Primary school programmes

Hunua and Omana Regional Parks

Located 50km from downtown Auckland, the Hunua Ranges covers 16,000 hectares and contains the largest block of mainland forest in the Auckland region. It supports the only northern mainland habitat of the endangered kokako, and a joint protection programme with the Department of Conservation helps ensure these birds are given every chance to increase their population.

Just 42 km from central Auckland, Omana is a perfect destination for school groups. It has a safe swimming beach, rock pools to explore, pet animals to feed, a playground, large flat grass areas for organised games and plenty of picnic and barbecue sites. The 40 hectares consists of open farmland, regenerating forest, pohutukawa-fringed cliff tops and mangrove mudflats.

Sea Shore Safari
Year 1 - 6

Low-tide dependent - check tides when booking.

Key concepts: Biodiversity; sustainability; adaptations; intertidal zonation.

Description: Explore our rocky shore!

At low tide, students scramble over rocks to discover the special creatures that have adapted to life half in-half out of the water, including starfish, crabs and shellfish. Where do they hide? And how do they survive? And what impact have humans had on New Zealand’s marine environment?

NOTE: This programme can be adapted for older students.

Science	Living World	Levels 1 - 3
Park	Omana
Cost	$2 per student
Resource	Marine and Coastal Environment

Wild South Water Watch
Year 4 - 8

Key concepts: The water cycle; the value of freshwater habitats; where our drinking water comes from.

Description: C’mon guys, get water wise!

Students become part of the water cycle (a cloud) to discover how our planet’s water is filtered by the land and used over and over again. They visit a dam to see where Auckland’s water comes from, hunt for freshwater creatures, and learn the value of healthy waterways.

They leave with a new appreciation of water and the vital role it plays in the survival of the planet.