Year 12 Geography – Exploring the Alpine Environment in Mt Cook National Park

By Andrea Yetter and Sam Bradbury-Leather | Posted: Wednesday May 6, 2026

Our Year 12 students embarked on a three-day adventure in the national park to complete fieldwork and learn about the unique ecosystem of Mt Cook, as well as what the Department of Conservation (DOC) is doing to help preserve it.

Day 1: An early start!

We made our way to Mt Cook, stopping in Twizel for lunch, where we took our first breaths of mountain air. After fuelling up, we continued to Mt Cook. Our first stop was a trip to the visitor centre, where Lisa from DOC spoke to the students about the human impacts on glaciers. Students were engaged throughout the session, listening, asking questions, and learning about what makes the region unique and how people have impacted it.

We then made our way to the lodge and enjoyed a delicious dinner of spaghetti bolognese. Mr Bradbury-Leather and Ms Yetter conducted an evening learning session to prepare students for the following day’s fieldwork.

Day 2: From valley floor to the top of the glacier

Day 2 saw us ready to tackle a significant amount of mahi, with a jam-packed schedule. We began the day back at the DOC visitor centre with an engaging session about Himalayan tahr. Our students participated in a lively debate, considering the issue from a variety of perspectives.

We then headed to the airport, where we prepared to board helicopters and travel up onto the Tasman Glacier. This was a highlight for many, with some students experiencing snow for the first time—fun was had by all!

After our helicopter trips, we had a quick refuel with wraps, apples, and muesli bars before beginning our fieldwork. Guided by DOC, students trekked the Red Tarns Track, collecting data at checkpoints as we increased in altitude. The students did a fantastic job, and high-quality mahi was completed to support their upcoming analysis.

After our fieldwork was complete, we returned to the lodge and enjoyed some well-earned nachos, followed by a slice of birthday cake for Jesse. Bedtime was early for all after a busy day.

Day 3: A different look at the glacier

Our final day began early with a quick breakfast and clean-up of the camp. Teams rolled up their sleeves to leave the place spotless, and we were on our way in no time. We then headed to the Tasman Lake Track, where students viewed the glacier from a different perspective and completed a précis sketch of the Tasman Glacier.

We then began the journey back to Dunedin, stopping for a quick lunch break in Oamaru.

With a successful trip under their belts and plenty of field data gathered, the students are now ready to put their research questions to the test in their reports.

Thank you to Mr Harvey and Dr Thomas, without whose help this trip would not have been possible.

A special shout-out to Tommy Chen, who provided a number of impressive photos for inclusion in the newsletter.