SANCTUARY & SOCIETY

Students enter the world's first fully-fenced urban sanctuary and learn about its origin, societal impact and ongoing growth as a successful ecotourism project in the heart of the New Zealand capital.

Overview: The Zealandia valley is loaded with human history: from traditional hunting ground to gold prospectors, from city waterworks to world-class EcoSanctuary. Students learn about our past, present and future as they experience Zealandia - how and why did the people of Wellington build the world's first fully-fenced urban sanctuary? How do we operate? What challenges might the future present for our 500-year vision?

Session Type: Facilitated 2.5 hour session consisting of an interactive indoor activity and a ~2 hour guided walk in smaller groups. With Zealandia Educators the students will:

• - Explore the rich history of the valley that speak through the historic sites hidden in our wonderful valley at Zealandia.
• - Learn how individuals, community groups and government have contributed to the establishment and ongoing success of Zealandia EcoSanctuary.
• - Consider how the sanctuary has made an impact to the environment and community beyond the fence.
• - Explore the concept of Eco-Tourism.
• - Witness the dramatic story of New Zealand’s natural history in the Zealandia Exhibition.
• - Consider the future of the sanctuary and its surrounds as laid out in our 500-year vision.
• - Learn about how New Zealand’s unique natural world has been used and regarded by people throughout our history.

Curriculum links: Science, Social Sciences, Technology.

Suitable for: Yr 9-13

Duration: 2.5 hours

Timeslots: 9.30am - 12pm, or 10.30am - 1.00pm, or 12.15pm - 2.45pm, or 1.30pm - 4pm

Numbers: Minimum 10 students. Maximum 60 students.

Available to: Domestic and international students enrolled at or billeted through a New Zealand school.

Cost: Students $9.50 each. For every four (4) students you are able to bring one (1) adult free of charge. Additional adults will be charged $24 pp.

Photo credit :  T M Davidson