Year 12 Geography Trip to Mount Cook 23-25 September 2020

Year 12 Geography trip to Mt Cook 23-25  September
 
On the 23rd of September the Year 12 Geography class set off to Mt. Cook, to learn about the high country for our exams at the end of the year. We began the trip with a scenic drive up to the Mt Cook Village, with a few stops along the way. When we arrived, we unpacked at our home for the next two nights (youth hostel) and then went to the Department of Conservation Centre. Here we had a  lesson about Mt. Cook, and we learnt information to help us with our exams. We then began our short walk up past the Blue Lakes to the top of the terminal moraine where we had the most incredible view of the aqua blue Tasman Glacier. Later, in the evening, we went to the famous Hermitage Hotel and watched the 3D movie on Mt. Cook and how it began and changed over time.
 
The next day we began with our boat trip on the Tasman Glacial Lake where we got to lick a 1,000-year old iceberg! This boat trip was incredible and it was a great experience to be up close with the extremely old ice bergs. We then walked the scenic Hooker Valley. After our busy day, we drove to Tekapo where we were off to the hot pools. We relaxed in the hot pools for a couple of hours, and then went off to dinner. We had been dreaming about the new burger bar for days, especially Mr. Terry, but when we got there it was closed, so Chinese was the only choice. After our sleepy trip back to base camp, we celebrated Mr. Terry’s birthday with birthday eclairs.
 
The next day we headed home. The day began with a quick stop at the Department of Conservation for one last talk and note taking, and then we were on the road. We stopped at the Salmon farm, where we fed the fish. The Clay Cliffs at Omarama were another highlight and looked like they were from another country. One more food stop in Alexandra for an ice cream and coffee for the teachers!
 
Overall, the trip was so much fun, and I would do it all over again; we learnt so much about Glaciation and the South Island High Country. There is nothing like going there and experiencing the High Country as an alternative to reading about it in a text book.
 
Thank you Mr Terry and Mrs Perkins for guiding us along the way.
Rose Perkins Year 12