Tauranga offers great opportunities for outdoor learning and plenty of locations where students can learn away from the classroom. Students can take part in various school field trips and specific outdoor education services in Tauranga. If you are organizing a school field trip, choose Tauranga bus hire for a safe and comfortable ride for your students. Some of the places you can go for school field trips in Tauranga include:
McLarens Falls Park
Take your students to the McLarens Falls Park for a bush walk. This Park is situated near the Kaimai ranges and it offers the perfect place for small feet to wander through. The venue can be visited at any time of the year despite the weather and it never fails to delight. There is plenty to explore in this park that is built on 190 hectares of parkland. The park is built around Lake McLaren which offers pre-schoolers a chance to feed the ducks. There is a Café within the grounds where kids can take refreshments during their break. You can take this chance to teach the kids about different species of plants found in the park even as they appreciate what nature has to offer.
Te Puna Quarry Park
This park is a wonderful culmination of community spirit, inspiration and vision. The park was originally a quarry and after the mining ground was exhausted, committed band of volunteers came together to transform the unused quarry into an environmental wonderland. The park is designed with walkways that lead visitors through the beautiful garden within. Children will enjoy taking part in various outdoor activities like picnics and there is also a butterfly garden that they can visit. This place is perfect to take the little ones especially during summer when the grass is green and the flowers have bloomed.
The Boardwalks
Tauranga has many boardwalks which show off the spectacular coastal beauty around the area. You can take your students to one of these boardwalks so that they can explore the sandy beaches by foot or even enjoy bicycle rides along the coastal line. The best boardwalk to visit is the Waikaraeo Estuary Walkways which is situated along the margin of estuary. This walkway is 9km long and it suitable for both cycling and walking. The whole loop can be tackled within two hours and students can rest in between to take part in fun activities beside the waters.
Mauao
Mauao is mini mountain found in Tauranga and it is one of the most visited sites within the fair city by the sea. The mountain has a base track that makes it easy for small children to walk around as they absorb the beauty of nature. For kids to really enjoy the magic the mountain has to offer, they have to climb it. This will challenge the students and they can use either the base track or use the stairs available to get to the top. At the mountain top, kids can take great photos of themselves to capture the wonderful moment. This field trip can also be used to encourage the kids to exercise more. Pack some snacks and drinks that you can take at the mountain top as kids marvel at the scenery around them.
Mount Beach Rock Pools
This is a great venue to take pre-schoolers. The base of the mountain has rock pools where sea animals like limpets, small fish and crabs can easily be seen. Have the pre-schoolers pack some swimming costumes so that they can dip their little feet at the rock-pools. The children will learn so much biology and science the natural way. The venue also has lots of fresh air that kids will appreciate as they climb the rocks around the pools.
Marshalls Animal Park
This park is adjacent to McLaren Falls Park and it sits on 35 acres of land. The area is a huge attraction and it hosts a number of friendly animals, both exotic and domestic animals. Here, children get a chance to play and feed a host of farmyard animals. They also get to see exotic animals like Texas longhorns, giant African ostriches and the unusual Tibetan yak. The kids can take in the attractions as they take a picnic at set spots complete with tables. The park has an observation spot at hill top where they can enjoy a panoramic view. Teachers or guardians can call ahead and have a special arrangement for kids to enjoy pony rides and bottle feed lambs.
Waimarino Adventure Park
This park is popular for hosting great outdoor events for kids and also it provides great educational values and learning outcomes. Kids learn basic kayaking skills to build water confidence. Children also learn skill based water games and rescue training to test the most energetic youngsters. You don’t have to worry about the safety of the kids as the sessions are run by trained instructors.
Mount Maunganui
This is a popular destination for school field trips and it is famous for offering great walks for kids of all ages. The iconic destination is well known for Copenhagen Cones, baby sized ice-creams that only go for a dollar. Children will enjoy a walk around the mount as they lick away at the treats. This is a field trip that kids cannot resist.
Marshall’s Animal Farm
This animal farm is situated next to McLarens Falls Park and it is designed to allow kids to get up close and personal with a range of exotic and domestic animals. Animals they can enjoy include alpacas, turtles, deer, Clydesdale horses, goats, rabbits, chicken and sheep. The venue has a set up that includes picnic tables and a flying fox that will definitely make the trip worthwhile.
Dolphin Safaris
Take kids to have a swim with the dolphins in their natural habitat. The kids are picked at the Tauranga bay and they go deeper into the sea where they come across bottlenose and wild common dolphins. There is more marine life in the sea and if they are lucky they may come across pilot whales and Humpback and much more