyone realised how burnt they were. The free time passed really quickly and the deadline to be at the hotel was approaching. Then we walked through the sweltering heat to the Church for our big concert.

Mr Toyne described how important the concert was as so many people from miles out were coming. There was even an Old Tiffinian attending the concert. Before the concert he had called Bentalls and order the material for the Tiffin blazer. They shipped the materials and he made the blazer himself just for the concert! After the long rehearsal everyone was knackered. The heat was taking its toll and the concert was only minutes away. Some cool refreshments kindly provided by the church helped to cool down the boys. We then entered the concert nicely refreshed and ready to sing. Mr Toyne introduced the choir with some of his usual lines much to the appreciation of the audience... The concert went really well, especially “Hear my Prayer” with a beautiful solo sung by Tom Batstone. At the end of the concert we enjoyed rapturous applause from the audiance. We were all relieved that it went well after a long, tiring day. After the concert ended we jumped on the coach to travel into the town for dinner. We had celebratory dinner in a nice Italian restaurant where, it’s fair to say, we all stuffed our faces with pizza!

Charlie Harrison (Year 9)