Wildlands Studies: New Zealand Project: Ecosystems And Conservation

With an array of diverse ecosystems, an incredible number of endemic species and a captivating human history, New Zealand provides an excellent setting for our ecological field study. The program will take us to some of the most extreme, isolated, and ecologically unique landscapes on the planet, while also connecting us with Māori and local groups.

Our field course will begin with the exploration of New Zealand’s volcanic and culturally rich North Island. Here, amongst colorful parrots and old growth forests, we will hone our species identification skills and examine concepts in island ecology. As we travel south through the volcanically active center of the North Island, we will investigate the complex geology and human history of the region, while further developing our naturalist skills. Our cultural and ecological exploration of the region will continue as we canoe the Whanganui River on a multi-day trip with local Māori guides.

Once off the river we will spend time in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, before crossing the Cook Strait to the South Island. While on the South Island we will hike through the mountains of the Kahurangi, travel the rugged west coast, and explore the alpine valleys of the majestic Southern Alps. Through visiting national parks, cultural sites, and homesteads, we will dive into concepts of traditional land management, disturbance ecology, and restoration ecology. Next we will visit New Zealand’s tallest peak, Mt. Cook, where we will examine alpine and subalpine ecology. Towards the end of the class we expect to work and hike among the lush Fiordlands of Southwest New Zealand. Here, we will design and complete an independent study of the region’s flora and fauna. Finally, we will end the class in breathtaking Queenstown.

Throughout our field study, team members will take part in key conservation and restoration projects while also designing an independent ecological study. Together we will closely investigate natural resource management policies, and with the hope to work directly with local organizations on issues concerning animal reintroduction and invasive species management. By the close of the program, each of us will have gained an intimate understanding of New Zealand's fascinating ecology and cultural history, its historical and current environmental challenges, and restoration and conservation efforts being taken to address them.

Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Accommodations: Primarily camping, occasional youth hostel or rural lodge
Credits: 15 quarter credits or 10 semester credits