This Info Pack has been designed to help educators plan and coordinate field trips to Taupō, 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

Tongariro River Rafting

Tongariro River Rafting have been providing adventures around the Central Plateau to school groups since 1990. The central North Island is their home and they would love to offer their total adventure package to allow your group to experience this magnificent region. While rafting is at their core, they also offer a range of other experiences that will get your students into the outdoors, learning new skills and having a whole lot of fun! TRR also offer mountain biking with Tongariro Mountain Biking.

Talk Topics: TRR are focused on conservation, especially the Whio Blue Duck Project and are very keen to run trips with that focus. They are also prepared to cover a variety of topics and all guides have a wide range of knowledge about local history and ecology.

Activity Options: 3 most popular school activities:

• Grade 3 Whitewater Rafting (age 13+) Trip time 3.5 – 4 hours, total time on the water 2 – 2.5 hours. Trip includes hot drinks and wholesome deli food in Summer and hot soup and bread in Winter.
• Grade 2 Family Rafting (age under 13) Trip time 2.5 – 3 hours, total time on the water 1.5 hours. Trip includes light snack and hot drinks.
• Guided Tongariro River Trail Mountain Biking: 15km loop track in native bushland and farmland along the Tongariro River. Spot Tui, Fantails, Tongariro trout and rare Whio. For an extra challenge, ascend the big hill to the Tongariro River Lookout for sweeping views. Trips depart 9:30am

*Winter rafting (1st May – 31st October) comes with free entry to the thermal hot pools

*Rafting photos and videos can be provided

TRR also offer caving, high ropes, paintball, indoor rock climbing, orienteering, activity centre, trout centre to school groups. Please contact Sarah for more details

Location: The Rafting Centre. 95 Atirau Rd, Tūrangi

Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm, Daily

Contact: Sarah Cate; Owner/Operator– [email protected] / 07 386 6409

*Sarah is also Owner/Operator of Adventure Outdoors Tongariro NZ

Cost:

• Grade 3 Whitewater Rafting: $85
• Grade 2 Family Rafting: $55
• Guided Tongariro River Trail Mountain Biking: $32.50

*No min group size, prices are the same regardless of group number

Other: If there is something in particular your group would like to focus on, TRR are more than happy to cater to it and also to help assist with accommodation bookings and anything else school groups need. TRR are also able to deliver and assess Unit Standards. Rafting participants must bring swimwear and a towel, all other equipment will be provided. Bikers must bring Shorts, Polypro, Windbreaker, Sandshoes, Camera, Water Bottle; bikes and helmets provided. Please contact [email protected] for links to the Whio Education Resource and TRR Schools Program Brochure.

AJ Hackett Bungy NZ

Visit the heart of Aotearoa’s geothermal region for a Bungy or Swing over the Waikato River and a 15-20min educational talk on the topic of your choice, from a member of the AJHB team. Hear about the history of Bungy video before or after your choice of activity.

Talk Topics: Choose from one of the following:

• Sales and Marketing
• Health and Safety
• Recruitment and Careers in Tourism
• Customer Service and Experience

*The AJHB team request that the teacher / trip organiser send through information and questions about what they would like covered, so they can ensure they have an appropriate presentation prepared.

Activity Options:

• Bungy: NZ’s only cliff-top bungy. 47m over the crystal-clear river waters, water touches are possible! Solo, tandem and body harness options available. All bungy's include a free certificate and t-shirt
• Swing: Reach speeds of 70kph swinging over the river below. Solo and tandem options available. All swings include a free certificate and cap

Timings: Min. 1 hour, max. time dependent on size of group

Location: 202 Spa Road. Free on-site parking

*Free transport for up to 10 guests can be provided from central Taupō

Opening Hours: 9:30am – 4pm, Daily

*Activities outside normal operating hours may be arranged, upon request

Contact: Sonya Warne; Taupō Sales Manager - [email protected] / 027 277 8835

Cost: Student rate RRP:

• $155 Bungy
• $130 Swing

*Post-COVID rates include additional 20% discount - $124 Bungy and $104 Swing (contact Sonya to confirm current prices)

*Rates may be discounted further depending on group size and date of visit

*For every 12 activity bookings, AJHB will throw the teacher off for free!

