Geography Trip to West Coast

However, just before we were about to leave the bus broke down which put us behind on our tight schedule as we had a ferry to catch at 2pm. But thankfully, Mr Parsons and a handy mechanic got the bus up and running again.

We continued our drive up to Wanaka, where we caught a small ferry out to Ruby Island. We learnt about the history of the island and how people over time have used the island differently. As well as a little history as to how the Wanaka lake and valley was formed millions of years ago, and how it has become what it is today. By 5pm we arrived in Makarora, and got settled into our cabins at the Wonderland Makarora Lodge.

On a -4 degree morning at 7:30am, we were awoken by Ms Summerfield to get ready. But because school back in Dunedin was having a late start due to the snow, we thought we should have a late start as well. So at around 10am, we got in the vans and the bus and traveled further up the valley into the green, luscious beech forestry of the West Coast region. 

We went on two five minute walks down to Fantail Falls and Thunder Creek Falls, where we admired the majestic waterfalls and discussed how these would have been formed. We also went on a steep, half hour walk up to the Haast Pass lookout point, where we took a minute to take in the breathtaking views that the valley had to offer on that clear day. As well as pointing out and writing down key natural and cultural features we saw. 

Two local farmers came later in the afternoon to give us a talk about farming and how the climate and shape of the land has affected this in the region. As the evening went by, it was time for Mr Major’s big quiz. The questions varied from New Zealand geography to the teachers on this trip where some shocking discoveries were made about each teacher.

The next morning, everyone was up bright and early and by 9:30am, the bus and vans were packed and we were off. On our way home we stopped in Bannockburn to listen to James who owns and runs a vineyard in the area. We listened to him talking about the vineyard and how they maintain it throughout the extreme weather patterns that they go through, as well as how the land that they use has changed and what it was before they were used for vineyards. 

We continued along down to Alexandra to stop for lunch and traveled the last stretch home down to Dunedin. 

This trip provided us with knowledge and insight to help prepare us for our exam on the “South Island High Country” at the end of the year. Everyone enjoyed the trip and had a wonderful experience, making it a highlight for many.