Year 12 Geography Trip to Aoraki Mt Cook

Year 12  Geography were fortunate to have three perfect days at Glentanner and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, to study glaciation, and human impacts on the South Island High Country. We were expertly driven by Brian the Brilliant Bus driver, who played a Top Gun DVD, making our way up the Waitaki Valley. The Valley has seen a large degree of human impact as a result of hydroelectric development and farming.

We enjoyed the Hooker Valley Walk, and the two swing bridges, before a session on glaciation by the DOC ranger (Matt the coolest dude in the MacKenzie Country).

Arriving back at Glentanner, Tom was able to squeeze in some fishing, and we then enjoyed nachos and goofy slab cake, followed by a visit from Ross – the Glentanner Station farmer. Ross values farming as a way forward for the MacKenzie country, but has concerns about wilding pines.

The boys were lulled to sleep by Danny’s rendition of the Wellerman song, and in the morning, we were up bright and early to board the chopper. It was an exhilarating, once in a lifetime, experience in which we viewed glaciers, braided rivers and, of course, Aoraki Mt Cook. When on top of Mt Brown, some (unnamed people) attempted to break a world record for being the longest time on Mt Brown shirtless (5 minutes and 37s).

Following the flight we went data hunting and collecting on the Red Tarns track, returning with all the info we needed for the upcoming internal, and getting in more than the required steps for the day. Matt then gave us a talk on human impact, before we headed to see the Tasman glacier. By this time the class were becoming fluent in using geographic terminologies like moraine, scree and accumulation zones.

After a delicious BBQ and apple crumble back at camp, and with lots of fresh air in our lungs, we all slept well, and in the morning headed back towards Twizel to view the salmon farm – another example of human interaction. We travelled home via Kurow for lunch, and Hampden for ice creams, arriving back in time to get to the FIFA game, get some sleep, and make it to Open Day on Sunday.

The class acquitted themselves very well, and upheld the school values throughout the trip. We are also very grateful to Mike Campbell for being a with us, and supporting the learning.