This Info Pack has been designed to help educators plan and coordinate field trips to the Hawke's Bay, for students focusing on key aspects of Tourism or Hospitality in their studies. Information has been provided about available and discounted accommodation and food options for groups, as well as interactive sessions at operational business and activity sites. Sessions include a combination of talks from industry professionals, on current and relevant business and tourism topics, as well as discounted activity options, for those looking to combine practical learning opportunities with time spent in an operational environment. More information on Education and Training options in your region can be found at www.tourism.net.nz

Activity And Talk Options

Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo

The Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo was established in 2004, since then it has been recognized as one of the leading attractions for both groups and tourists in the Hawke's Bay. Be welcomed to Farmyard Zoo, get a site briefing and then have the opportunity to see and feed different animals.

Talk Topics:

• Safety talk
• Animal behaviour
• Visitor behaviour
• Educational opportunities

Activity Options:

• Animal feeding: $1/punnet
• 2 and 4-seater bike hire; can accommodate 30 pax

Timings: Recommend stay 2hrs. Please arrange timings and discuss your specific requirements when booking

Location: 32 East Road, Haumoana R.D.10, Hastings

Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm, Daily

Contact: Dyan Lecomte, Owner Operator - [email protected] / 027 338 0803

Cost:

• Entry: $8
• 2-seater bike hire: $25 - 1 hour, $40 – 2 hours, $60 – 4 hours, $100 – all day
• 4-seater bike hire: $45 - 1 hour, $80 – 2 hours, $120 – 4 hours, $160 – all day

*Bookings are essential and payment is to be made on the day (one payment/group)

Other: Onsite large, sheltered picnic and BBQ area

National Aquarium of New Zealand

The National Aquarium is home to a wide range of saltwater, freshwater and land animal exhibits from New Zealand and around the world. Spend time in the education zone, followed by time to explore the Aquarium.

Talk Topics:

• The National Aquarium’s place in the NZ Tourism scene
• Career pathways in Tourism
• Roles at the Aquarium
• Associations the Aquarium is involved with

The National Aquarium also offer a range of Education Program talks, including a specific Travel and Tourism discussion, aimed at Secondary and Tertiary level students.

Activity Options: See the aquarium through the eyes of a tourist, visit the oceanarium, see live animal feedings or visit the East Coast lab. Live Penguin Encounter available for additional $132.50pp; 45 min session at 1 pm daily, max. 4 pax.

Timings: 30min talk + unlimited Aquarium entry

Location: 546 Marine Parade, Napier South, Napier, 4110

Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm, Daily

Contact: Visitor Service Team - [email protected] / 06 834 1404

Cost: Students: $7 (when part of an Education Program). Teaching Staff: FOC. Additional Adults: $12

Other: Please book well in advance and enquire with the team if you have specific learning objectives

Silky Oak Chocolate Museum

Silky Oak Chocolates have, what’s believed to be, the only comprehensive chocolate museum in the Asia-Pacific region. Students can enjoy a selection of handmade chocolates and visit the café, before or after the tour.

Talk Topics: Please enquire directly, talks can be arranged to meet your specific needs

Activity Options: Tour options limited under Covid-19 Alert Levels, however, Chocolate ‘Thru’ the Ages Museum’ is always available. Tours can’t be taken into chocolate making area.

Timings: Last entry into the Chocolate ‘Thru the Ages’ Museum 3.30pm. Allow 30mins - 2 hours

Location: 1131 Links Road, Waiohiki, 4183

Opening Hours: Summer hours: Weekdays 9am - 4pm, Weekends 10am - 4pm

Contact: Jeanette Darwen – Owner, [email protected] / 06 845 0908

Cost: Student $4 (groups of 20+). Child $5. Chocolate tastings additional cost.

Other: Silky Oak Chocolates has an onsite café with indoor and outdoor seating, see FOOD OPTIONS section

Napier Prison

Discover the truth behind the walls at NZ’s oldest prison. Walk inside and listen to the unforgettable stories surrounding the prison.

