Adventures abound: school group have memorable trip to Rotorua, Tauranga

Among the treetops in Rotorua are, Ilminster students from left, Edie Ovenden, Ella Wilson, Corey Land, Travis Lapointe (assistant principal), Josephine Lambert, Khobe Blyth, Kaeto Sasamoto, Klara Pauwels, Eilidh Green and Hinemaia Reedy with Rotorua Canopy Tour guides Julian and Alex in the foreground. Picture supplied

From ziplining in a Rotorua native forest with 1000-year- old trees to scaling a climbing wall at Mount Maunganui’s Rocktopia, Ilminster Intermediate School students were pushed outside their comfort zone on a school trip that was ultimately about having fun.

The group headed to Rotorua first to take part in the Tree Canopy Tour and then spent two nights staying in cabins at Papamoa Holiday Park in Tauranga. From there they enjoyed such activities as climbing Mount Maunganui, indoor rock climbing, visiting the hot pools at the Mount, shopping for books for the school’s new library and a progressive dinner planned and prepared by the students.

“Students nominated by staff and selected for this haerenga were students who demonstrate the school values of being Simply the Best — positive, responsible, respectful, safe and inclusive across all areas of our kura,” principal Megan Rangiuia said.

“They were not necessarily all student leaders, or the best at sports or their learning but they consistently manage themselves, focus on their studies and have positive relationships with their peers and teachers.

“The team at Tree Canopy Tours was excellent and so good at encouraging our students to overcome their fears and ‘just do it’.”

Rotorua Canopy Tours has a history of working with schools to offer conservation workshops, walking tours, and zipline experiences and was pleased to host the Ilminster group free of charge.

A number of students had never been on a school trip before or had not spent time away from their whanau.

“The goal of the haerenga was to recognise these quiet achievers, to take some risks and to have fun,” Ms Rangiuia said.

“The 18 students and staff are grateful and acknowledge the commitment of the board of trustees who enable all school trips to happen. This is something that is unique. Their commitment to fund all trips such as these, the AIMS games, Bay of Plenty sport events and leadership opportunities means that all students in the kura have access to these opportunities based on their skills and ability not their ability to pay.

“After what has been a tough year with lots of school trips cancelled as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle, it was great to be able to provide this experience to a group of deserving students.”