Guided Education Sessions
Hands-on, curriculum-linked learning in the ngahere for ECE through to Year 13. Bring your learners to one of Aotearoa's most special forests.
For learners of every age
Pūkaha offers education experiences for early childhood, primary and secondary learners. We're a provider of the Ministry of Education's Enriching the Local Curriculum programme, and every session gives your learners hands-on time in our lush ngahere.
Pūkaha is the last remnant of Te Tapere Nui o Whātonga, a great forest that once stretched from Ōpaki Kopuaranga (just north of Whakaoriori / Masterton) to Rākautatahi (north of Tāmaki nui-a-Rua / Dannevirke). It's a place rich in history and home to some of Aotearoa's most unique wildlife, flora and fauna.
Every Guided Day Education Session includes
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An experienced educator (two for larger groups)
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Private room hire
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A structured conservation learning session
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A full guided experience through the ngahere
For larger groups, a second educator allows split-group delivery and rotational, workshop-style learning for higher engagement.
The session
A sample day at Pūkaha
The day can be customised to suit your school's particular requirements.
What learners experience
Step into an ancient forest
The air is fresh, cool and clean. You can hear the bubbling stream beside you, mixed with the dinosaur-like screeches of kākā flying above…
Grounded in local knowledge, history and the living world, learners discover the story of Te Tapere Nui o Whātonga and meet aviary and wild birds, kiwi, tuatara and lizards in our Nocturnal House, and the famous tuna. Conversations range across biodiversity, the natural and cultural features of a place, endemic and introduced species, and climate change. Every session can be customised to suit your class.
Learners will be able to
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01
Tell stories of the local history, both ecological and cultural
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02
Define and correctly pronounce several relevant words and names in te reo Māori
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03
Understand the adaptations of endemic species and how they link to Aotearoa's ecosystems, past and present
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04
Critique and reflect on the important role of people in conservation
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05
Recognise the variety of career opportunities in a place like Pūkaha
For secondary students
Sessions aligned with current NZQA internal assessment standards, which also work as topic introductions for Years 9 and 10. Our secondary options keep growing, and we can build custom sessions around what you're covering in class, together with your specialist kaiako.
Adult : learner ratios
- 1:4 Early childhood / pre-school (we prefer 1:2 for the very young where possible)
- 1:6 School-aged learners (5 years+)
- 1:14 High school (recommended, PPTA guidelines)
Teachers and adult helpers are directly responsible for the behaviour of the children in their designated group.
Estimate your session cost
Enter your group size for an indicative cost of a Guided Day Education Session. Final pricing is confirmed when you book.
Covers groups of up to 50 students. For larger groups, we'll tailor the session for you.
Accompanying adults within the 1:6 ratio attend free. Additional adults are charged $24 per adult.
How to book
Ready to bring your learners?
Send us your enquiry and our team will be in touch to confirm dates, numbers and anything you'd like to focus on.
Enquire or book
Te Wānanga Taiao o Manukura
Schools can register interest in an overnight, immersive cultural experience. Tell us through our enquiry form and the Pūkaha team will coordinate with our partner, Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā.
Enquire for more information