(Rotorua – Taupo – Tongariro)
A three day programme for Year 12 Geography students aimed at providing first-hand experience in order to unravel the past, and understand the processes that have worked to create the Taupo Volcanic Zone.
New Zealand curriculum and assessment
AS 91240: Demonstrate geographic understanding of a large natural environment.
AS 91242: Apply geography concepts and skills to demonstrate understanding of a given environment.
Activities to choose from
Rotorua Museum: Introduction to volcanism in New Zealand, tour Tarawera Exhibition and enjoy audiovisual (including earthquake simulation)
Wai-O-Tapu (or Waimangu) Geothermal Park Tour of volcanic landforms.
Tongariro Crossing (fair weather option)
OR
Silica Rapids/Mangatepopo Valley/Lake Rotopounamu circuit (poor weather options) and
Optional extra half day white water rafting trip
Geomorphology: lava flows, stratification, mass movements…
Discuss geological history of the park, volcano/eruption types…
Audiovisual and exhibition at Whakapapa DOC centre (introduction to park history, plate tectonics, ecology, geology and management).
Discussion of park management issues: human impacts, endangered species, volcanic hazards
Hot swim
Geothermal Steam Field visit and discussion geothermal power generation
Field sketching of the Taupo Caldera
Volcanic Activity Centre: interactive Displays
Huka Falls and or Craters of the Moon: visit as time allows
Discussion on living with volcanic hazards
Contact Us
Other Geography Trips
Science Trips