Stewart Centre Annual Trip

My name is Gillian and I live in Hastings which is part of the sunny Hawke’s Bay. I attend the Stewart Centre which is part of EIT. Every year the clients are supported to go on an Annual trip, this year we went to Turangi which is in the central part of the North Island.

We went by bus and we were picked up at different places.  I was supported to get up early, properly packed and ready to meet the bus on time.  Our first stop was at Taupo where we had lunch which was home-made sandwiches and then we were back on the bus and off to Turangi.It was raining and very cold when we arrived at the backpackers where we were staying, but we had a look around the venue and then unpacked and started to settle in after having dinner.

Our first day was organised and we went off to visit the National Trout Centre where there were lots of fresh water trout swimming around in the pools. They also had stuffed fish mounted on the walls. We all enjoyed the Tokuanu hot pools and then a walk around a thermal area which I enjoyed very much.

On Tuesday we were all up at 6am and didn’t get back till late evening.  It was a great day, we went to visit the Volcanic Centre and watched a movie of how a volcano erupts.  It felt like we were standing right in front of a volcano erupting lava and ash.  The Botanical Gardens in Taupo was our next stop and I would have been happy spending the whole day there as I love spending time in gardens looking at all the different trees and plants and how they have been set out.

This was followed by a scenic cruise on Lake Taupo where we were taken to look at some lovely Maori Carvings in the rock face; some of the clients reached out and touched the carvings, but not me. I have given you a photo of the carvings.  This part of the day took 1hr 30mins.

On our way back to Turangi we stopped for coffee and muffins another one of my favourite things to do, I find it a great way to catch up with friends and relax. It was Fish n Chips for dinner that night. YUMMY.

After breakfast the next day we went to visit the Waiouru Army Military Museum and we saw lots of army tanks, cars, soldiers and captains.  Some of them had medals on their uniforms, we also got to have a look at the army barracks.On the last day we had to pack our bags, clear the room we slept in before hopping back on the bus and heading back to Napier and Hastings.  It was a beautiful day and we stopped and had Fish n Chips and salad at Taupo.

While on this trip I learned about planning, teamwork, interaction with others and independence. This was my second trip with the Stewart Centre and I would encourage others to go and enjoy the experience of visiting so many places and activities.

Gillian