Students had a fantastic visit to the Gold Coast

 NCEA Level 3 Geography and Tourism students had a fantastic visit to the Gold Coast!

The NCEA Level 3 Geography and Tourism students had a fantastic visit to the Gold Coast of Australia to have a behind the scenes look at the tourism industry.

After navigating a bus break down on the way to Wellington airport we thankfully made our flight on time!

We checked out Surfers Paradise and took a cruise to look at the multimillion dollar homes on the canals.

Our first theme park was Movieworld and we had a talk to find out the various roles required to make the park run, as well as the contribution tourism makes to the Queensland economy and beyond. A few roller coasters later we saw the Outback Spectacular show. We were again given a behind the scenes look at how the show was run, from the chefs and waitresses, to the horses and stables, to the actors and actresses.

The Currumbin Wildlife Park enabled our students to get up close and personal with koalas, kangaroos, snakes and stick insects amongst other Aussie creatures.

The Q1 building gave us great views of the linear pattern of development along the coast from the 77th floor.

Our next stop was Dreamworld and the chance to see another theme park in action.

An early start the next day to brave the swells on a whale watching cruise. We were lucky enough to see humpback whales in their natural environment.

Seaworld provided dolphins, penguins, stingrays, sharks, stunt shows and another roller coaster for good measure.

The following day we ventured into the hinterland, known as the ‘green behind the gold’ for a look at a waterfall and the glow worm caves.

Time for a bit more shopping before heading home after a fun packed full on trip.

Mrs Langrish
Teacher in Charge