Other: AJHB can provide RAMS forms for all experiences and can also arrange BBQ hire and provide drinks bins for an additional cost, please contact Sonya. Catering options also available and AJHB can work with your preferred caterer to confirm what facilities are available. AJHB can also organise a customized Māori cultural experience with steam hāngī, harakeke weaving, poi workshops and a traditional pōwhiri greeting, if requested. See PDF below for more details.

Huka Prawn Park

Huka prawn park offers an interactive and educational insight into the world of the prawn, aquaculture and good old ‘kiwi ingenuity’. Students will be introduced to NZ’s only prawn farm and see science and technology being used to educate and entertain! HPP use a fun, hands on approach to educating visitors on the processes involved in their prawn farming enterprise.

Talk Topics: Learn how HPP started and their unique link to contact energy’s geothermal power station

Activity Options:

• Educational tour through the nursery and hatchery where more than 1 million babies are born each year
• Hand feed baby prawns
• Challenge each other and play on the water features and adventure playgrounds
• Feed rainbow trout
• Soak your feet in the relaxing geothermally heated foot baths

Timings: Tours take approx. 25 mins, 2 hours is recommended to enjoy full experience.

Location: Karetoto Road, Wairakei Tourist Park, Lake Taupō

Opening Hours: Friday to Tuesday 9.30-3. Additional days can be discussed for large group bookings.

Contact: 07 374 8474 / [email protected]

Cost: Discounted education rates are available for groups and are for full day entry. Please contact HPP for full details

Other: Onsite Riverside Restaurant; Please contact HPP for full details for group menu options. Picnic lunches can be bought and enjoyed onsite. HPP advise bringing swimwear, towel and a change of clothes if participating in water activities.

Chris Jolly Outdoors

As the trusted activity partner for things to do in Taupō for 40 years, Chris Jolly Outdoors, will take care of you during your stay. From absolute relaxation, fishing crystal pools to exciting hikes in the wilderness; they are the specialists for your bucket list. Founded in 1980 by the Jolly family, the team loves the great outdoors and the business is all about NZ’s natural environment, the native bush, the clear water, the fish and animals that live here.

Talk Topics:

• Experience how our crew deliver the stories and information behind the carvings and local culture
• Sustainability and how to care for the environment
• Education about the region with authentic Māori cultural and environmental information

Activity Options:

• Māori Rock Carvings Cruise: Journey to the Māori Rock Carvings with a stunning tour of Taupō’s bays. This 90min tour has live commentary and comfortable booth seating, with full amenities on board and 2 viewing levels to get you close to the carvings. Cruise Cat is large and spacious and an excellent all weather option.
• Daily Scenic Cruises
• Boating
• Fly fishing
• Hiking
• Biking

*Homemade muffin and hot drink included on all scenic cruises

Timings: Activities have different start and length times, contact Anna for more info

Location:

• Head Office: 14 Rauhoto Street, Taupō
• Cruises: Berth 4, Taupō Boat Harbour, Ferry Road, Taupō

Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5pm, Daily

Contact: Anna Willis; Bookings Manager – 07 378 0623 / [email protected]

Cost: Please contact Anna for group rates; Chris Jolly has a fantastic educational program that offers school groups a considerable discount to students of all ages and can cater for groups from 1 – 70pax.

*Carers/teachers are required to attend in alignment with required ratios

Other: Full RAMS and safety plans available for all excursions. Wheelchair access dependent on Lake water levels and size of wheelchair. Please call the office, prior to travelling, to see if the wheelchair can be accommodated during the cruise. No wheelchair access to the toilets onboard.

Love Taupō

Destination Great Lake Taupō is the Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) responsible for coordinating, facilitating, motivating and developing the marketing for the Taupō district. DGLT market the Taupō region to domestic and international markets in order to increase visitor numbers, length of stay, activity involvement and ensure that visitors have positive experiences that they want to share with their families, friends and networks. In short, they help people to discover and #LoveTaupō.