Talk Topics: 

• Prison history
• Daily operations
• Modern-day uses and turning a historical site into a tourist attraction

Activity Options:

• 3 self-guided tour options; Historical, Kids and Ghost. All tours include a personal audio device and map, the opportunity to dress up in prison clothing, multiple photo opportunities and fingerprint taking.
• Option to add 1 of 4 escape room experiences. Discounts available for groups of 6+

Timings: Escape Room takes 60mins and bookings must be made 24hrs in advance. Self-guided tours can be completed at your own pace

Location: 55 Coote Road, Bluff Hill, Napier, 4110

Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm, Daily

Contact: Eshan, The Warden - [email protected] / 06 835 9933

Cost: Students: $15. Teachers: FOC. Accompanying Adults: $10

*Groups of 50+, Students $17pp (to cover cost of extra guide)

Other: Min. group 10 pax

Mohaka Rafting

Mohaka Rafting offers an unparalleled North Island day trip rafting experience. The stunning Mohaka River gorge has everything from scenic half-day grade 2 trips, to the best grade 4/5 rafting NZ has to offer. If your group is interested in going for more than just 1 day, Mohaka Rafting also provides multi-days trips enabling guests to experience untouched NZ backcountry with the best guides, equipment and food. Whatever your style of adventure, Mohaka Rafting have something for you.

Talk Topics: All school group trips are run with an additional educational focus and the team can work with your school to help develop specific lessons or provide a general overview on:

• Risk management: river hazards
• Water safety: river crossing strategies, safe navigation
• Geology
• Flora and fauna
• Local history

Activity Options:

• Half Day Scenic Splash: Experience gentle whitewater, pleasant places to swim, float and take in the scenery. This trip is designed for younger students and those that wish to sit back and relax. There are only very small Grade 2 rapids. Trips last for approx. 4hrs, with 2hrs on the water. Normal price $120, school discount available – contact Gwyn.
• Full Day Whitewater Plunge: The Grade 3 Mohaka River trip is a full day event, allowing groups to get out into NZ backcountry, experience fun whitewater and amazing scenery. Recommended for ages 12+. Trips last for approx. 7 – 8hrs, with 4hrs on the water and optional cliff jumping. Normal price $175, school discount available – contact Gwyn.
• Full Day - The Big One: The Grade 4/5 Mohaka River trip is a full day Wilderness Trip on one of NZ’s best whitewater runs. Technical rapids within amazing canyons, guests need to be prepared to paddle strongly. For safety reasons, recommended for ages 16+ and min. group of 6 needed to run the trip. Trips last for approx. 8.5 – 9hrs, with 5hrs on the water. Normal price $245, school discount available – contact Gwyn.
• School Program: Single and multi-day options, including activities such as Whitewater Kayaking, Tramping, River Crossings, Hazard Avoidance/Management, Basic Survival, Camp Cooking and customized activities. Mohaka Rafting is pleased to work with schools to help Kiwi kids get out into the wilderness and come away with memories for a lifetime. They know that the NZ wilderness is a great environment to teach basic skills and gain knowledge and understanding, that will help them cope with accidents and natural disasters that they may encounter in everyday life or while traveling.

*All trips include swimming opportunities, stunning scenery and bus shuttles

Timings: Individual trip times vary between 4 – 9hrs with 2 – 5hrs on the water

Location: Time Out Titiokura B&B, State Hwy 5 (Thermal Explorer Highway), between Napier and Taupō

Opening Hours: Oct - April is the main rafting season. Bookings can sometimes be made out of season but require at least 6 weeks’ notice.

Contact: Norm Brown, Owner - [email protected] / 06 839 1808 / 027 825 8539

*Gwyn Ashcroft, Operations Manager also responds to this email account

Cost: Schools book per raft, with discounts applying per raft

Other: Mohaka Rafting have experience working with school groups and can help combine other activities that they also offer. All rafters must bring: snacks/lunch to enjoy on the river, clothes to change into after trip, towel, swimmers, medication. All river gear (helmet, life jacket, fleece, splash jacket, wetsuit and river shoes), photos, waterproof containers for snacks and medication provided. Mohaka Rafting are AdventureMark and Maritime NZ Certified.

Napier i-SITE and DOC Visitor Centre

Napier i-SITE’s friendly and knowledgeable team are here to help. Staff are fully trained and, collectively, have experienced all that Hawke’s Bay offers. At Napier i-SITE you’ll be given an unbiassed opinion on the best things to see and do to suit your needs, interests and budget, as well as an informed presentation on the region.

Talk Topics: 

• The region as a Tourism destination
• Local attractions
• Visitor demographics

Timings: Allow 20mins for talk

Location: 100 Marine Parade, Napier (located by the Soundshell)

Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm, Daily

Contact: Margy Pope, Senior Duty Coordinator - [email protected] / 0800 84 74 88

Cost: Free

Other: The team can help create personalized itineraries. Please phone or email in advance, to let them know your specific requirements.

