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Ngā hōtaka kura ‘Ako mā te Whai Wheako’

Learning Through Experience school programmes

What these programmes are about

Our immersive sustainability education experiences inspire and empower young minds across Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.

Qualified educators and experienced park rangers guide students through engaging and curriculum-aligned learning experiences.

We have forest, farm and garden experiences for students in years one to 13.

Our experiential learning programmes help students:

  • discover the wonders of nature
  • nurture sustainability
  • foster Kaitiakitanga
  • develop confidence
  • set up lasting connections with the natural world.

Find an experience

Use the filters to find the right experience for your students.

 

 

Arataki Nursery Adventurehttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=8Arataki Nursery AdventurePropagating native plants.Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school Secondary school
Arataki Visitor Centrehttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=9Arataki Visitor CentreWaitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school Secondary school
Spongy Schools, Spongy Citieshttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=72Spongy Schools, Spongy Cities ​We can make our schools and cities more resilient to flooding by planting plants to increase absorbency.Auckland Botanical GardensAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school
Outdoor Challengehttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=70Outdoor ChallengeWorking together to have fun and stay safe in the outdoors.Ambury Regional ParkAll year roundPrimary school Intermediate school
Stream Testing (self-guided)https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=55Stream Testing (self-guided)Freshwater science.Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll yearSecondary school
Tales of Timber Trickeryhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=58Tales of Timber TrickeryBringing local history alive and taking action for te taiao.Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school
Volcanic Discoveryhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=61Volcanic DiscoveryLearn how volcanic activity has shaped Auckland's landscape.Ambury Regional ParkTerms 1, 2 and 4 Primary school Intermediate school
Volcanic Hazards and Landformshttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=62Volcanic Hazards and LandformsLearn how volcanic activity has shaped Auckland's landscape.Ambury Regional ParkTerms 1, 2 and 4Secondary school
Zero waste heroeshttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=65Zero waste heroesWaitākere Refuse and Recycling CentreAll yearPreschool Primary school Intermediate school Secondary school
Wai Carehttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=66Wai Care Freshwater science Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school
Wai Carehttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=67Wai Care ​Freshwater scienceWaitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll yearSecondary school
Biodiversity Alert!https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=11Biodiversity Alert!New Zealand's unique bird biodiversity has changed over time.Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school
Stratification in a Podocarp/Broadleaf Forest (Bio2.6)https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=71Stratification in a Podocarp/Broadleaf Forest (Bio2.6) ​Investigate stratification of the forest.Auckland Botanical GardensAll yearSecondary school
Amazing Adaptationshttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=1Amazing AdaptationsAdaptation and biodiversity in the plant world.Auckland Botanical GardensAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school
Biological Impacts of Pest Control (Sci1.12)https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=12Biological Impacts of Pest Control (Sci1.12)Pest control in maintaining forest biodiversity.Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll yearSecondary school
Marvellous Manu (birds)https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=14Marvellous Manu (birds)Biodiversity, ecological sustainability and taking action for native birds and their environment.Auckland Botanical GardensAll year. August and September are the best time to see native birds.Primary school Intermediate school
Bush Camp - 1883https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=15Bush Camp - 1883Bringing local history alive. Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll year round. Primary school Intermediate school
Close Encounters of an Animal Kindhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=16Close Encounters of an Animal KindMeet the farm animals and see how we farm and care for them.Ambury Regional ParkAll year. Cows are milked in Terms 3 and 4 only.Primary school
Coastal Biodiversity Detectiveshttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=17Coastal Biodiversity DetectivesBiodiversity of the coastal environment.Long Bay Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school
Create your own Gardenhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=18Create your own GardenLifecycle of plants and basic gardening skills.Auckland Botanical GardensAll yearPrimary school
Discover Farminghttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=19Discover FarmingMeet the farm animals and explore the farm's produce.Ambury Regional ParkAll year. Cows are milked in Terms 3 and 4 only.Primary school Intermediate school
Farming Technologyhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=22Farming TechnologyLearn how technology has shaped life on the farm.Ambury Regional ParkTerms 1 and 4Primary school Intermediate school
Farming Technologyhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=23Farming TechnologyImportance of technology in farming.Ambury Regional ParkTerms 1 and 4Secondary school
Pollination Powerhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=24Pollination PowerPollination and seed dispersal within the life cycle of flowering plants. Auckland Botanical GardensAll yearPrimary school
Te ngahere (the Forest)https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=25Te ngahere (the Forest)The importance of native forests and their biodiversity - and how they are interconnected.Auckland Botanical GardensAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school
Friends and Foes in the Gardenhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=26Friends and Foes in the GardenHealthy plants attract helpful invertebrates and fend off harmful pests.Auckland Botanical GardensAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school
