This Info Pack has been designed to help educators plan and coordinate field trips to Wellington for students focusing on key aspects of Tourism or Hospitality in their studies.

Information has been provided about available and discounted accommodation and food options for groups, as well as interactive sessions at operational business and activity sites. Sessions include a combination of talks from industry professionals, on current and relevant business and tourism topics, as well as discounted activity options, for those looking to combine practical learning opportunities with time spent in an operational environment. More information on Education and Training options in your region can be found at www.tourism.net.nz.

Activity And Talk Options

Wellington Chocolate Factory

Wellington Chocolate Factory is NZ’s only certified organic chocolate maker and is continually pushing the boundaries of chocolate innovation, while creating and celebrating art in everything they do.

Talk Topics:

• Ethical sourcing
• Innovation; business and product
• The Bean-to-Bar chocolate making process

Activity Options: Be guided around the chocolate factory, learning about the whole chocolate making process along the way. Tasting different chocolates and enjoying a hot drink or ice-cream is available for everyone, as part of the tour,

Timings: Tours run for approx. 45min - 1 hour, including tasting time. There is an opportunity to buy products at the end.

Location: 5 Eva Street, Te Aro, Wellington

*Wellington Chocolate Factory is situated in Hannah’s Laneway, a food lover’s dream. Nearby is Fix and Fog which offers some of the best peanut butter tastings around and Leeds Street Bakery, serving up amazing cookies and other baked goods.

Opening Hours: 10am - 4pm, Tue – Sun. Recommended visit times Weekdays 10am - 3pm

Contact: The Info Team - [email protected] / 04 385 7555

Cost: $30 (incl. tastings, drink/ice-cream)

* Min. group size 8 pax

Wellington Cable Car

Wellington Cable Car is New Zealand’s only public funicular railway and has been operating since 1902. Learn about our 120 year history by taking a 45 minute guided tour that gives you a glimpse of technology that powers the cable car every day.

Talk Topics: History of the Cable Car

• History of the Cable Car
• Transport
• Technology

Activity option: Take a guided tour or self-guided journey with a one way or return ticket.

Timings: Our guided tour runs for approximately 45 minutes. If the group has a return ticket, they can spend as long as they like up the top before returning. The Cable Car runs every 10 minutes.

Location: Our Lambton Quay terminal is located at 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central. Our Kelburn terminal is located at 1 Upland Road, Kelburn.

Kelburn Terminal provides easy access to the Cable Car Museum, Space Place, and the Wellington Botanic Gardens.

Opening hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:30am – 8:00pm. Friday, 7:30am – 9:00pm. Saturday, 8:30am – 9:00pm. Sunday & Public Holidays, 8:30am – 7:00pm.

Contact: Fill out our School Enquiry Form or email [email protected] / 04 472 2199

Cost:

• One way journey: $2.40 per student and adult.
• Return journey: $4.40 per student and adult.
• Guided tour with one way journey: $4.50 per student, $2.40 per adult.
• Guided tour with return journey: $6.50 per student, $4.40 per adult.

Other: For a guided tour please book at least 2 weeks in advance. Availability for the guided tour is limited November – March due to cruise ship season.

Wellington Zoo

Wellington Zoo is NZ’s first Zoo and Wellington’s oldest conservation organization. The Zoo is home to a range of native and exotic species including giraffes, sun bears and meerkats. Have one of the Zoo’s knowledgeable guides provide insight into their operations and a chance, afterwards, to explore the zoo.

Talk Topics: The Zoo offer a ‘Careers at the Zoo LEOTC’ session, which includes:

• Organisational Structure
• Human Resources
• Marketing
• Motivational Theory

The Zoo also offers other LEOTC sessions including:

• Conservation connection, with a focus on environmental and social sustainability

The Zoo can also provide tailored learning opportunities for tertiary students, please contact the learning team to arrange a talk on the subject of your choice.

For schools that can’t make it to the Zoo but still want to learn from the Zoo Educator team, contact Charles for information on the virtual learning sessions they offer. Webinar presentation and interactive activities can be offered about the following:

• Caring for Animals
• Animal Adaptations
• Unique NZ

Activity Options: Explore the zoo at your own pace after the guided session, visit daily feeding talks or picnic in the large area. The Zoo also offers close encounters.

