Orewa College Year 12 Geography students explore the Tongariro Volcanic Centre, collecting field data in the Mangatepopo Valley and South Crater to investigate climate changes with altitude and support NCEA exam preparation.

Year 12 Geography Students Hike Through Tongariro for Field Study

Orewa College Year 12 Geography students recently travelled to the Tongariro Volcanic Centre for a three-day field trip focused on investigating how climate changes with altitude.

The experience provided real-world context for their NCEA internal assessments and end-of-year exams, while also giving ākonga a deeper understanding of one of New Zealand’s most iconic large natural environments.

What students did:

• Hiked up the Mangatepopo Valley to the South Crater

• Measured and recorded temperature, wind speed, vegetation, and cloud cover at various elevations

• Applied geographical concepts and skills in the field

• Worked in teams to collect and analyse data

• Connected learning to the Tongariro Volcanic Centre, an exemplar for climate and natural processes in New Zealand

“It was great to see our students engaged and curious. They were making meaningful links between the natural landscape and the concepts we’ve explored in class,” said Matthew Harrison, Geography Teacher at Orewa College.

The Tongariro field trip forms a vital part of the Year 12 Geography programme, strengthening student preparation for NCEA by:

• Deepening their understanding of climate patterns in a large natural environment

• Building skills in data collection, observation, and reporting

• Providing first-hand experiences that make learning memorable and relevant

Orewa College values experiential learning, where theory comes alive in the real world. Trips like this not only support academic success but also build appreciation of our natural world.