Temperatures for the squad's first training sessions rose to 36C in the Australian capital, before heading back down to the lower 20s and then levelling around 30 degrees for the latter games.
Atkinson would get around 40-45 minutes of game time per match, and found even after taking fluids on the sideline that his mouth would dry out within moments of entering the fray.
The Australians played a typical aggressive style, and only really made adjustments after the game they lost, he said.
"Didn't know quite what to expect - the pace of the hockey, playing somewhere the temperature is different ... "
The teams played twice a day with a rest day in between, and then they played the final match after another rest day.
Atkinson was happy with his speed and fitness, even if maintaining intensity levels in the heat was difficult.
Coach Bryce Collins has gone straight into camp with the New Zealand Junior team, so Atkinson hopes to hear feedback in about a week's time.
He will also be involved in the junior camp as a practice opponent, as the squad plays warm-up games to get them ready for the January qualifiers for the Junior World Cup.
Atkinson paid a visit to the St Johns club to thank them for some key sponsorship to help cover the costs of travelling to Australia.
