School Visits
GROWING THE FUTURE GENERATION
Organise your own fun activities
or talk to us about some of ours...
Spend the day out in nature! Explore our walking tracks that showcase our extensive tree collection and birdlife.
There is plenty of greenspace and grassy areas, great spots for games and activities.
Enjoy the playground and visit our Discovery Centre.
Our Education Co-ordinator can organise activities and guided walks suitable for all ages and abilities.
All visits and activities must be booked in advance.
Contact us at: education@eastwoodhill.org.nz or 06 863 9003
Education group entry fee into the Arboretum = $2 per person
Nature Scavenger Hunt
$2 (per pack)
Suitable for Pre-school ages
Children will receive a small bag (with a picture checklist of items to hunt for) while exploring the Arboretum.
Using the pencil in their pack, they can tick off the items found. If they like, they can visit our Discovery Centre to take a closer look at the nature treasures they have collected using the microscope. A small treat and sticker in their pack is the reward for all their hard work!
Learning Areas: Discovery, observation, sensory, exploration, physical activity
Find and Go Seek Group Challenge
$50 (for activity packs)
Suitable for Primary school ages
This fun self-lead activity has been designed for primary school students, to get around areas close to the Homestead Gardens, Playground and Visitor Centre. The instructions will be explained by the Education Coordinator. Each group will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Using a detailed map, they will set off to seek out some of the quirky little features that can be found in the Arboretum. Some of these include: Lion in the playground, busy beehive, cheeky elf by the lily pond, stone castle near the pavilion. Once located, the group must find the correct information to answer the questions on their worksheet. Each correct answer earns them points. The group with the most points WINS!!!
Learning Areas: Health and physical education, observation, map interpretation, team work
½ hour Guided Walk
$30
Suitable for all ages
1 hour Guided Walk
$60
Suitable for all ages
Experience the sights and sounds of the National Arboretum of NZ, Eastwoodhill.
Our Education Coordinator will take you on a guided tour and share interesting information about some of the special trees, plants and features of Eastwoodhill.
Guided walks are best done in groups of 25 people or less. Larger groups can be split into rotation groups.
Learning Areas: Science, social science, health and physical education
Tailored or guided educational activities to meet specific learning themes
$60 per hour + the cost of any additional resources required
Suitable for all ages
Tailored or guided educational activities to meet specific learning themes (outside of the list above); can be arranged upon application.
Possible Learning Areas: Science/Social Science/Health/Physical Education/Arts/Horticulture/Outdoor Education/Environmental Studies
‘Red Rogaine’ or ‘Stars in the Park’ Orienteering Group Challenges
$50 (for activity packs)
Suitable for intermediate & high school ages
These challenges are self-lead activities. Packs will be given out and the instructions are explained by the Education Coordinator before the groups set off. Each group will need to be accompanied by an adult. These activities are designed for groups to cover a vast area of the Arboretum. Both the ‘Red Rogaine’ and ‘Stars in the Park’ Orienteering Group Challenges will test the students:
- Map reading and orienteering skills
- Team work and strategic planning
- Marker hunting abilities
- Recording information correctly
Students will need to find locations on the map that lead them to marked signs throughout the Arboretum. At these signs, students will need to record information on their group answer sheet. Each correct answer is worth various points. Groups must return back to the meeting place at the agreed time. For every minute they are late back, they will be deducted points. The team with the most points WINS!!
Learning Areas: Health and physical education, team work, map interpretation
Partnership Programme with Tairāwhiti Museum
We have a partnership programme with Tairāwhiti Museum. Their Educators can facilitate various activities for New Entrance – Year 8 students. Bookings for this programme are made directly through the Museum and more information can be found on their website.
Learning Areas: Science, social science, health and physical education
Collaboration and Connectivity Opportunities
We welcome communication with education providers and research groups who are interested in potential collaboration opportunities. To discuss your projects further, please contact the Curator.
Venue and Facility Hire
Education groups are welcome to hire our facilities such the Pavilion building, Discovery centre, Commercial kitchen and BBQ for your own events and activities. Catering options maybe available, please enquire with us regarding the cost.