Sunday's group hug is for human's only
Sunday's great big hug is a Guinness World Record attempt. So far, 10,589 people have confirmed they are attending on the Christchurch Group Hug’s Facebook page . If you want to be part of the world’s biggest hug and a Guinness World Record, be at the Botanic Gardens for registration between 2pm and 2.30pm this Sunday, 4 September. (You have to register for your participation to count towards the official world record.) From 2.30pm to 3.15pm there will be music from the Christchurch Pipe Band. The hug starts at 3.30pm. The event is free.
More information
Questions?
Written by Hannah Robinson at Languages International
Photo by Sebastian Niedlich (Grabthar)
30 August 2011
Need a hug? Be part of the world's biggest hug in Christchurch this Sunday
L.I.nk Love - new articles about NZ from around the web
This week CNN's Destination Adventure series looks at New Zealand. They have some stunning photos. If you are not already in NZ, they'll make you wish you were. If you're here now, they'll make you want to see as much of the country as you can. They also give some advice on several places to visit in New Zealand. (Thanks to @NZGlobal for this link.)
Also on CNN, New Zealand's Lake Matheson is named as one of the top 12 most beautiful lakes in the world. This South Island lake is also known as the "Mirror Lake" because you can see the reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman in the water.
Landloper's Matt Long blogs about his visit to Rotorua's Polynesian Spa.
If you like cycling, you may be interested in this article in the New Zealand Herald about seeing Tauranga by bike. It is a great way to spend a weekend. The Herald also has a list of 5 of the best "out of town" bike rides.
Written by Hannah Robinson at Languages International
Photo by ogwen
27 August 2011
What's on this week? (29 August - 2 September 2011)
Languages International student playing rugby in Christchurch
Here's what Languages International students can do on the Social Programme this week (29 August - 2 September 2011.)
In Auckland on Wednesday, hear teacher,Tom's, talk on rugby. Ask any of your classmates who have been to Tom's talks before, and they will tell you that Tom's talks are always very entertaining. On Thursday, you have the chance to go sailing, and on Friday we have the ever popular Pub Trip. (You have to be at least 18 years old to join the Pub Trip. Remember to bring I.D.) At the weekend, you can try out activities like surfing, skiing, snowboarding or a wine tour or take a trip to Waitomo, Rotorua and Taupo. See 
this week's Social Programme activities for Auckland.
In Christchurch, we have an activity for you every afternoon, Tuesday through Friday. You can go bowling, see a movie, do some baking and join Greg for a chat at a local Merivale pub. See this week's Social Programme activities for Christchurch.
Written by Hannah Robinson at Languages International
26 August 2011
What to do in New Zealand
View LandLopers Trip in a larger map
Lonely-Planet-featured travel blogger, Matt Long has written quite a lot recently on his blog, LandlLopers, about his travels in New Zealand. While he was here he visited Waitomo, Rotorua, Christchurch, Wanaka and the West Coast, including Lake Matheson and Franz Josef Glacier.
If you want to hear what a travel expert does with 1 week in NZ and get some ideas for your own travels, read on. (It's worth taking a look for the photos alone.)
Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting New Zealand
Waitomo
New Zealand Adventure Travel – Waitomo
Black Water Rafting in the Glowworm Caves of Waitomo
The Agrodome Sheep Farm
Rotorua
Zorb, Sheep and Sulfur – Journey to Rotorua in New Zealand
What is Zorbing – OGO, The Human Hamster Ball
How to Spend a Day in Rotorua – Sheep, Sulfur and Zorbing
What’s that Smell? Defining the Indefinable at Lake Rotorua
Learning about Maori Culture at Te Puia
Christchurch
How to Explore Christchurch in a Day – Penguins, Punts and Cheese
Exploring Antarctica in Christchurch
West Coast
Christchurch to Franz Josef New Zealand – Trains, Glaciers and Spas
New Zealand TranzAlpine Scenic Rail Experience
Glaciers, Mt. Cook and the New Zealand West Coast
The Great West Coast Drive Experience – Greymouth to Franz Josef Glacier
Hot Pools, Kiwis and Glacier Hikes – How to Spend a Day in Franz Josef
On the Road Again – Franz Josef to Wanaka on the Great West Coast Drive
Wanaka
Lakes, Wine and No Snow – Meandering Through Wanaka and Queenstown New Zealand
Visiting Rippon Winery – The Most Photographed Vineyard in the World
What would you do if you just had one day in Christchurch or Auckland? Where in NZ would you most like to visit?
