Nau mai, haere mai!
On a frosty Friday morning, the Year 13 Geography class took an almost 3-hour drive down to Rotorua – New Zealand’s geothermal ‘hotspot’.
In class, the students learnt about tourism development in Rotorua. Before starting their research internal assessment, they studied the temporal changes of Rotorua’s facilities, infrastructure, attractions, regulators, and tourists. From the Pink and White Terraces in the 1850’s to Whakarewarewa today, Rotorua’s fluctuating market is incredibly interesting!
With the decline of COVID-19 cases and New Zealand’s international borders re-opening, more tourists started visiting! This was perfect as the Geography Students’ research was based on the tourists that visited Rotorua. Tasked with surveying tourists – asking them various questions such as ‘What attractions have you been to?’ and ‘Where are you from?’ – students learnt about the different types of tourists visiting Rotorua and the attractions.
Students were treated to two attractions during the days excursion:
First was Te Puia.
Home to New Zealand’s Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, the students visited the different activities available! Te Rito (weaving), Te Takapu (stone and bone carving), and Whakairo Rakau (wood carving). After being awe-struck by the beautiful crafts, the tour continued to the Kiwi’s. Te Puia also has a Kiwi Conservation Centre that has three kiwis that students were able to observe. Finally, it ended with visiting Te Puia’s geothermal attractions – the geysers and mud pools.
The second attraction was the luge.
The class took the gondola up to Rotorua’s skyline complex where everyone had the opportunity to experience the luge and visit the Jelly Belly Store. Other students took the opportunity to try the Skyswing and survey the adventurous tourists on the windy mountain.
Thank you to Ms. Bradley and Mr. Rimamate for accompanying the students as well as planning the field trip. It was incredibly fun and educational!
