Stage Band Tour
to
New Zealand
July, 2004
On Saturday, July 17th the McKinnon Stage Band accompanied by Mr Orr, Mr West and Mrs Roney departed Melbourne for New Zealand .
First stop was Dunedin in the southern part of the South Island . Here the Band performed at St. Hilda's School, Bayfield High School and Logan Park High School .
Logan Park students billeted the group and praises go to one particular family who accommodated 5 boys! A highlight of Dunedin was performing in the city centre ,The Octagon.
A half hour concert was long enough on the outdoor stage in 4 degree temperatures!
Next stop was Invercargill, a city right at the southern end of NZ. Students were the guests of James Hargest High School . This school is a large Co-Ed school similar in size to McKinnon. A trip to the end of Highway One had to be taken.
We could view Stewart Island in the distance ( small island off the southern tip of NZ) The Band performed at school assemblies and also for students at the school's junior campus – Collingwood Intermediate.
Next stop was Wanaka. This was perhaps the longest travelling day. The countryside changed dramatically from coastal plains to mountains, and snow!! Wanaka is a holiday destination in Central Otago , famous for its beautiful lake, mountains and National Park.
After a concert at our host school, Mt. Aspiring College , students were again billeted out. On our last day we visited the snow. Most of the group went to Cardrona ski field to enjoy a fabulous day on the slopes.
The following morning we packed up, said farewell and travelled to Queenstown airport for our return to Melbourne .
