Day 10

 

The morning started with a traditional New Zealand breakfast at our hotel. There was lively conversation flowing about vegemite and marmite usage and if beans and toast were “worth the hype”. We drove out of Alexandra in the thick fog. Jane, our wonderful guide, shared with us a tidbit about when she lived in Alexandra there was 5 weeks of straight fog with no let up.

We arrived at Earnscleugh High Country Genetics at 9 am local time. They have a total of 2,500 stock on their farm. Alistair Campell met us here and gave us the rundown of his farm. It is comprised of 2,300 sheep and 1,400 cattle. They are known for their merino genetics that started in 1988. The merino sheep is known for it’s high quality wool and ability to thrive in high country.

The pure joy of Rosie's and Mitchell's faces when seeing 10.8 micron wool

This farm thrives at raising merinos! Their best one they raised was a ewe with 10.2 micron wool which would go for about 2,000 NZD per kilo or 539.65 US Dollars per pound. Allistair led us to the wool shed where we got to see a plethora of high quality wool fleeces. He showed us the shearing stations and how they send the sheep down a ramp when they are done.

Casey exhibiting the sheep exit chute

Ironically enough, he shared their number one enemy on the farm are rabbits. For a group of Jackrabbits, this was quite shocking to hear. He explained that rabbits produce up to 40 offspring a year and cause extensive damage to the grazing ground that is crucial for these high country sheep to graze. Other pests include deer and wild hogs who also eat the grass and root up the fences.

We hopped in the bus with Allistar and got a peak at his Hereford Cattle. Their Hereford Stud was established in 1977 with heifers purchased from the Broadacre, Waikaka, and Glacier Studs. They breed for darker Hereford colors and pigment around the eyes. This is because the reflective snow in the high country can cause cancer in the eyes or exposed parts of the skin. They also have an Angus Stud established in 1997 as well as composite breeds. These composite breeds capture hybrid vigor and consist of Hereford, Angus, and Simmental.

Not your typical grocery store!
This stand was freshly stocked with
amazing fruit every day.

We hopped back on the bus for a foggy ride to Queenstown. Along the way, we found a fruit stand ran by the Jone’s family. Kate insisted we try “real fruit ice cream”. It was ice cream blended with frozen fruit served in a dish or a cone. We all really enjoyed it. We picked varieties of fruit and vegetables such as golden kiwis, persimmon, clementines, carrots, unique pears, and more.

Taste testing time!

Elle and her veggies

The boys love their fresh fruit ice cream

 

Mitchell can't get enough
carrots on this trip

We were greeted by a breathtaking mountain scene upon arrival in Queenstown. We had the whole afternoon to visit local tourist stores and gaze on the Mountain scene on Wakatipu. If we thought we hadn’t drained enough money for this trip, we sure did here. Students gathered a variety of souvenirs including postcards, greenstone, jewelry, sweatshirts, wool products, a hot water bottle, bookmarks, and more.

View of the day.

Kyle decided he wanted to take a ride in the Wakatipu lake. He embarked on the hydroattack. It was an underwater exploration device that looked like a shark. Kyle said the best way to explain it is that it is like a submarine and jetski. It was adrenaline filled and a once in a lifetime experience.

Phil and the Moa statue in Queenstown.

Kyle and his adventure on Lake Wakatipu! 

We hopped back on the bus after emptying our wallets for a two-hour ride back to the hotel. We ate a delicious supper at the hotel. There was a variety of New Zealand cuisine to try from. Some of us enjoyed lamb, while others tasted wonderful venison and fish. Overall, the day was packed with beautiful views and new experiences.

Written by Cade, Elle, and Halle