The first stop was the Hamilton Gardens, where students took part in a guided tour exploring a variety of themed gardens, including the Chinese, Egyptian, Māori, and Japanese gardens. The experience offered a fascinating insight into the history, culture, and design traditions of each landscape.

That evening, the camp’s much-anticipated team competition began. Inspired by Survivor, students were divided into mixed-age teams, each identified by a different coloured bandana. Throughout the weekend, teams earned points by taking part in challenges, completing clean-up duties, competing in dance-offs, and testing their knowledge in quizzes. The friendly competition was a fun way to encourage students of all year levels to connect and work together.

Saturday was packed with outdoor adventure, as students enjoyed mountain biking and kayaking at Lake Karāpiro. That evening, everyone gathered to enjoy a delicious hāngī prepared by the whānau of the iwi who support the marae, providing a memorable opportunity to experience the warmth and generosity of manaakitanga.

On Sunday, the group visited the magical world of Hobbiton, wandering through beautifully maintained gardens, past the iconic Hobbit Holes, and into the heart of the movie set. The final stop was The Green Dragon Inn, where students enjoyed a well-earned ginger beer before beginning the journey home.

The weekend was filled with laughter, challenge, and shared experiences, creating new friendships and strengthening existing ones. It was a wonderful way for the Innes House community to begin the year together.