The Field Camp Experience

Where do we stay: During field camp, students stat at a variety of field stations, ski lodges and "backpackers". At all locations, students share a room with 3-5 other students (location dependent) with shared living and bathroom facilities. Locations include:

1. Westport Field Station
2. Cass Field Station in the Souther Alps
3. Dusky Lodge in Kaikoura
4. Snowline Ski Lodge on Mt. Ruepehu
5. Living Springs Camp in Banks Peninsula

What are meals like: Frontiers Abroad provides three meals a day. Meals are basic and typical Kiwi field group meals. If you are a grazer then you are responsible for buying your own snacks in between meals. Kitchen is closed between meals.

What is a typical day like: A typical field day consists of waking up around 7:00 am, having breakfast at 7:30, preparing your field lunch and then departing for the field. We typically stay in the field until the late afternoon doing field exercises. Yes - it is physically demanding and we cover much terrain. Please be in touch if you have any physical or mental issues. We try to be as accomodating as possible and can plan accordingly if you provide us information. We head back to the field stations in the afternoon for dinner followed by evening exercises. Our field camp models North American field camps. 

Do we get free days: Unfortunately there are not many free days during field camp. We either have field days, office days (working on assignments or maps), or travel days. Moving from one place to another. We try to give you one or two days off during field camp - but this is subject to how you are working.

Yes - field camp is challenging, both mentally and physically. When you finish you will have a great sense of accomplishment and feel like a geologist!