The beaches are close for summer swimming and water sports, and in the winter ski fields are just a short trip from the city. The city itself is graced by numerous notable arts institutions, the stunning Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park.

The staff at SCLI and host parents help students to find and join sports clubs, gyms and youth groups, and enrol for music tuition. By joining clubs and groups outside of school, students get the chance to make friends and use their English more. Evening classes at local high schools are affordable and offer students a chance to experience many new activities.

At the beginning of the year students and staff go on a camp for two nights and three days. This camp is primarily to get to know each other better, to learn to work together and also to have fun trying out some typical New Zealand activities.

Students can look forward to class and school parties during the year. Some of these are just for students whilst others include host families also. During winter we celebrate Matariki (the Maori new year) and our students’ Halloween party has become a favourite in recent years. Our spring picnic with host families is a great way to catch up in relaxed surroundings and welcome the warmer weather.

A highlight for students is our Christmas concert. Each class writes and produces their own play and performs it in front of families and friends at a local theatre.

There are three holiday periods during the year. Students can join organised tours that will take them to some of the best places New Zealand has to offer. The tours are led by qualified instructors and students have the chance to try such activities as swimming with the dolphins, whale watching, jet boating, horse riding, star gazing and relaxing in hot springs. These trips are run by Adventure Specialties Trust and the cost of these trips is not included in the school fees.

Independent travel (2 or more students) is also possible later in the year as students’ English improves. All travel is carefully planned with the help of families and staff. Accommodation and transport are pre-booked to ensure students are able to complete their travel in safety. SCLI is mindful of the fact that we are in loco parentis and that the students while in New Zealand are still students of their Japanese high school.

Memory week at the end of the academic year gives students the time to have fun with their school mates before returning to Japan.

Graduation is a special event celebrated with host families and staff. After a ceremony in which certificates are awarded, successes are celebrated while enjoying a delicious supper.