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Located just minutes from Wellington’s city centre, ZEALANDIA Te Māra a Tāne is a world-leading eco-sanctuary that offers schools a unique way to connect with nature. While it is not an overnight venue, ZEALANDIA makes an excellent day-visit option to include as part of a wider school camp or education outside the classroom experience.
Education programmes are curriculum-aligned and designed for students from primary through to secondary level. Guided by experienced educators, groups step into the sanctuary and discover a living classroom filled with native birds, reptiles, plants, and invertebrates. Sessions explore themes such as ecosystem restoration, predator control, and the importance of sanctuaries, as well as Māori perspectives on the environment and kaitiakitanga.
Learning is hands-on and inquiry-based. Students might follow the call of kākā through the forest, examine the unique features of tuatara, or investigate how conservation science is helping to restore biodiversity. Each programme is tailored to match age levels and learning outcomes, with options ranging from half-day to full-day visits. ZEALANDIA educators can also deliver outreach sessions at schools for groups unable to travel.
The benefits extend beyond science knowledge. A visit encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and a deeper connection to the natural world. With risk management, resources, and support handled by ZEALANDIA’s team, schools can focus on the learning experience while students enjoy an inspiring and safe environment.
Whether combined with accommodation in Wellington or as a standalone excursion, ZEALANDIA offers schools an opportunity to inspire the next generation of environmental guardians. A day spent within the sanctuary leaves students with lasting memories, new skills, and a greater understanding of how people can play a role in protecting Aotearoa’s unique taonga.
