When you are planning a school trip to Christchurch, one important thing to keep in mind is to find a site that is both entertaining and educational for the kids. You want your kids to learn but at the same time, you want them to stay engaged. Just as important is to plan your transport to the site in such a way that you and the kids get there fresh and rearing to go. This means that you might want to consider Christchurch bus hire options for a safe and comfortable ride from your school to the site and back.
Planning a School Trip in Christchurch
Planning a school trip can be a time of angst and stress. This is because as a teacher, there are so many factors to consider, not least where you want to take your kids. Because of this, it is important that you choose the site of the school visit carefully so the trip educates and entertains the children. Plus you want to be sure that the site is also age-appropriate for the kids. For example, very young children might not enjoy a museum of modern arts as much as older kids would. On the other hand, a themed play-park might appeal to the young kids but not so much to their seniors.
Book In Advance
When you find a suitable site, ensure that you book in advance so that the management of the place can make your visit fun and productive. Specify particular areas that you would like your students to see and if they require a guide to take them around. It is usually a good idea to get a guide anyway as the guides will answer questions and tells your students interesting facts that may not be available to the public.
Make sure to also tell them if there are special preparations that you may require them to make for your trip to be smoother. For example, if one of your students has a disability of any kind, most museums and other places have facilities to help make the trip for those students just as awesome.
Getting There
There are safety considerations to make when thinking about transport for the students. Consider hiring a bus from a professional bus hire company in Christchurch which assures you safety and comfort. Plan your time well and this includes not just from the school but also the time it takes to move between one site and the other if you are going to multiple sites. This ensures that you spend adequate time in each site and the children learn as much as they can before moving on to the next one.
Now that the planning is taken care of, it is time to discover some wonderful places that you can visit in your next school trip to Christchurch.
Canterbury Museum
The Canterbury Museum tells the story of Canterbury going back into the past and the present. The museum features an extensive collection of rare Maori artefacts. During a visit here, students will learn a lot about the city in the old days and what it might become in the future. A trip to Canterbury Museum will particularly be a thrill to students who are interested in history.
Wartford Grange Llama Farm
The Watford Grange llama farm is a beautiful sanctuary where children and adults can interact and spend time with these fascinating animals. The llamas on the farm are reared there and allowed to roam free on this farm in Christchurch. In addition to spending time with these beautiful animals, students will learn from the farm’s highly experienced workers about Llamas and will be able to buy or borrow books on site. The farm is also a great picnic site so you might want to work your schedule in such a way that your students visit the farm over lunch and have a picnic on its beautiful grounds.
Mona Vale
The Mona Vale is a beautiful garden in Christchurch with a water lily pond, beautiful rose gardens and a wooded area. The Mona Vale also the home to two historical buildings namely The Homestead and Gate House. Looking for a quiet stop where students can enjoy peaceful garden scenery? The Mona Vale will be perfect for that.
Cardboard Cathedral
The Cardboard Cathedral is the only cathedral in the world that is made substantially of cardboard. Designed as a replacement for the original cathedral that was badly damaged by the 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, the church offers a fascinating stop in your tour in Christchurch.
International Antarctic Center
The international Antarctic Centre is open every day of the year and gives visitors an experiential feel of the Antarctic. Want to get caught up in a super Antarctic storm right in the middle of Christchurch? The Antarctic center will deliver that with all the thrills and spills that come with it. Give your students a chance to interact with penguins and huskies and to learn more about Antarctica. The International Antarctic Centre will deliver both thrills and lessons in equal measure.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Just like the Mona Vale, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens are a feast of the senses for nature lovers. With numerous species of trees, flowers and shrubs, the gardens make a great study for students interested in botanical sciences. It is also a great place to just pause and soak in the peaceful silence amidst the rustling trees. Guided tours can be arranged for a small fee. Ensure that you call to book in advance so that the park team can make the necessary arrangements.
Willobank Wildlife Reserve
This is a wildlife reserve that is home to a variety of species of animals found in New Zealand. These include Kiwis, Tuatara and the Brown Teal. Make sure you call to book in advance and arrange for a guided tour around the park. There is also an excellent restaurant on site that will take care of any food requirements that you may have before or after the tour.
These are just some of the numerous sites that you can visit on the next school trip to Christchurch. Remember that you can hire a bus to get you and your students to of all these sites safely and comfortably. Give us a ring at (0800) 661 236 and let us take the headache out of getting around during your next school trip around Christchurch.