Talk Topics:

• Tourism in NZ
• Who they are and what we do
• Marketing strategies
• Communication and Media
• Trade Marketing
• Conference and Incentive

Timings: 15min talk + Q&A

Location: The Hub, Level 1, 32 Roberts Street, Taupō

Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5pm weekdays

Contact: Amanda West; Industry Liaison and Partnerships Manager - [email protected] / 07 376 0400 / 027 910 3132

Cost: FOC

Other: For Taupō information, accommodation, bookings and ticketing, contact the i-SITE's, official visitor information centres

Rafting New Zealand

Rafting NZ have been offering rafting to students of all ages from all over the world for over 25 years. Dozens of schools and youth groups return year after year for exciting, fun-filled school trips and group tours, which is testament to the value and quality RNZ provide. The team will provide a safe and informative trip, run at the highest possible standards in terms of customer service, guide technical knowledge and safety.

Talk Topics: RNZ balances its use of nature with the conservation of rivers as a natural resource and habitat. Groups will learn about and experience the awesome wildlife that inhabit the Waikato river, the clean river water, as well as the unique environmental balance. During all trips, professional raft guides ensure everyone is enjoying themselves with authentic Māori myths and legends, unique to this part of the country, fun, laughter, water education, safety tips and expert trivia about the fragile Tongariro environment.

Activity Options: RNZ offer a range of trips, those most suited to school groups include:

• Waikato Float Grade 1: The Waikato River boasts many traditional Māori tales this incredible history and the strength of the area, make the Waikato Thermal Float such an awe-inspiring journey through the twists and turns of NZ’s longest river. Take in the towering pumice cliffs in the volcanic gorge, the wildlife and natural flora and use the wide, calm river to craft new bonds of leadership, confidence and teamwork. Optional swimming at the ‘hot water stream’, Otumuheke, along the way. The scope of the ‘Waikato Thermal Float’ can be customised to suit your groups’ needs and are suitable for all ages and abilities.
• Tongariro Grade 2: NZ’s best family rafting adventure happens just a few minutes outside of Tūrangi on the lower reaches of the Tongariro River – world famous for its pristine water, incredible scenery and awesome wildlife. The tour is an adventure for people wanting a safe, intimate introduction to white-water rafting and offers hands-on, engaging fun over 20+ rapids. The 8km journey is perfect for those that are not very water-confident and also includes a visit to the National Trout Centre to feed the trout and enjoy the chocolate fish provided! Optional cliff-jumping and swimming in the river is also offered to those that are feeling confident. Trip length 3hrs, with 1.5hrs on the water.
• Tongariro Grade 3: This is RNZ’s most popular adventure, where guests get to experience 50+ Grade 3 Rapids over 14km on the Tongariro River. A unique blend of fun, excitement, adrenaline, education culture is what you’ll receive with our Tongariro Whitewater Grade 3 Adventure. Experience authentic Māori provided, as well as the chance to see one of NZ’s most endangered birds in its natural environment – the Whio (or, Blue duck) – famous for its ‘whistle’, rather than ‘quack’. Enjoy on-river snacks and an optional cliff-jump for those feeling confident. Afterwards, refuel with a complimentary drink and Hot Dog, while viewing photos from the trip which are available to purchase. Min. age 13 to ride alone, or 10 if supervised by an adult. Trip length 4hrs, with 2.5hrs on the water.

RNZ’s aim is to provide and tailor a trip that best suits your desired outcomes and can cater trips to suit your budget. Examples of activities they can provide on the river include:

• Stream Crossing (teamwork and leadership)
• Throw Bag Rescuing (river rescue skills)
• Self-Guiding Challenges (teamwork and leadership)
• Raft Race Challenge (teamwork and leadership)
• Re-righting a flipped boat (teamwork and river rescue skills)

Timings: Trip timings vary, please see individual trip details

Location: Raft Base 41 Ngawaka Place, Tūrangi, Taupō, 3334

Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm, Daily

Contact: [email protected] / 07 836 0352

Cost: Please contact the team for current discounted group rates

Other: All on-river apparel supplied, rafters must bring swimmers and a towel. For H&S plans, RNZ can provide: copies of Maritime NZ and Outdoors Mark certificates of compliance; copy of QualMark Award; Public Liability Insurance Cover; Hazard Management Forms; Accident and Incident log for previous year.

