On Monday 29 February, the 2016 Year 12 Geography students travelled to Hanmer Springs for a GIS field trip.

The main point of the fieldtrip was to complete a GIS (computer based mapping) Assessment, which involves the boys creating their own Weetbix Try-athlon Course through Hanmer Springs (township and forest).

There are only six other schools throughout New Zealand that attempt this particular NCEA assessment, so the boys are very lucky to gain credits in a skill not many other students around New Zealand even attempt.

Upon arrival, the weather was slighty inclement – it was raining. Not disheartened, the boys set up their tents in record time and these proved water-proof as the rain continued for a few more hours.

The boys always enjoy the extra responsibility they are given on this field-trip where the need to be able to look after themselves, rather than rely on others to do things for them. They needed to be competent in setting up tents, cooking for themselves and mapping tracks that fitted the requirements of the assessment.

The boys worked in and around Hanmer Springs collecting, measuring and photographing for a full day, finally resting when darkness hit. As they had worked so hard, the visit to the hot pools was brought forward and became a night session on the hyrdoslide and relaxing with fellow tourists in the hot pools. The Year 12 Geographers were still energized enough to continue their mapping task upon return from the hotpools – a great commitment at 10.00pm.

All in all the fieldtrip was a successful one, where all the Geography students gained a greater understanding of the fieldwork and background required to successfully plan an event – Geography Style.