School trips teach kids a lot of things about their nation’s heritage, animals, science, arts and more. It’s important to take them out of the classroom environment and give them a chance to experience the world outside. Plan your next outing to one of these school trip destinations by choosing bus hire in Hamilton. Not only is it convenient for travelling, but also affordable if you are commuting in a group.
Hamilton Zoo
This venue has to be on top of the list for the kind of experience it can offer to both kids and adults alike. The Hamilton Zoo is home to as many as 600 exotic and native animals, and boasts the largest free-flight aviary in New Zealand, the only fishing cats and the only tapirs in New Zealand. See exotic species like Sumatran tigers, lemurs, red pandas, chimpanzees, zebras and giraffes as well as farm animals like alpacas and kune pigs.
If you want to know about the animals, you can listen to ‘Meet the Keeper’ talks. Kids can go behind the scenes for a face to face encounter to meet lemurs, siamang gibbons, cheetah and southern white rhinos. There’s something new to witness, every time you visit. The Zoo is committed to inspiring conservation action through participating in a wide array of projects, thus contributing to programmes for threatened species like southern white rhino
The Waikato River Explorer
Make the kids experience Waikato from a different perspective, as the Waikato River Explorer gives you an opportunity to soak up the natural attraction flowing through the region. Enjoy a relaxing picturesque cruise or lunch at a number of country cafes around the region. An amazing range of cruise options are available to choose from. Scenic cruises depart all through the year, and operate on a summer and winter schedule.
Waikato Museum
If you want the children to learn all about the history, art, science and tangata whenua culture, Waikato Museum is a must-visit destination. With its extensive collections and a series of touring exhibitions, you get to know all about the region under one roof. Nestled on the banks of the River, in the heart of the city’s cultural precinct, the museum has over 13 galleries featuring more than 100 public events and 25 exhibitions annually. With this interactive program, the museum focuses on engaging and inspiring national and international visitors.
Some of the key highlights include Exscite and Planet Warriors, the Waikato WW1 story, For Us They Fell and the majestic war waka te Winika. The museum’s galleries display a rich blend of Taonga Maori and artworks. Late Ivan Mercep was the architect behind the museum that was opened in 1987. He’s the same architect who went on to design the Te Papa National museum of Australia.
Hamilton’s Classic Car Museum
Designed to cater everyone’s taste, this classical themed car museum has a lot to offer. More than hundred cars have been put on display, along with a widespread collection of petrol memorabilia including early pin ball machines, pedal cars, petrol pumps, tins and signs. If you are looking for a classical 1950s-themed dinner, head to the Jukebox Diner. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy a coffee or meal, while relaxing. There’s a separate fenced off kid’s area with amazing rides to keep the children entertained. A conference space is also available for seating up to 100 people.
Walking And Cycling Tours
Hamilton’s parkland and gullies offer great opportunities escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The riverside routes are for both cyclists and walkers, with cycling allowed on a few designated roots. Head to the Hamilton Lake Walkway for a diverse walking route right in the city centre. Winding across playgrounds, grassed parkland and natural lakeside vegetation, this walk around the Hamilton Lake edge covers 3.8 kms. Once you are done, take some time to relax at the Verandah Cafe, which is ideal for some coffee.
Another popular route along this stretch is the 2.7 km Western Rail Trail Biking Path which uses the existing rail corridor to connect the CBD with the south-western suburbs of Hamilton. Suitable for recreational bikers, commuters and children, the trail offers a great chance to get active. The route traverses the rail corridor from Kahikatea Drive to the CBD and the Ward Park.
Te Ohomauri O Matariki
The kids would absolutely love watching this masterpiece on display, with 7 vertical waka placed in the shape of the Kingitanga symbol of the Matariki star constellation. Standing firm at the centre of a roundabout in Rototuna, the symbols tells stories about the rich history and heritage of the area. On top of each waka are embedded symbols representing tangata; the land’s human history. The natural history of the land is represented by the symbols at the base, showcasing Whenua. A bunch of eel or wild tuna, built from aluminium, are amassed together and suspended in the centre, symbolizing the annual migration of Tonga.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Located on the North Island of New Zealand, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is particularly known for its glowworm species, Arachnocampa luminosa found exclusively here. This cave is a part of Waitomo Caves system that include Aranui Cave and Ruakuri Cave. There’s a modern visitor centre right at the entrance, built largely in wood. Organised tours include a boat ride beneath the glowworms.
The guided tour through caves brings visitors through 3 different levels and begins at the topmost level and the Catacombs. Tomo links the levels, and the 2nd level is known as the Banquet Chamber. This is where early visitors stop to eat and there is proof of this in the smoke on the chamber’s ceiling. From here, you can probably link back to the upper level to see the Pipe Organs, known to be the largest formation. The final and third level goes down into the jetty and the Cathedral, which is an enclosed area with paved surfaces, giving it good acoustics. A number of famous choirs and singers have performed here!