Timings: Sessions run for approximately 45-50mins

Location: 200 Daniell Street, Newton, Wellington

*The #23 bus goes directly to the Zoo from Wellington Station but can be caught from the town centre. The #1 and #2 buses can also be taken to the Zoo with a transfer or 20 min walk from the hospital

Opening Hours: .30am - 5pm daily

Contact: Charles; Wellington Zoo Learning Team - [email protected] / 027 803 0776

Cost:

• LEOTC sessions for students up to Yr 13: $8 – Student, $8 - Adult helper, FOC – Teacher/Teaching Aide
• Tailored sessions for tertiary students: $20 - Student and $20 - Lecturer
• General Adult admission $27
• Close encounters from $99

*Min. group booking 10 and max. 35 pax. 35+ students require multiple group bookings.

Other: RAMS and Supervisor guidelines can be provided by the Zoo. It’s important to ensure that students stick in groups with supervisors and that noise levels are considered especially in places like Twilight Te Ao Māhina. The Wellington Warehouse Zoofari is a partnership with Warehouse and the Zoo which provides funding for low decile schools to visit and enjoy a learning experience. Funding is available to schools in the lower North Island, including Wellington, Greater Wellington, Hawkes Bay and Taranaki, to cover the cost of transport and attending a Zoo learning session and applications open at the start of each year.

The Enormous Crocodile Company

The Enormous Crocodile Company, which rents out the iconic croc bikes, has been an icon on the Wellington Waterfront since 1998. Hear from a member of the team of about how they operate and then take to the bikes afterwards. There is the option for students to try one of their Instagram worthy milkshakes afterwards too at the Croc Shake Bar,

Talk Topics:

• Operations
• Branding
• Seasonality and demographics

Activity Options: Take to the waterfront on either 3 or 6-seater bikes

Timings: The talk will last for approx. 10min and be followed by a briefing of the bikes, limits on where they can go and possible places of interest along the way. Bikes can be hired for 30 or 60mins

Location: 5/22 Herd Street, Te Aro, Wellington (look for the Kiosk on Clyde’s Wharf with the bikes out front)

Opening Hours: Tues – Fri, 10am -5.30pm. Sat and Sun 9.30am -6pm

Contact: Aston Christie; Chief Milkshake Maker – [email protected] / 022 1950 451

Cost:

• 6-seater bikes $5/pp for 30mins
• 3-seater bikes $10/pp for 60mins

Other: While the bikes have canopy’s, Wellington weather can be unpredictable, so prepare for bad weather. Within a 10min walk, which you may also like to visit are: Oriental Parade, Mount Victoria, Te Papa, Te Wharewaka o Pōneke, Circa Theatre, Bats Theatre, YHA Wellington.

Pirates Cove Mini Golf

Pirates Cove Mini Golf is NZ’s original adventure golf. Putt around 18 holes of themed obstacles right on the Porirua Harbour.

Talk Topics:

• Customer demographics
• Seasonality and the effect on operations and revenue
• Daily operations of a small business

Activity Options: Make your way around the course in groups of 6, or less. The course is relatively compact and wheelchair accessible. Students are able to share a game with a classmate and take turns on different holes.

Timings: A full game takes 30 – 4mins. There are no set start times, so students can play after the talk

Location: 2 Wi Neera Drive, Elsdon, Porirua, Wellington (20min drive from CBD)

Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, 10am – 5pm and 9am – 5pm, Weekends during April - Sept. Please check for extended opening hours outside these months.

Contact: Josh or Mark; Manager - [email protected] / 04 237 6809

Cost: First game $11, second game half price (when played in the same day)

Other: While Pirates Cove does open when it rains, it can close during stormy weather, especially during winter months. The course is wheelchair accessible but there are still hazards, so caution is advised. Within a 10min walk, which you may also like to visit are: Pataka Art + Museum, Te Rauparaha Arena and pool, Get Fixed Bicycle Café.

Adrenalin Forest

Adrenalin Forest is a high ropes course that aims to test people both mentally and physically. A short drive from Wellington CBD, Adrenalin Forest is one of Wellingtons most iconic adventure activities.

