On a cold Sunday morning 40 Yr 13 Geography students and four staff set out on the inaugural Yr 13 Geography field trip to Queenstown for five days.

The purpose of this trip was to conduct research into tourism development in the Queenstown lakes region and to see if it was sustainable. To be sustainable it had to meet three interdependent criteria of social, economic and environmental sustainability. Students learned how to gather quantitative data by approaching locals, tourists and using a range of methods to gather this valuable measurable information. They could not rely on only one source of primary data, so they also collected qualitative information as well from various interviews from the Skyline Gondola, Rees Hotel, Gibbston Valley Winery, Queenstown Lakes Museum and from a Regional Planner at the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Amongst all this hard work with speeches, traffic counts, surveying, environmental quality surveys, we also incorporated a range of tourist activities.One traditional type was a trip on the Earnslaw out to Walter Peak Station. The highlights of that excursion for many was the array of farm animals and copious amount of scones. Ms Lee herself became well acquainted with a Highland Cow.

Another activity included was the Skyline Gondola and Luge ride. Students got to hear about the sustainability efforts of the company, and their plans for expansion and how they must meet the Environment Court expectations if their plan is to go ahead. The students gained a valuable insight into how a tourist business operates and the effect it has on society and the environment. Of course, a luge ride was included, during which many students showed off a lack of cornering ability and a reason why third party insurance should be compulsory!

An optional activity we included was the chance to go ziplining down the Kawarau Gorge. This was done in the morning with a windchill of -4 degrees. Students thoroughly enjoyed careening down the Gorge in various poses reaching speeds of up to 60 km per hour. Some students also managed to get a free surprise Zip ride for being cheeky to the operator. Their vocal surprise reverberated down the Gorge for all to hear.

Of course, this trip was not all guest speakers, work and tourist activities. Many fond memories were made such as the extensive table tennis tournament held during the evenings, as well as seeing the range of culinary expertise delivered by the students. Some cooking groups focused on two food groups extensively - meat and carbohydrates - while neglecting the rest of the food triangle. Max showed off his devotion to Italian cuisine every night.

This trip made many happy memories for staff and students. None of this could have been done without Ms Lee, her extensive organisation of students and staff made for an amazing trip. We would also like to thank Ms Lee’s loyal band of followers Mr Bond, Mr Alexander and Mr Green for their efforts over the five days.