Green Roofs, Green Thumbshttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=27Green Roofs, Green ThumbsTechnical and green solutions to stormwater management.Auckland Botanical GardensAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school
Green Waste to Garden Goldhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=28Green Waste to Garden GoldNature's recycling system can be harnessed to compost organic waste.Auckland Botanical GardensAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school
Harakeke Weaving and Propagationhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=29Harakeke Weaving and PropagationPropagating, harvesting and weaving flax following Māori protocol.Auckland Botanical GardensAll year roundPrimary school Intermediate school
Animal Genetics and Selective Breedinghttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=3Animal Genetics and Selective Breeding ​The role of genetics in farming.Ambury Regional ParkTerm 1 onlySecondary school
Healthy Waterways, Healthy Peoplehttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=30Healthy Waterways, Healthy PeopleHow people influence life in our waterways.Long Bay Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school
Investigating Invertebrateshttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=33Investigating InvertebratesThe important roles invertebrates play in our environment. Auckland Botanical GardensAll yearPrimary school
Investigating Invertebrateshttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=34Investigating InvertebratesAmazing diversity and adaptations of invertebrates.Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school
Keep Kauri Standinghttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=35Keep Kauri StandingKauri trees are unique and under threat.Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school
Let's Focus on Treeshttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=36Let's Focus on TreesAll about trees their parts, lifecycles and relationship with animals.Auckland Botanical GardensAll year roundPrimary school
Stratification in a Podocarp/Broadleaf Forest (Bio2.6)https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=4Stratification in a Podocarp/Broadleaf Forest (Bio2.6)Investigate stratification of the forest. Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll yearSecondary school
Muriwai Field Trip (Geography)https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=41Muriwai Field Trip (Geography)Natural processes shape the landscape and create features over time.Muriwai Regional ParkAll yearSecondary school
Natives in a Nutshellhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=42Natives in a NutshellLove our native plants and practise the skills to grow them. Auckland Botanical GardensAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school
Nature's Recyclinghttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=43Nature's RecyclingHow plants get food and recycle their waste.Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school
Outdoor Challengehttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=44Outdoor ChallengeWorking together to have fun and stay safe in the outdoors. Auckland Botanical GardensTerms 1 and 4Primary school Intermediate school
Outdoor Challengehttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=45Outdoor ChallengeWorking together to have fun and stay safe in the outdoors. Long Bay Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school
Outdoor Challengehttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=46Outdoor ChallengeWorking together to have fun and stay safe in the outdoors.Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school
Patch to Platehttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=47Patch to PlatePlants that we eat and grow in the garden.Auckland Botanical GardensAll yearPrimary school
Plant Powerhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=48Plant PowerPollination and seed dispersal within the life cycle of flowering plants.Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school
Arataki Nature Trailhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=5Arataki Nature TrailExplore the rich biodiversity and history of our native forest.Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school Secondary school
S.O.S (Save Our Streams)https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=50S.O.S (Save Our Streams)Stormwater impacts on our streams and green solutions. Auckland Botanical GardensAll yearPrimary school Intermediate school
Seaside Sensational Senseshttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=52Seaside Sensational SensesUsing our senses to discover the coast.Long Bay Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school
Sensational Senseshttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=53Sensational SensesUsing senses to explore the forest.Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school
Sleepovershttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=54Sleepovers ​An overnight adventure at Arataki. Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkAll year round.Primary school Intermediate school
Fabulous Fibreshttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Lists/LTEProgramme/DispForm.aspx?ID=21Fabulous FibresDiscover where animal fibres come from and how they are used.Ambury Regional ParkAll yearPrimary school

 Related topics

 

 

Adopt a Park school programmehttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/educationsustainability/Pages/adopt-park-school-programme.aspxAdopt a Park school programmeA school programme that will help students to learn more about their environment by getting involved in it. aspx
Enviroschoolshttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/educationsustainability/Pages/enviroschools.aspxEnviroschoolsEnviroschools is a programme that supports children and young people to plan, design and implement sustainability actions. aspx
Professional development for educatorshttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/educationsustainability/Pages/professional-development-for-educators.aspxProfessional development for educatorsFind out about upcoming curriculum-based clusters and workshops for teachers, property managers and principals. aspx
Sustainability education programmeshttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/educationsustainability/Pages/sustainability-education-programmes.aspxSustainability education programmesFind out about sustainability education programmes provided by other organisations and groups around the region. aspxEnvironment consultation
Book a waste minimisation learning sessionhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/rubbish-recycling/ways-reduce-waste/Pages/book-waste-minimisation-learning-session.aspxBook a waste minimisation learning sessionLearn how to minimise your waste by attending a session at a waste minimisation centre.aspxRecycling Reducing waste

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