“Home is behind. The world ahead. And there are many paths to tread.” –Pippin
For many, New Zealand is synonymous with The Lord of the Rings. We’re transported to the rolling green hills of the Shire or the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Misty Mountains. But for College of Forestry students, the journey to the Land of the Long White Cloud is more than a cinematic pilgrimage—it is an immersion into some of the most unique ecosystems on Earth.
Stepping into this landscape requires more than just hiking boots; it requires a specific mindset. Before embarking, reflect on ‘shoshin’—the Zen Buddhist concept of the beginner’s mind. It takes true diligence and humility to remain a beginner while exploring with your peers, especially as you encounter unfamiliar forest management goals, complex regimes, and Indigenous ways of knowing.
2023 participant Martha Diaz reflected on this transition from the familiar to the extraordinary: “We made it from The Shire, past the Misty Mountains, through the rest of Middle-earth… If you never leave home, you will miss all of the adventures and knowledge that await.”
Hobbiton and the Volcanic Plateau
The journey began where the legend did: Matamata. Walking through the Hobbiton movie set, it is easy to see why J.R.R. Tolkien’s world feels so rooted in nature. But as we moved into Rotorua, the fantasy met geological reality. Students traded Hobbit holes for geothermal wonders.
“Not all those who wander are lost.” — Bilbo Baggins
In the Whirinaki Forest, we wandered with a purpose. Standing beneath one of the worlds only prehistoric rainforests, the steam of the ancient canopy was a reminder that the land is living, breathing even. Don’t worry about what you may not know yet. Every expert was once a beginner; what’s important is being open to new and unfamiliar experiences.
Into the Wild
As we crossed the South Island, the landscape shifted. Leaving Christchurch behind, we climbed toward Arthur’s Pass to take in a more dramatic scene.
Students explored the Bealey Spur track, navigating through ancient beech forests draped in mistletoe, and hiked the Carew Falls Walk. In these podocarp and hardwood rainforests, the adventure and knowledge Martha spoke of became tangible. Seeing first-hand how New Zealand’s isolation created a biological Ark, where birds like the mischievous Kea have evolved alongside flora found nowhere else.
Don’t overpack! The greatest adventurers travel light and leave a small footprint. You will be constantly on the move and the company must stay mobile, not straying too far from the path. Trust the process–you’ll find you need much less than you think.
“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” – Galadriel
In forestry, this quote carries a specific weight. Whether it’s a single seedling or a lone student researcher, the work we do in conservation and sustainable management has a generational impact. Studying these ecosystems isn’t just about credits; it’s about understanding our role in the future of the planet.
The Fellowship of the Land
One of the most lasting lessons of the 2023 trip wasn’t found in a textbook, but in the community formed along the way. From sharing meals in Rotorua to the final celebration at Original Sin in Christchurch, the food and cheer and song were as vital as the site visits.
There will be long days of travel. Be prepared for the unexpected and practice good Expedition Behavior by supporting your peers when they are knackered and promote harmony when the road gets long. As Martha notes, Tolkien’s work teaches us that valuing these moments of connection makes for a merrier world. By the time we reached the rugged West Coast and Paparoa National Park, the group wasn’t just a class—but a fellowship.
The Time we are Given
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” – Gandalf
This Faculty-Led Trip to New Zealand is a reminder that the world is vast, complex and waiting to be explored. We return to Oregon State not just with photos of Mordor (Tongariro National Park), but with a global perspective on natural resource management and a deeper understanding of our own paths to tread.
To help you navigate your own quest, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of Do’s and Don’ts, blending Martha’s Middle-earth wisdom with the essential Beginner’s Mind philosophy.
Preparing for the Trek
Every great odyssey requires the right gear and a steadfast heart. So slip into your Mithril Coat and keep these final scrolls of wisdom in your pack:
- Pack like a scout, not like a king: You are on a hero’s quest and will be constantly on the move, often hauling your own gear. Be mindful not to overpack, as there will be opportunities for laundry along the way.
- It’s okay to disagree, it’s NOT okay to be disagreeable: Traveling with a group in close quarters through the Misty Mountains of the South Island is quite a feat! Lift up your peers when they are feeling low. Offer your support, understanding and comradery where and when ever you can. Good expedition behavior is the ability to move a group toward a goal while keeping the peace, a skill worth mastering.
- Stop to notice the flowers: Be mindful and have fun. Embrace the local culture—spin a yarn with a Kiwi, check out the dairy or try some scrumptious fish and chips. It is these interactions that make the journey’s end so sweet.
- Expect the unexpected: Itineraries are nice and help to set expectations but we can’t always plan for the perfect picnic. Things may shift or change and that’s okay. Be prepared to pivot and adjust accordingly.
The road to New Zealand is long, but the rewards are greater than a barrel of Longbottom Leaf. May the mossy forest guide you, and the Second Breakfast fuel you.
Don’t be a fool of a Took—apply today and let the adventure begin!
