Country Roads and Generous Hosts.

After a quick stop at the Totara Estate and a 'tale of two towers' (Brydone and McKenzie) we cut inland through the North Otago down lands and the geologically distinctive Valley of the Whales into the Waitaki and our first farm visit, across the river, to Mike and Olivia Pavletich's Station Peak Dairies. A highly successful operation milking over 2000 cows on irrigated flat land sandwiched between the river and steep dry country. We really took away how much data, technology and analysis is vital to running an efficient operation.

Then we set off farther up the Hakataramea Valley and onto the Eastern side to Waikora Station, a Merino fine wool and beef operation run by ex Mcglashan farmer Hamish Elliott. A climb up into the hills stretched our legs and with a stunning view of the valley we learnt how topography, aspect, soil type and climate all combined to make a this tough place to farm and how, with hard work and knowledge, the valuable low micron wool can produced on here.

After getting some practical demonstrations in the yards we then headed across the valley to Richard and Juliette Gray's Hakataramea Station where we were to stay the night. To say we were very well fed and looked by our hosts is an understatement!

After a good nights rest we split up... the Year 12 Geography boys ventured away to visit Station Stream on the Haka Station property and then Deadmans Creek to assess stream health. Equipped with the SCMAK (Stream Health Monitoring and Assessment Kit), they investigated water quality, stream features, and the diverse plant and animal life found in and around the waterways. Under the expert guidance of Nicole, the boys conducted hands-on water testing, gaining valuable experience in field research, observation, and data collection. They became skilled in measuring nitrate and phosphate levels and were particularly fascinated by the macroinvertebrate identification process—spotting mayflies, caddisflies, and other tiny aquatic creatures that serve as key indicators of stream health.

The Agriculture students toured Hakataramea Station and learnt about venison and velvet production, feed and nutrient management, irrigation and the multiple facets of modern farming.

Back at school, the Geography students will analyse and compare their findings from the two sites for their NCEA internal assessment. The trip provided valuable insight into different farming practices and was real-world learning in action—equipping the students with practical skills in environmental science and sustainability.

The Agriculture students will use the trip for their assessment on how location factors such as climate, topography and soil affect what and how products are produced.

A HUGE thanks must go to the Gray family, especially Juliet, who organised our visits, fed us, gave us a place to sleep (30 students!!) and hosted us so generously. The passion, expertise and knowledge of all the farmers and helpers for their valley, their businesses and the environment was inspiring.