The capitol city of Wellington is jammed full of opportunities for fun learning experiences. From viewing Tuatara and Kiwi in their natural settings to exploring national institutions and the galaxy, there is never a shortage of things for schoolchildren to see and do. And to help keep teachers and kids all together, be sure to book bus hire in Wellington to make things run smoothly and flawlessly.
There are all sorts of themes to be considered when looking at tours: science and discovery; parks, walks, and wildlife; national institution; marae visits; heritage; guided tours; film and entertainment; arts and culture; and active and adventure just to name a few. So right away, an important decision has to be made. Now let’s take a look at some of the best locations, by theme in Wellington, for school trips.
Science and Discovery
Weltec (Wellington Institute of Technology) – students from around the world are warmly welcomed by this institute’s collection of technology, which takes a personal interest in student tours. They welcome school groups in a friendly manner to make sure that their visit is enjoyable and successful. There is a cafeteria and library available for visitors of all ages.
Island Bay Marine Education Centre – live displays are clearly the highlight here and come in a wide variety showing numerous species and habitats found along the unique South coast of Wellington. Here, students will learn an appreciation of, and foster a respect for, local marine wildlife. They will be able to examine, in detail, the role played by humans in coastal habitats such as that found here.
Parks, Walks, and Wildlife
Heritage Trail: Thornton – the perfect opportunity for piety, prose, passion, and power. Stroll through Thornton, the oldest suburb in New Zealand, along Heritage Trail and enjoy highlights such as the Katherine Mansfield Birthplace, Old St. Paul’s, Premier House, National Archives, National Library, Parliament Buildings, Government Buildings, and Fulton St., Memorial Park. Plan on about three hours to complete this walk in its entirety.
Eastern Walkway – set along a segment of Wellington’s coastline, this fascinating walk offers spectacular scenery and diverse local history. The Wahine Memorial at Palmer Head is a highlight of the walk.
Marae Visits
Te Marae o Te Papa Tongarewa – this beautifully contemporary and unique marae of Te Papa truly belongs to each and every New Zealander and should not be missed.
Waiwhete Marae – from Hutt City centre, this marae is about a five-minute drive. Te Ati, the traditional carved marae, is available for educational visits, functions, and seminars. Times and prices are negotiated.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are especially enjoyable because the tour itself is left up to the guide, sparing our educational professionals the time and effort of planning the tour and agenda.
Wellington Zoo – this is a truly magical place for fun and learning. Students with respect for nature and a sense of wonder will enjoy this immensely. You can’t help but leave with a belief in the need for coexistence between people and wildlife that is completely and totally sustainable.
Hammonds Wellington Tours – when it comes to breath-taking scenery, special features, and discovering the history of Wellington, there is simply no better way to discover them than by taking a coach tour with a private sightseeing company from Wellington.
Arts and Culture
New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts and Academy Galleries – the fine arts offices of the New Zealand Academy are housed here. Expertly staged by The Academy are exhibitions numbering no less than seven. These include photography, fabric, craft, sculpture, and original New Zealand paintings. This private, non-profit organization celebrated its 125th year anniversary in 2007.
Wellington Museum – this social history Museum of Wellington has been honoured with prestigious awards. Here, students can explore the people, events, and environments that define our capital city.
Active and Adventure
Westpac Stadium – home to an amazing array of events, this is one of the most well-loved landmarks in Wellington. Proudly hosted here are sporting codes such as Cricket, Football, Rugby League, and Rugby Union. Additionally, non-sporting events are featured here as well including corporate functions, exhibitions, and concerts. To take a look at what happens behind the scenes, including multiple hospitality areas and players changing rooms, book a stadium tour.
The Wellesley County Park – located only 40 minutes from Wellington, in superb natural surroundings, lies this fantastic outdoor facility and camp. Up to 150 people can be accommodated in this park which also offers catering. Particularly for school groups, there is a wide variety of activities and outdoor equipment.
Film and Entertainment
Light House Cinema Petone – providing entertaining and freshly diverse films and a comfort oriented, classy atmosphere, Lighthouse Cinema is New Zealand’s leading cinema industry. Each venue focuses on permitting viewers to immerse their souls and bodies in whatever film is being watched. A concentration on artistic or thought-provoking movies directly from art-house festivals is offered through a range of films at the cinema.
BATS Theatre – specifically focused on experimental theatre and new New Zealand, for live performance, this is the best developmental theatre. Performed for and by 15 to 25-year-olds, each year the Young and Hungry Festival of New Works takes place here. Workshops and behind the scenes tours are offered by arrangement for school groups. With an emphasis on exciting and new, the theatre always has something fresh to offer.
Heritage
Wrights Hill Fortress and Recreation Reserve – on Wrights Hill, high above Karori, students can explore a maze of tunnels and an historic gun emplacement. During World War II, to protect Wellington against possible attacks by the enemy, a long-range coastal battery was constructed. Enthusiasts are currently restoring the fortress and guided tours are available. Don’t miss the incredible views of Wellington’s city and harbour.
Clearly, there are enough things to do in Wellington that no teacher should have a problem finding multiple resources for learning and recreational trips throughout the school year. The above is just a sampling of opportunities that are available for students and their teachers. Wellington cares deeply about the educational system and provides and promotes more opportunities to schools than are seemingly imaginable.