Adventure Outdoors Tongariro NZ

Adventure Outdoors have been working with school groups for over 15 years and pride themselves on offering safe and memorable experiences for NZ youth.

Talk Topics: Please contact Sarah if you have specific requests

Activity Options: AOTNZ offer a range of school group activities including:

• Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Guided Walk for Geography Field Trips (Summer and Winter)
• Caving: Tongariro Forest underground adventure
• Kayaking: White Water and Beginners (Lakes and Rivers) Whanganui and Whakapapa
• White Water Rafting: Tongariro River Grade 3, through Tongariro River Rafting
• Education Outdoors: Bushcraft, Navigation, Bonfires and Cooking Outdoors

Education Outside the Classroom options include:

• Package Deal 1 – Tongariro Alpine Crossing: gear, transport shuttle, 2 nights’ accommodation and catering, guided Tongariro Crossing walk.
• Package Deal 2- Adventure Challenge Tongariro: guided Tongariro Crossing walk, inflatable kayaks or white-water rafting, caving, bonfire and outdoor cooking, 2 nights’ accommodation and catering

Timings: Activities vary in length, please see individual activities for details

Location: 60 Carroll Street, National Park 3948

Contact: Sarah Cate; Owner/Operator – 0800 386 925 / [email protected] / 07 892 2778

*Sarah is also Owner/Operator of Tongariro River Rafting

Cost: Please contact Sarah for current rates and other activity prices

• Package Deal 1: $265
• Package Deal 2: $425

Other: EOTC full packages include accommodation, catering, adventure activities, safety logistics and management. AMP and RAMMS provided and AOTNZ provide all necessary documentation required by the BOT and Education department. Adventure Outdoors is an approved Adventure Activities provider and are safety audit approved through Skills Active New Zealand. All activities are guided and staff are available throughout EOTC camps to assist and help teaching staff make decisions in regard to safety. AOTNZ provide all equipment and have full hiking gear available to hire (hiking boots, jackets, pants, backpacks, wet suits, river jackets, helmets and life jackets). AOTNZ are Outdoors Mark Certified and have a concession through DOC to run the following activities: Guided Walks, Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Mountaineering Winter, Kayaking and Caving.

Adrift Tongariro

Adrift Tongariro’s specialise in guided outdoor adventures through the Whanganui and Tongariro National Park, including NZ’s best day 1-day walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Their guided trips deliver friendly, informative and unforgettable experiences and the breath-taking scenery speaks for itself. The team of guides have extensive knowledge of the region, vast experience working with people of all ages and abilities and can provide amazing outdoor adventures and tailored options for school groups, including School Camps for local and international groups and ski holidays, on request.

Talk Topics: Guides will explain the geography and history of the Tongariro National Park and NZ with details on the flora, fauna and geology of the area.

Activity Options: Most popular adventures are: 

• Hiking trips in the UNESCO, world-heritage Tongariro National Park
• Canoeing trips on the incredible Whanganui River
• 1 Day Outdoor Elective Program gives students an opportunity to experience outdoor activities which may not be offered at school. Activities include caving, kayaking, horse riding, fishing, mountain biking, river rafting, surfing, sailing, high ropes courses, paintball and cultural and thermal visits. Outdoor electives are ideal for extra-large groups and are a good substitute for school camps; Adrift Tongariro can take entire year groups at a time.
• 3 – 5 Day Outdoor Elective Program can be used to build itineraries that are flexible for your group. Activities include: sea and river swimming, surfing, sea kayaking, canoeing, caving, high rope confidence courses, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, mountain biking, horse riding, orienteering, search and rescue exercises, paintball and farm challenges to name a few!

Timings: Guides constantly monitor weather and track conditions, for your safety and time pickups to suit

Location: 53 Carroll Street, National Park Village

Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm, Daily

Contact: Stewart Barclay; Owner - 07 8922 751 / [email protected]

Cost: Cost is dependent on numbers, please contact Stewart for current group rates

Other: Clothing, footwear and any essential equipment required for the walk can be hired from Adrift Tongariro. Tour groups are usually made up of students from one school (min. 20pax required). Sometimes groups of students may be mixed from a variety of schools. Students who get the most out of tours are aged 13 - 17. Supervision is provided at a ratio of at least 1 adult to every 10 students. Adrift Tongariro always ensures that groups have their own exclusive area when using public accommodation and serve only good Kiwi tucker such as locally grown fruit, cereal, spaghetti on toast; home-made sandwiches, BBQ dinners, traditional Māori hāngī, fish and chips.

