Last week the Year 11 Geographers went on the annual trip to Aoraki Mount Cook. 

We started off our adventure with 46 students traveling to Glentanner Park early Wednesday morning.

Our first lesson was within the Aoraki Mount Cook village with Ray Bellringer, who works for the Department of Conservation. He shared his knowledge, and experiences and showed

the students around the village's infrastructure. The students learned about the village’s water source, waste management systems, and emergency services. The students wrote notes and took photos to assist with their learning.

The next day we woke to fresh snow on the mountains and traveled to the Tasman Alley.

Here the students learned about the Tasman Glacier and the Terminus Lake. The icebergs in the lake were huge and the students were treated to a fabulous tour in and around them.

This boat ride was a real highlight of the trip. Next, we visited Mathew at the Department of Conservation. Here the students could learn about glacier processes and the landforms they create as well as the role of the Department of Conservation within the National Park.

On our final day, we took on the Hooker Valley track. This was an interesting walk due to the compacted ice on the track. The students did a splendid job walking to the Hooker lake. Overall the trip was very successful and I want to thank the Year 11 Geography students for a great time away. Also, a bit thank you to Ms. Joyce, Ms. Gilham, and Ms. Higham for helping out and making it a fun and enjoyable camp.

I can’t wait to do it all again in 2025!!