A guide to Oaro

Abstract

The Oaro Field Station is owned by Lincoln College and administered by the Lincoln College Field Station Club. The buildings were shifted to their present site in 1961. Before then they were part of the Army establishment at Godley Heads, Lyttleton Harbour. Since that time many groups of students and school pupils have used the Field Station as their base for field studies. The Field Station is situated on the Kaikoura Coast at Oaro, some 20 km south of Kaikoura. This location makes it an ideal place for carrying out investigations in a wide range of environments. In close proximity to the Field Station there are: 1. A large scenic reserve of native bush. 2. A coast line which offers a wide variety of shoreline habitats .. 3. Diverse geological formations. 4. Active geomorphic processes on both hills and coastline. 5. An historically important area with a long period of Maori occupation. 6. A river, streams and a waterfall. It is hoped that this booklet will assist and stimulate students to understand something of the inter-relationships and features of the physical, biological and cultural environments of this coastal area. The intention of the author is not that the book will replace the role of the teacher but rather that both student and teacher will use is to familiarise themselves with aspects of the environment in which they are studying.