Otumuheke Spa Park

A historical bathing and meeting place for Māori

Activity Options:

• Soak under a waterfall or relax in healing mineral water in the natural rock pools of this geothermal hot water stream, whilst taking in the stunning views of the deep green, crystal-clear waters of the mighty Waikato River, NZ’s longest river
• Adjacent to the bathing area is the start of the Huka Trail which leads to Huka Falls, NZ’s most visited natural attraction. The trail follows the banks of the Waikato River, showcasing spectacular scenery whilst taking hikers and bikers through areas of native bush before arriving at the Falls. The walk takes 2hrs return for those of average fitness and is the perfect way to discover some of the most beautiful natural surroundings of the area

Timing: As long as you want

Location: County Avenue, Spa Thermal Park, Taupō

* From the car park, follow the path towards the river until you come to a bridge. Hot pools are located around and under the bridge

Opening Hours: All day, everyday

Contact: 07 376 0027

Cost: FOC

Other: The park has onsite changing rooms, lockers, toilets, river edge lounging platforms, a hot spring seating area, coffee kiosk and storyboards explaining the historic significance of the area.

Department of Conservation

Visit the Taupō Visitor Centre for more information on what the region has to offer. Rangers have first-hand, in-depth local knowledge about conservation places and activities.

Activity Options: Taupō has NZ’s largest lake, the Aratitia rapids (with damns opening at set points throughout the day) and Huka Falls. Tūrangi, at the southern end of the lake, is home to many walks and activities in the Central North Island. 

Timing: Walks vary in length

Location: Taupō Visitor Centre, 37 Motutaiko Street, Taupō

Opening Hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm, Mon - Fri

Contact: [email protected] / 07 376 0072

Cost: FOC

Food And Talk Options

Riverside Restaurant at Huka Prawn Park

Menu: Heaps of prawn-based dishes, main meals and desserts. Check out the menu here

Best For: Lunch

Location: Karetoto Road, Wairakei Tourist Park, Lake Taupō

Opening Hours: Thurs to Mon, 9:30am – 3pm

Contact: 07 374 8474 / [email protected]

Cost: $8.50 - $27.50

*No entry fee to access Riverside Restaurant; fees payable for entering the Activity Park

Other: Huka Prawn Park offer a range of onsite activities for groups, please see ACTIVITY OPTIONS section

Accommodation And Talk Options

Tūrangi Holiday Park

Accommodation Type: The perfect base from which to discover the beautiful Great Lake and Tongariro region of NZ. Ideal for large and small groups, unwind in the beautiful and quiet surroundings with plenty of space and privacy. Onsite recreation and function rooms to accommodate up to 200 people, 2 large kitchens and a comfortable lounge.

• Self-contained accommodation for small groups of up to 8
• Group cabin for up to 10 people
• Range of basic cabins with different bedding configurations
• Camping sites for tents

Location: 13 Te Reiti Tamara Grove (off Ohuanga Rd), Tūrangi

Contact: 07 386 8754 / [email protected]

Cost: From $23, please contact the park for current pricing and group rates

Other: Tūrangi is the gateway to the Tongariro National Park, the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Kaimanawa Ranges and the park is a great base for the Tongariro Alpine crossing – transport is available from the front door

YHA Taupō Finlay Jacks

Accommodation Type: Hostel with a range of pod, dorm, single, double, twin and triple rooms. Some with ensuites

Location: 20 Taniwha Street, Taupō

*Check in: 12:00 pm Check out: 10:00 am

Contact: Finlay Smith; Group Coordinator - 07 378 9292 / [email protected]

Cost: Simply enter your hostel and group details and you’ll get an instant quote

Other: YHA Taupō can cater for up to 60pax over a range of room types. The hostel has a well-equipped self-catering kitchens stocked with cutlery, crockery and utensils. Free Wi-Fi, lounge and outdoor area.