Field Trip Options

* Maungatautari Visitor Centre is around 1 hour's drive from Rototuna.

* The trip begins with a presentation in the brand new visitors centre from the education team.

* Depending on numbers, the delegation will then be split into two groups for rotations.

* The rotations on the day will depend on weather and availability of staff but could involve visiting the wetland to see takahee and tuatara, a walk through the enclosure or an insight into the pest monitoring within the sanctuary.

To fully experience this field trip, participants should have walking shoes and good mobility for the gravel tracks and some hills.

* Hear from Mātauranga Māori expert Professor Kura Paul-Burke on weaving together western science and Mātauranga Māori

* Research bites (5 minute presentations) from the university's young research students across chemistry, biology, earth and environmental sciences

* Interactive activities in the teaching laboratories to spark ideas on engaging your own students in science. The activities will focus on water and run across the disciplines of biology, chemistry and environmental science

* Shared resources to support your teaching 

* This trip starts at Waiwhakareke Reserve, which is an ecological restoration park.

* The trip then moves over the road to the Observatory, where there will be a presentation on the available educational opportunities at this site.

* Moving into the zoo, delegates may be invited to participate in keeper experiences, learn about opportunities for students with the educational centre or move freely around the zoo at your own pace.

* Waiwhakareke Reserve may be difficult to access for those with limited mobility, however the zoo has good access, and mobility scooters are available for hire.