On the wild and remote Fiordland coast is a place so geographically isolated, it is one of the least modified parts of mainland New Zealand. That place is Tamatea / Dusky Sound. It has a long and fascinating history: long ago Māori hunted and fished in the area and Captain Cook landed there in 1773; New Zealand's first conservation reserve was set up here in the late 18th century by our first conservation ranger, Richard Henry.

On this field trip you will join a group working hard to help turn Tamatea / Dusky Sound into one of the most intact ecosystems on Earth. At the same time, you will help create a 'bio bank', a source of endangered native species that can be sent to pest free locations throughout New Zealand.

Your adventure in the deep south will give you ideas on how you might work to restore an ecosystem near your place.

To prepare for this field trip, LEARNZ content will support inquiry into:

  • the unique natural and cultural history of Fiordland
  • how ecosystems work: the difference between healthy and unhealthy ecosystems
  • figuring out the differences between marine and forest ecosystems
  • the formation of Fiordland
  • special Tamatea / Dusky Sound creatures such as mokomoko/lizards, and pekapeka/bats
  • how a 'biobank' works
  • controlling predators with smart technologies
  • explore how anyone can contribute to the Predator Free 2050 Programme
  • Islands as sanctuaries
  • how tourism can be a valuable partner in conservation
  • track etiquette and following environmental care codes

During the field trip you will:

  • follow Andrew on twitter during the journey
  • fly by helicopter to join the MV Flightless
  • check your own equipment clothing and footwear to make sure you're not carrying weed seeds or pests
  • join a small group of volunteers in restoring Fiordland's ecosystem
  • sail on board the 27m Flightless, an ex NZ Navy vessel
  • take a closer look at flora and fauna and use technology to help you identify species
  • choose a native species and explore its role (its 'job') in the ecosystem
  • go ashore and stand where Captain Cook shared the first breath with local Māori and cruise where he cruised in the Resolution in 1773
  • visit the hut and bird enclosure sites of conservation pioneer Richard Henry
  • see examples of how everything is interconnected and how small changes can impact upon all living things
  • look at the affect tourism is having on Tamatea / Dusky Sound
  • spot signs of unwanted animals and plants: stoats, rats, possums, deer and plant pests such as gorse
  • check tracking tunnels, pick up trap data and motion camera cards as well as set your own traps on Long Island to become part of the Tamatea Restoration
  • get to know the people making a difference and the work they do.

Learning Areas/Levels

Health and Physical Education: Personal Health and Physical Development Levels 2-4;
Mathematics and Statistics: Number and Algebra Levels 2-4, Statistics Levels 2-4;
Science: Living World Levels 2-5, Nature of Science Levels 2-5;
Social Studies: Place and Environment Levels 2-4, Identity, Culture and Organisation Levels 2-4, Continuity and Change Levels 2-4;
Technology Levels 2-4

For more information about the field trip and to register, please visit: http://rata.learnz.org.nz/summary.php?vft=expeditionfiordland203

Related content

For more check out these Hub’s resources:

See all events