Field and research stations

Our extensive network of field and research stations gives you the chance to test out your knowledge and extend your research in a wide range of terrains, ecosystems and even into galaxies.

Cass Mountain Research Area

The Cass Mountain Research Area is located in the central South Island. It enables access to montane grasslands, scrub, riverbeds, scree, beech forests, swamps, lakes, streams and alpine habitats.

Westport Field Station

Westport Field Station is in the Westport township, nestled between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. It offers access to a rich geological and ecological learning ground.

Mount John Observatory

UC’s world-renowned observatory near Lake Tekapo houses four principal telescopes and detectors for astronomy studies. It provides outstanding conditions for observations and discoveries of the southern sky.

Scott Base, Antarctica

UC’s research in Antarctica is undertaken from Scott Base, New Zealand’s station on Ross Island, and at a field campsite on the Ross Ice Shelf.

Nigeria Field Station

UC’s most remote field station is found at the edge of Nigeria’s amazingly diverse and ecologically important Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve.

Kaikoura Field Station

Our previous Kaikoura field station took a bit of a hit during the 2016 Kaikoura earthquakes and unfortunately can no longer be used. We still maintain an interest in the area and intend to re-establish a teaching and research station there in the near future.