The Senior Geography and Tourism classes participated in a field trip to South Westland on Wednesday 12 August. 56 students accompanied by Mr Robertson, Mr King and Mr Adams travelled to Okarito Lagoon and Franz Josef to learn about significant natural and cultural features of the West Coast environment. This trip included valuable learning related to relevant standards from both the Geography and Tourism curricula.

A stunning West Coast day welcomed the students as they assembled at school, primed for a day in the outdoors. They travelled south on a Ritchies Coach and a school van. First stop was Okarito Lagoon, where students took a walk across the lagoon on the Trig Hill track, which afforded excellent views over the surrounding environment. Students were able to identify features of the natural and built environment, and consider the positive and negative impacts of people on this pristine place.

From Okarito the group headed south to Franz Josef for a late lunch and to observe the services available in this once busy tourism town. It was quite evident to see the township’s economy was suffering due to the absence of international tourists. Cafe’s and accommodation spots were sparsely patronised and adventure tourism operators were offering discounts to attract travellers. Nevertheless, there was still a positive feel about Franz Josef and people assured us that once the Covid elephant was out of the room prosperity would return.

Our next stop was the Franz Josef Glacier car park where the group walked up Sentinel Rock to view the glacier from afar as it is no longer accessible on foot. Students also visited the Peters Pool track to better appreciate the native bush in the area. The scenery was spectacular, with the glacier and the alps framed by the azure blue sky.

The students enjoyed this EOTC (education outside the classroom) experience and the fact that the local environment was their classroom for the day. After returning to the vehicles the group headed home to Greymouth, tired but happy after their rewarding day. Thank you to all the students who participated in the trip, the behaviour and values exhibited made all the teachers feel proud to be part of a group of such enthusiastic and inspiring young people.