Field Trip Magic

The Level 3 (Yr 12 & 13) long-awaited and highly anticipated Field Trip to Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf did not disappoint!

At Auckland’s Zoo, keepers and educators shared information on the vital role the Zoo plays in conservation efforts and breeding programmes in Aotearoa. A highlight of the trip was sleeping in the tunnels at Kelly Tarlton Aquarium and getting a behind-the-scenes look at New Zealand’s only sea turtle hospital.

Day 2 began with a visit to the Emperor Penguin enclosure before embarking on a ferry ride to Tiritiri Matangi Island. The incredible voluntary guides took the students on a fantastic tour of this wildlife sanctuary, one of this country’s most important and exciting conservation projects. Takahe, kokako, tieke and wetapunga were among the residents that wowed us all. It was a full-on, extraordinary two days and one that has reinforced the vital role we all play as kaitiaki of our unique whenua.

Year 13 student Isaac Jarden highly recommends the trip to Tiritiri. “I especially enjoyed visiting the island. I was overwhelmed to see the result of 40 years of hard work to restore this island and turn it into a world-class sanctuary. It’s home to some of New Zealand’s rarest birds and wildlife. I was inspired and found it hard to believe the number of endangered animals there – some among the last of their species. I had never seen the New Zealand bush so alive!”