Level 3 Geography Fieldtrip to Rotorua

The Year 13 Geography students had the opportunity to travel to Rotorua to look at all things Tourism last week.

The trip is to support the learning that has taken place in class around the External Assessment 3.1- The Operation of Tourism Development in Rotorua.

We started with a day of traveling and a small excursion up to Whakapapa Skifield to look at vegetation differences and soil and climate variations. The boys were thrilled to have a little time to throw some snow here!

Tuesday began with an informative talk from the Rotorua Museum about the history of Tourism. We then had a walk around the lakefront before our guided tour at Te Puia. This focused on the Geothermal history of the area, as well as the unique contribution of Māori culture. After a quick lunch break, we headed out to Velocity Valley where most of the boys’ had fun taking a ride on the ‘Swoop’- some opted for Jetboating instead. A quick rest and hot pool soak and we then headed out for dinner before a night tree walk in the famous redwoods.

Wednesday was a fine but frosty start-perfect for a Gondola ride and three luge races down the hill, before heading back to the vans and making our way back to Palmerston North.

On our return-the students were asked if they had enjoyed the trip and if they felt it had been worthwhile. One response; “I have been on a lot of trips - especially sports trips- over the past 5 years and this one was by far the most enjoyable”.