We were up today at 6:15 am to get ready for the day to pack up all of our things. For breakfast we had a choice of a variety of cereals including nuts and berry, yogurt, fruit, and crumpits (like American English Muffins). We packed sandwiches for lunch, hiked up the long driveway with all of our luggage, and got on the bus to start our day! We headed to the Goat Island Marine Reserve for a fun filled day of learning, swimming, and snorkeling. Once arrived to the reserve, we met up with Angela, who gave us a lecture on what a reserve is and why we really need them. We were shown pictures of before and after the reserve was put into place which was very interesting. In New Zealand if anyone tampers with, collects, or destroys anything in the reserve he or she can be punished with a $250,000 fine and 5 years in prison! By just letting nature do its “thing” ocean life has significantly improved, and it’s the goal to keep it that way. Next, we got on the Goat Island Marine glass ship boat and headed out into the ocean. We saw blue fish, red maorki, snappers, and even a stingray! The landscape and rocks sculptures we saw were absolutely gorgeous! Being from Michigan we have some pretty amazing places like pictured rocks, but what we saw today doesn’t even compare! We had a quick lunch outside and then geared up for snorkeling. Watching everyone try to put wet suits on was great entertainment that will not be forgotten. Once we got the low down on how to use the equipment and safety precautions we headed down to the beach to get into the water. We saw many of the same fish that we saw on the boat, but it was up close and personal so it was really awesome. We snorkeled for 45 minutes or so and then changed and got the bus for our four-hour hall to Tauranga. After some snacking, singing, and a little napping we finally arrived at our next accommodation. We grabbed a late dinner at the Pap House and had some delicious burgers and fries! We are all adjusting well to the time change and looking forward to adventures ahead!
Jill McElhinny
On our second day we were able to experience the sun rise over Algies Bay. Unfortunately we were not able to stay at the bay long enough to watch the tide come back in and cover up the oyster beds and rock ledges it had uncovered the night before.
As soon as breakfast was done and we packed our lunches and headed to the Goat Island Marine Reserve. The reserve is the oldest marine reserve in the world and helps to supply marine life with a safe and natural place to live. During our time there the group experienced a glass bottom boat tour and snorkeling around the reserve. These two experiences brought a visual representation to the biodiversity of the reserve and surrounding waters. Some of the species observed during the tour and snorkeling were snappers, shrimp, sting rays, and a moray eel (plus many more).
The end of our group’s time at Goat Island brought us to a long drive to Tauranga, south of Auckland about two hours. During the drive many students discussed the events of snorkeling and what they gathered from the experience. Lessons learned included the importance of natural, untouched wildlife and marine areas, the need for public education about nature preserves, and the overall biodiversity of the Goat Island Marine Reserve.
Today’s activities came to a close with a dinner at a local pub where we sat together around one big table. It seems like this is an important factor in New Zealand culture, being one is foremost important. With each activity every person must be able to think and act in coordination with everyone else. When we arrive at a location people see us as a group of American students, not singular students. The Maori people see it the same way, a group is one and they all have the same persona, or mana, which directly shows their attitudes, personal connections, and pride. Today our mana grew, we worked together to assure everyone enjoyed themselves and was able to experience Goat Island to the fullest extent.
Hadley Reed
Jill McElhinny
On our second day we were able to experience the sun rise over Algies Bay. Unfortunately we were not able to stay at the bay long enough to watch the tide come back in and cover up the oyster beds and rock ledges it had uncovered the night before.
As soon as breakfast was done and we packed our lunches and headed to the Goat Island Marine Reserve. The reserve is the oldest marine reserve in the world and helps to supply marine life with a safe and natural place to live. During our time there the group experienced a glass bottom boat tour and snorkeling around the reserve. These two experiences brought a visual representation to the biodiversity of the reserve and surrounding waters. Some of the species observed during the tour and snorkeling were snappers, shrimp, sting rays, and a moray eel (plus many more).
The end of our group’s time at Goat Island brought us to a long drive to Tauranga, south of Auckland about two hours. During the drive many students discussed the events of snorkeling and what they gathered from the experience. Lessons learned included the importance of natural, untouched wildlife and marine areas, the need for public education about nature preserves, and the overall biodiversity of the Goat Island Marine Reserve.
Today’s activities came to a close with a dinner at a local pub where we sat together around one big table. It seems like this is an important factor in New Zealand culture, being one is foremost important. With each activity every person must be able to think and act in coordination with everyone else. When we arrive at a location people see us as a group of American students, not singular students. The Maori people see it the same way, a group is one and they all have the same persona, or mana, which directly shows their attitudes, personal connections, and pride. Today our mana grew, we worked together to assure everyone enjoyed themselves and was able to experience Goat Island to the fullest extent.
Hadley Reed