Unforgettable memories for girl guides

New Zealand's Girl Guide jamboree is all packed up, 2000 girls now back home with plenty of fun-filled memories.

Tui 12 finished on Friday after a week of activities for girls from across New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Malaysia and the Philippines.

There were about 40 local Girl Guides and Rangers who took part in the jamboree, which was last held in Rotorua in 2004.

Among the Rotorua guides taking part was Phoebe Johnston, 12, from Westbrook.

"I've really enjoyed meeting new people and going to new places," she said.

"I'd never been to the 3D maze before. It was really challenging. I've made lots of new friends and I'll definitely keep in touch with them."

The Guides and Rangers could choose from a wide range of activities, which included blackwater rafting at Waitomo Caves, kayaking on Lake Taupo, tramping at Lake Tarawera, completing the Tongariro Crossing, horse trekking and water adventures at Lake Rotoma.

At Tui Ridge they could go rock climbing, do bike and trail rides, mud slides and water activities.

GirlGuiding New Zealand marketing manager Jane Smithson said they would have no hesitation in booking the venue again.

"We enjoyed everything they had to offer," she said.

"The whole jamboree was stunning, a huge success. The girls absolutely enjoyed it to a tee. The programme they did every day was just wonderful from swimming to projects around Rotorua, they explored some of the tourist attractions.

"Everyone has said it was the best they had attended - they've made lifelong memories."

She said the rain at the start of the jamboree didn't have any affect on them, straw was put down on the muddy patches.

More pictures, p9