Win a pass for 9 students and 1 or 2 adults to experience the magic of Rotorua Canopy Tours

We are excited to have teamed with Rotorua Canopy Tours this issue to off er one School the opportunity to win an exclusive experience for 9 students and 1 or 2 accompanying adults.

Your group will be looked aft er in every way while two kiwi guides lead your group through an ancient New Zealand Forest via ziplines, swing bridges and tree-based platforms.

Voted by trip advisor as Best Nature Experience in the World in 2021 you’ll learn about native fl ora and fauna, sustainability, and conservation as well as the positive impact tourism can have on saving our natural heritage when we work together. This package is valued at $1,590.

To enter all you need to do is register to receive the School News Weekly e-newslett er. Head to www.schoolnews. co.nz . If you already receive the newslett er, send Dee an email and she’ll add you to the draw: d.dawson@multimediapublishing. co.nz. Make your colleagues aware so they can sign up too and give your school the best chance of winning this fabulous prize.

*Minimum age 5yrs (experience dependant), maximum weight 120kgs. Can be used in Term time only. Not on weekends, holidays or public holidays. Group can be bigger but either way you’ll save $1590! Entries close: 30th June 2022.

FREE Teacher Pass:

As a thank you to the wonderful work our educators do Rotorua Canopy Tours is also off ering all Kaiako (teachers/instructors) a free pass to experience their award-winning Original Canopy Tour fi rst hand. Enjoy this premium experience that showcases the potential and success of restoration in NZ while delivering an educational and fun activity for all school aged students and adults to enjoy, together. Add the Promo code LIFELEARNERS when booking online to receive a free adult pass within any booking or contact Rotorua Canopy Tours direct.

*This off er is valid until November 30th 2022. Please get in touch with Rotorua Canopy Tours with any queries.

Inspire, engage, connect

TAILORED EDUCATIONAL

EXPERIENCES FOR ALL AGES "

ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME, THE ZIPLINING AND ENVIRONMENT WAS

So much more than the ziplines, our adventures are highly engaging, unique, educational experiences and can be adjusted AMAZING AND FUN. NOT ONLY IS IT to focus on conservation, tourism, business studies, biology, AN ADVENTURE BUT ALSO AN geology, team building and more... Thanks to our intensive restoration we have removed thousands of Rawiri Wihapi Principal Mokoia Intermediate & President Rotorua "EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE pests from this ancient native forest and rare native birds, skinks, Principals Association plants and fungi have all returned - making it a classroom like no other. Your groups fees will contribute to the restoration and they will become part of our unique conservation story. Students have the time of their lives while being Get in touch to see how we can help actively involved - gaining confidenence, working tailor your educational experience. as a team - we help them get the most out of this FREEPHONE 0800 CANOPY (0800 226 679)unique eco-tourism adventure. PHONE +64 (0) 7 343 1001 INSPIRING LIFE-LONG LEARNING. www.canopytours.co.nz

P36

The ancient forests surrounding Rotorua are a delight, day and night. You can take students on a world-renowned canopy tour of ancient NZ treelines; which often include thrilling swing bridges and epic adventure ziplines, but the knowledgeable tour guides will ensure students are thoroughly engaged in learning during these oncein-a-lifetime experiences. Rotorua is also an internationally renowned destination for mountain biking, and schools around the country travel there to undertake cycling tours. Whakarewarewa Forest provides 200 kilometres of purpose-built mountain biking trails woven into the landscape to provide routes to suit everyone from beginners through to global competitors. Rainbow Mountain, Skyline Rotorua Gravity Park, Moerangi Track, Western Okataina Walkway, the Timber Trail and Whirinaki Forest all offer further mountain biking options. The area is hard to beat in the two-wheeled field.

The natural phenomena the region is known for provide sensory experiences to remember – with the aroma of the area adding something of note to the visual and auditory feast. The bubbling hot pools and firing fountains of water and steam offer opportunities for some creative captures with a camera. Hells Gate is the only location in New Zealand where visitors can experience a mud bath in some of the finest mineral mud in the world; students can learn about its significance to Māori culture. Traditional Māori, customs, practices and beliefs are integral to Rotorua’s past and present. The region is home to many mesmerising cultural tours and performances, showcasing historic lifestyles and traditions, mythology and art.

Guided experiences allow visitors to experience poi dancing and to feel the fury and beauty of a traditional haka, enjoy a mouthwatering hāngī or stand witness to a traditional pōhiri. Waka can be boarded for a paddle around the shores of Lake Rotorua, while learning about the Māori of local Ohinemutu Village and beyond. As a contrast to a sedate paddle, the high-octane opportunities in Rotorua are plentiful. There’s the universally popular luging down the mountain side, and cable car ride up, or for another way down, there’s zorbing or zip-lining. These activities can make memorable team building exercises for students, and staff. As can whitewater rafting. Rotorua is home to the world’s highest commercially raftable waterfall, on the Kaituna River. It’s not for the faint-hearted and flipping out – literally – is likely so save this for your strong swimmers and confident colleagues! Three major rivers all provide plenty of opportunity for waterbased adventure, alongside Rotorua region’s incredible 18 lakes. From jet boating to kayaking, paddleboarding to paragliding, kitesurfing and more, there are options for all ages and group sizes. Beyond the lakes and rivers are stunning waterfalls – generously heated by nature – that can be reached by boat, as can the nearby Mokoia Island. Appropriately named, ‘The Squeeze’ is a hidden geothermal valley, another destination for a boating adventure. Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa has been undergoing major upgrade work for seismic strengthening. Significant structural challenges unearthed in the repairs have led to lengthy delays and it is expected the museum will not reopen until 2025. Despite this closure, there are other arts experiences to enjoy, such as the 3D Trick Art Gallery, which aims to enlighten and educate with its immersive art you can jump into and experience being a part of. This is set within the Rotorua Heritage Farm complex. The farm and surrounding area provides an enchanting day out for primary school visitors. Its Heritage Farm Tours for a traditional animal farm experience, where visitors can pet and feed sheep, cattle, deer, llamas, alpaca and more. There is also a delightful café with a wonderful outlook for teachers’ and helpers’ quality coffee intake.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is around 25 minutes’ drive from the central Rotorua and is where, at the base of Mount Tarawera, Lake Rotomahana is located. There, the once considered ‘8th wonder of the world’ the Pink and White Terraces lie buried. The long-lost natural treasure served as a popular tourism destination in the 1800s, until they were covered in the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera. Visitors can take a boat cruise across the much-fabled lake and discover geothermal delights reserved only for water-goers.

However your students and team like to let off steam, geothermal Rotorua, and its adventure-rich region, doesn’t disappoint.

© stock.adobe.com

Group accommodation in the heart of Rotorua

Blue Lake TOP 10 have a wide variety of accommodation options available to suit every budget, from 180 powered and non-powered tent sites to standard and self-contained cabins.

The facilities at the park will keep your group entertained and active, with free Kayak hire available and a private or sole use marquee with att ached kitchen and BBQ that can accommodate up to 80 people. The park is central to a variety of local att ractions. Lakes Tarawera, Okareka and Rotokakahi are all within 2km of the park, and a short 8km drive will fi nd you in the centre of Rotorua.

Blue Lake TOP 10 off er large groups heavily discounted rates from February 1st – December 20th (excluding peak season only) and can work with you to accommodate any size group and any budget.

For more information please call 0800 808 292 or visit www.bluelaketop10.co.nz