German Language Trip

Monday, 9th June 2025 at 10:20am

Year 11 German Students Explore Language and Culture Beyond the Classroom

Over the past few days, our Year 11 German students have stepped outside the classroom for an unforgettable language and cultural journey through Auckland, Puhoi, and Northland.

Their trip began with a visit to a traditional German bakery and butchery on the North Shore, where students got a taste (literally!) of authentic German breads, sausages, and sweets. They learned about Handwerksberufe (skilled trades) and the Meisterbrief, the prestigious master qualification still highly valued in Germany today.

From there, the class travelled to Puhoi, where they explored the remarkable story of the Bohemian-German settlers who arrived in the 1860s. Guided by local history experts, students discovered how German-speaking families helped build one of New Zealand’s most unique villages through resilience, cooperation, and cultural pride.

The adventure continued with an overnight stay in Mangawhai, where students deepened their knowledge of the Austrian-born artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Inspired by his vibrant, nature-focused aesthetic and commitment to individuality, they designed their own Hundertwasser-style t-shirts—each one a colourful expression of creativity and sustainable values.

The trip concluded with a visit to the stunning Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangārei, where students took part in a German-language guided tour, viewing original artworks and architectural features. They rounded out the experience with a "Dream Cityscape" art workshop, where they imagined their ideal future cities - true to Hundertwasser's vision of harmony between humans and nature.

This was a rich, hands-on experience to connect German language learning and culture with real life, creativity, and history - right here in Aotearoa!