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The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga offers schools the opportunity to explore one of New Zealand’s most significant heritage sites through tailored education programmes. Located in central Tauranga, The Elms provides a unique setting where students can experience local history and culture first-hand.
Education programmes at The Elms are designed to connect directly with the school curriculum, particularly in areas such as social sciences and New Zealand history. Sessions are led by knowledgeable guides who bring the stories of the site to life, helping students to understand the lives of early settlers and the history of Tauranga Moana.
Students are able to explore the mission house, library, and heritage gardens, gaining insight into daily life in the nineteenth century. Programmes combine guided tours with hands-on activities, encouraging curiosity and engagement. The approach makes history accessible and relevant, giving students a chance to learn beyond the classroom.
The Elms’ programmes can be tailored to suit different year levels and learning outcomes, making them suitable for a wide range of school groups. Teachers can select from a variety of themes, ensuring that each visit supports their teaching goals while offering students an engaging cultural experience.
As one of the oldest heritage sites in New Zealand, The Elms provides a valuable context for learning about settlement, cross-cultural encounters, and the stories that have shaped the Bay of Plenty. The authentic setting adds depth to the experience, allowing students to connect directly with the past in a way that textbooks alone cannot provide.
For schools planning a camp in Tauranga or the wider Bay of Plenty, The Elms is an ideal addition to the programme. Its education sessions combine cultural enrichment, curriculum relevance, and the chance to explore a nationally significant heritage site.
Author: Andrew Gregg
The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga, is one of New Zealand’s oldest heritage sites. As a place of early contact between Māori and Pākehā, this historic site remains at the centre of Tauranga’s history and identity today. Encompassing category one listed heritage buildings and nationally significant collections – all set within a diverse and tranquil garden setting – this one hectare property is a must-see destination for visitors to Tauranga.