Written by Hannah Robinson at Languages International
25 August 2011
Know Auckland like a local: the Insiders' Guide
Aerial view of Languages International's Auckland school in the heart of downtown Auckland
Want to know the best places to eat, shop, visit and enjoy near Languages International Auckland? In the Insiders’ Guide, well-known Aucklanders share their local knowledge with you. You’ll learn insider tips about different areas in the CBD: The Waterfront, Britomart, Queen St, High St and City West, and you’ll uncover hidden places where you can find the best food, fashion, bars, art and other attractions.
The Insiders' Guide has been created for visitors to Auckland during the Rugby World Cup. It is available in a few formats, so you can always have it with you when you're in town. Download the app for your iPhone, iPad or Android device, or read the eBook version online.
Where are your favourite places in Auckland?
Written by Hannah Robinson at Languages International
19 August 2011
What's on this week? (22 - 26 August 2011)
Here's what Languages International students can do on the Social Programme this week (22 - 26 August 2011.)
In Auckland, you can go play pool or go tenpin bowling, and on Thursday afternoon there is a trip to Piha. Piha is a must-visit west coast beach. It's New Zealand's best-known surf beach. If you have never seen black sand, this is your chance. We leave school at 2pm and arrive back here at about 6.30pm. The trip only costs $25, and it is a great way to see Piha. (It's located 40 kilometers west of Auckland, and unless you have a car, it is not very convenient to get to on your own.) Book at reception, and be quick because we can only take a maximum of 30 students.
This weekend, there are trips to The Bay of Islands, Waitomo & Hobbiton and to go skiing/snowboarding or surfing. See this week's Social Programme activities for Auckland.
In Christchurch, you can see a movie, play table tennis and go out for dinner at a local restaurant. And why not try something new? On Thursday, you can cha-cha-cha! There will be a dance class at school where you can learn the Cha Cha - no experience necessary! The Cha Cha is lots of fun, so come along and give it a go. See this week's Social Programme activities for Christchurch.
Written by Hannah Robinson at Languages International
Video by toniwbusch
Photo by Sandy Austin
18 August 2011
Rare Kaka photographed in Albert Park
This beautiful bird is a Kaka. It is native to New Zealand. The Kaka is is very rare, so we were surprised to find this one living in Central Auckland. It seems to have made its home just outside Languages International in Albert Park. One of our teachers, Tom, saw the bird last year and reported it to KakaWatchNZ.org. Languages International staff only saw the bird a couple of times last year, but this year there have been lots of sightings. A few days ago, Andrew McIntyre from our Accounts Department took this fabulous photo of the Kaka.
Have you seen any interesting birds in Albert Park?
Photo by Andrew McIntyre at Languages International
Written by Hannah Robinson and Nick Moore at Languages International
17 August 2011
How brave are you?
Every winter mad Aucklanders go for an ice cold swim at Mission Bay. The Winter Splash event is organised by the Auckland City Council, and plenty of brave souls participate.
This year the Splash takes place on 21 August between 10am and 1pm. It should be lots of fun. There will be roaming street performers and other entertainment, and participants are being encouraged to dress up in circus costumes.
Go along and see what's happening, and if you are really tough, join in and go for a swim!
Details are here.
It will be cold, but at least it won't be this cold!
Written by Hannah Robinson at Languages International
Photo by Christopher Cherry
13 August 2011
What's on this week? (15 - 19 August 2011)
Students at the Ice Bar in Auckland
Here's what Languages International students can do on the Social Programme this week (15 - 19 August 2011.)
In Christchurch, you can see a movie, sing Karaoke, learn about traditional Maori dance and play paintball. The paintball activity is always popular. See this week's Social Programme activities for Christchurch.
In Auckland, you can play laser strike, go to the museum or visit the Ice Bar. At the Ice Bar, everything is made of ice - the walls, the seats and even the glasses. How cool is that? Also, at the weekend, there are trips to Rotorua, Waitomo & Taupo, the Coromandel and to go skiing/snowboarding. See this week's Social Programme activities for Auckland.
Written by Hannah Robinson at Languages International
12 August 2011
Christchurch Arts Festival Starts Today
The Christchurch Arts Festival opens today (12 August 2011.) The festival includes music, theatre, dance, food, visual arts and other events. It happens once every two years. This year the focus is on Christchurch; lots of well-known Christchurch artists are coming home to Christchurch to perform. If you are in Christchurch, take a look at the festival calendar.
Written by Hannah Robinson at Languages International
Photo by Vincent Moon
04 August 2011
What's on this week? (8 - 12 August 2011)
Here's what Languages International students can do on the Social Programme this week (8 - 12 August 2011.)
In Auckland, you can join your classmates for ice skating, bowling and a free visit to an art gallery. At the weekend, there are trips to the Bay of Islands and Hobbiton, or you can go skiing, snowboarding or surfing. See this week's Social Programme activities for Auckland.
this week's Social Programme activities for Christchurch.
Written by: Hannah Robinson at Languages International
Photo by: Rob Lee
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