Year 11 Geography Camp 2025

The Year 11 Geography camp may have been small in numbers, but it was big on learning, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.

Fifteen boys set off on Monday morning, heading through the breathtaking Eglinton Valley to their first fieldwork site at Cascade Creek. Surrounded by towering beech forest and the sounds of flowing water, the boys got straight into it, measuring the river’s width, depth, and flow, then moving on to assess sediment size and shape.

Despite the chill in the air, everyone stayed focused. One student even snorkelled to reach a sediment sample — now that’s commitment! A short walk through the bush took the group to Lake Gunn, where the same data was gathered, even as rain began to fall.

The river here stretched an impressive 28 metres — no easy measurement in cold, wet conditions. Back at camp, the boys dried off and began processing their data, laying the groundwork for their Internal Assessment.

Overnight, a cold snap swept through the valley, leaving a picture-postcard layer of snow on the mountains. Tuesday morning dawned crisp and clear — perfect for the trip's highlight: a journey to Piopiotahi / Milford Sound. Aboard the RealNZ Haven, the boys experienced geography in action — waterfalls cascading from towering cliffs, rainbows dancing in the mist, snow-dusted peaks, and seals lounging on the rocks. It was a stunning real-life lesson in glacial landforms and the power of nature.

Evenings back at camp were a time to relax and connect. Some took a brave dip in the icy waters of Lake Te Anau, while others played chess, swapped stories, or ran through the dark during games of Spotlight.

On the final day, it was time to tidy up camp and return to Dunedin — a little tired, a little muddy, but filled with stories, new knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for the physical processes that have formed Aotearoa’s incredible landscapes.

Special thanks to Mr Avis, who joined the group and generously shared his knowledge of Science and Geology throughout the trip — his insights helped bring the landscapes to life.