Geographers trip to New Zealand
During the Easter Holiday break, a group of keen Years 10 – 12 geographers embarked on the Geography Study Tour to New Zealand’s South Island.
Starting in Christchurch, the trip climbed the Southern Alps through Arthur’s Pass and then followed the very active Alpine Fault line all the way to Milford Sound.
We were welcomed with a traditional Maori ceremony in Wanaka, where we embraced New Zealand’s celebrated culture.
The standout experiences included:
- Christchurch’s Quake City Memorial–where we learnt about events during and after the 2011 earthquakes.
- The International Antarctica Centre, which included immersive experiences, such as a snow-storm and blizzard room (where we stood in 100km/h wind gusts at temperatures -18oC), rode in Hägglunds (Swiss all-terrain vehicles designed specifically for the Antarctic geology), and learned about the vital role Antarctica plays in the world’s environment.
- The walk along the beach at Hokitika was especially memorable as we were greeted with black sand littered with greenstone (pounamu) and feldspar jade which we could collect right off the sand; and yes, we all took rocks home!
We were lucky enough to visit both the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, keenly aware that in a few years they may no longer exist. We tramped up the Franz Josef valley passing through areas which were about two kilometres from the glacier terminus, which 10 years ago were covered by ice. A sad indicator of climate change staring us in the face.
New Zealand’s beautiful environment never failed to impress, with glow worms in The Anau Caves and boat trips on Milford Sound. The day we visited Milford Sound, we crossed the 45th line of latitude. It was, in a way, strange to see something we only think of as a line on a map to be a real thing.
Our trip finished in Queenstown, with zip lining and street luge. All the students lucky enough to be involved, experienced a trip they will never forget, taking home many fond memories and a newfound respect for our beautiful planet.
Naomi Baulch
Head of Geography
Senior Geography Teacher
ANZAC Day commemorated locally
Tintern Grammar was well represented by our School Leaders at the Ringwood ANZAC Dawn Service on Friday 25 April. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Tintern Community by our School Captains Elisha and Arya.