Food And Talk Options

Rush Munro’s Ice Cream Gardens

Menu: Rush Munro’s offers 100% natural premium ice cream and a range of sundaes and milkshakes. Rush Munro’s is also NZ’s oldest manufacture and a treasure of Hawke's Bay.

Best For: Afternoon Tea and Dessert

Talk Topics: Vaughan is very passionate about the business and can offer talks on:

• Rush Munro’s history
• The production process
• Handmade products

Location: 704 Heretaunga Street West, St Leonards, Hastings

Opening Hours: Summer hours: Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri 10.30am – 6:30pm, Weekends 10am – 6.30pm

Contact: Vaughan Currie, Owner Operator – [email protected] / 06 878 9634

Cost: Prices start from $6 for a single scoop

Other: For large groups, call in advance. Seating for approx. 40pax in the garden

Café DMP

Menu: Cafe DMP offers all day breakfasts and a range of classic lunch meals. Healthy salad and sandwich options are prepared fresh, daily, along with cakes and slices

Best For: Breakfast and Lunch

Location: 80 Dickens Street, Napier

Opening Hours: Weekdays 7.30am - 3pm, Weekends from 8am

Contact: Miles or Stephanie, Managers – 06 834 4674 / [email protected]

Cost: Items start from $9.50 for salads and gourmet sandwiches and vary for cabinet food. Menu and prices listed online

Other: Cafe capacity 50pax. For large groups, book at least 2 days in advance

Silky Oak Chocolate Café

Menu Casual counter service with a range of cabinet food and menu items for breakfast, lunch and all snacks in between

Best For: Breakfast and Lunch

Location: Situated in the Chocolate Complex, 1131 Links Road, Waiohiki, 4183

Opening Hours: Summer hours: Weekdays 9am - 4pm, Weekends 10am - 4pm

Contact: Jeanette Darwen, Owner - [email protected] / 06 845 0908

Cost: Items start from $4. All hot drink purchases come with a complimentary handmade chocolate

Other: Indoor and outdoor seating available. For larger groups please enquire in advance. Silky Oak also have an onsite Museum, see ACTIVITY OPTIONS for more details

Accommodation And Talk Options

Kennedy Park Resort Napier

Accommodation Type: Kennedy park is a premier destination for groups and all travelers visiting Napier. They have experience with school groups and offer a range of accommodation options including:

• Standard cabins: simple cabins are situated alongside the communal kitchens and BBQs and close to spacious, modern communal bathroom facilities and laundry. Sleep max. 7. Inside the cabin: double bed on bottom bunk with a single on top and 2 sets of bunk beds all in one room; dining table and chairs, 32" LED TV; toaster, jug, cutlery and crockery for 6 guests; unlimited free Wi-Fi
• Kitchen cabins: modern, eco-friendly cabins constructed with sustainable materials and designed to be energy efficient. All 6 units have a Queen bed plus bunks and sleep max. 8. Inside the 2-bedroom cabin: main bedroom contains a fully made-up Queen bed and second bedroom contains 3 bunk beds, bedding and linen provided; fully equipped kitchen (microwave, fridge/freezer, gas hob, oven, dining suite; 32” LED TV; unlimited free Wi-Fi. No internal bathroom facilities but cabins are close to communal facilities

Location: 11 Storkey Street, Marewa, Napier

Contact: Shona Howatson, Groups Contact - [email protected] / 06 843 9126

Cost: Due to seasonality and availability, Kennedy Park is unable to provide AYR price list. Costs depend on group size and the Park can cater to any budget, contact Kim for current prices.

Other: Kennedy Park has Storkey’s Restaurant onsite, opening at 5:30pm for dinner. Catered group breakfast, dinner and packed lunch options can also be provided, at an additional charge.

Hastings Top 10 Holiday Park

Accommodation Type: Hastings Top 10 provides great group accommodation including:

• Cabins which sleep up to 6, with communal facilities in a central zone
• Self-contained apartments
• Tent sites
• Self-contained and ensuite motel rooms

Location: 610 Windsor Avenue, Parkvale, Hastings

Contact: General Enquiries - [email protected] / 0508 427 846

Cost: 2-bedroom cabins start at $130/night for 2pax. Please enquire for current prices, to suit your needs and budget

Other: Hastings Top 10 offers a full communal kitchen, BBQ area, indoors and outdoor swimming pool and spa, laundry, adventure playground, basketball and tennis court, trampolines, Wi-Fi TV room and outdoor firepits included in the price. Top 10 also has a range of bicycles and go karts, DVDs and board games for hire and can host speakers onsite in the conference room.