Day 9

May 15, 2019

View of the Southern Alps on our way to the High Country

On this day, the class departed from Ashburton, and headed to visit the Tin Shed, an isolated building whose content on the inside does not match that of the outside. Upon stepping inside, the students were overwhelmed by the contents, a store stocked with wool and wool-based products. Wool socks and sweaters were popular items purchased by many students. Some unique purchases included a pillow cover and a repeat purchase throughout the years for several classes, the Willy Warmer. The excitement throughout the trip was building for this stop, and students all agreed that this stop was well worth it. Family members be prepared for warm socks when we get back.

With a short bus ride, we stopped in a cute town called Geraldine where some sampled gourmet cheeses, including examples like Goat Gouda and Creamy Havarti, and ice cream. Many students took advantage of the gift stores that contained $10 t-shirts. 

Our ride to the air strip at Clayton Station

Our next destination was Clayton Station, a farm of 4100 hectares and home to 1,500 beef cattle, 3,000 red deer, and 9,000 sheep. The class was first treated to a tractor trailer ride while sitting on straw bales. The class came together to make sure everyone got onto the trailer because the trailer was very tall. Views of breathtaking mountains and hills, and the occasional group of livestock, were the features as we climbed to the top of a hill to receive a full experience of views. 

Inside the deer shed at Clayton Station

The group then traveled back down to the farm operation where we were able to walk through the deer shed. Being built in 1985, this shed was state of the art and set the standards for early red deer production. The operation uses this facility for regular processes such as pouring and vaccinations, but also for velvet collections. Although this facility has stood the test of time, the producer has decided to upgrade and build a new facility to meet increasing deer numbers as well as regulations of animal welfare and food safety, as velvet is considered a food item. He also covered the importance of investing in quality breeding stock, especially in sires. The producer shared how the farm purchased 2 “stags” at a cost of $10,000 each at an older age to add value to their current stock. Several jaws dropped as he said the cost of these same animals several years ago were $90,000 and $66,000, respectively. For the beef operation side, the farm runs 90% Angus cattle. They also have some Herefords and “Changus” (Charolais Angus cross) which they raise for dairy operations. The sheep side of the operation has been the most profitable, but still struggles as the sheep industry faces such low wool prices which historically would make up 50-75% of income. 

Shoreline of Lake Tekapo

View of beautiful Lake Pukaki

Another stop that quickly emptied the bus was a stop to take photos at Lake Tapeko. The landscape was stunning, and the rocky barrier to the water line did not slow down the students. Lake Tapeko is part of multiple hydro stations set up in the area to produce electricity.

Megan and Libbey

Having a well deserved dessert In Alexandra after a long day on the road