Talk Topics:

• Health and Safety
• Adventure activity compliance
• Resilience and teamwork

Activity Options: Students can complete high ropes, with 6 different levels of difficulty, ranging in height from 3m to 26m high, with a 100m long flying fox at the end of the hardest level. The total course is over 2km in length.

Timings: 3 hours on the course. Large groups should arrive 30mins before the start time, to allow time for the introductory talk and safety briefing.

Location: Okowai Road, Porirua, Wellington (20min drive from CBD)

Opening Hours: Daily during Summer, 10am – 2.30pm (last entry). Closed Mon and Tues during Winter

Contact: Ryan; Operations Manager - [email protected] / 04 237 8553

Cost: Child price is $33 a head and adult is $48 a head. School discount available, please contact Ryan for more info.

Other: Nearby food options are limited but Porirua is a 3min drive away. Due to weather conditions, Adrenalin Forest reserves the right to close or modify the park at any time.

Zealandia

Students enter the world’s first fully fenced urban sanctuary, where they will learn about the origin, societal impacts and growth of Zealandia, as a successful ecotourism project. The session consists of a brief facilitated activity and a 2-hour self-guided walk.

Talk Topics: The following are included in the Sanctuary and Society Self-Guided Session 

• How Zealandia operates
• Sanctuary impacts on environment and community beyond the fence
• A 500-year conservation vision

Timings:

• 9.30am– 12pm
• 12.15pm – 2.45pm
• 1.30pm – 4pm

Location: End of Waipu Road, Karori, Wellington. 15min drive from CBD

Opening Hours: Daily 9am – 5pm

Contact: Learning Team - [email protected] / 04 920 9204

Cost: Students $7.50. For every 4 students, 1 adult FOC.

*Min. group booking 10, max. 60 pax.

Other: Zealandia has an on-site Café but cannot cater for school groups without notice. There is a grassed area that can be used for eating lunch. Please indicate to the programme educator when booking what your intentions are, so suitable arrangements can be made. Zealandia offers other education programmes and can also discuss specific requirements. Within 5min drive, which you may like to visit are: the Wellington Botanic Gardens, which are FOC to visit. Options at the gardens also include Wellington Cable Car Museum and Space Place, which both offer educational sessions.

Department of Conservation

Visit the Kāpiti / Wellington Visitor Centre for more information on what the region has to offer. Rangers have first-hand, in-depth local knowledge about conservation places and activities.

Activity Options: Wellington has forest parks and pest-free Kapiti island you can visit.

Timings: Walks vary in length, please allow travel time, including ferries to island walks.

Location: Kāpiti/Wellington Visitor Centre, 18 – 32 Manners Street, Wellington

Opening Hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm, Mon - Fri

Contact: [email protected] / 04 384 7770

Cost: FOC

Other: Within 5mins walk, which you may also like to visit are: The Wellington Chocolate Factory and Wellington i-SITE.

Matiu/Somes Island 

Matiu/Somes Island is a predator free scientific reserve in the Wellington Harbour, home to a variety of native species and historical landmarks. It is open to the public for self guided tours. Please visit DOC website for maps and more information.

Activity Options: Ferry ride and walk around the island

Timings: The first ferry to Matiu/Somes Island departs at 10am, arriving at 10.25am. The ferry returns at 3.30pm. Walks start at 11am on weekdays and run for approximately 2 hours.

Location: The East By West Ferry departs from in front of the Meridian Building on Queens Wharf (Waterside 55 Lady Elizabeth Lane, Queens Wharf). 

Opening Hours: Tickets can be purchased from East by West Ferries from 9am - 4.30pm Mon - Fri. Tickets are not sold in advance, so please ensure you arrive with enough time, on the day you are travelling, to purchase your tickets.

Contact: Book through [email protected] / 04 384 7770

* More information can be found here, or by emailing the Island Field Base Team at [email protected]

Cost: Concession return rate $13 for students and teachers

Other: Groups can also travel to Days Bay/Eastbourne from Queens Wharf.

Wildfinder

Wildfinder is owned and operated by Dave and Alice Woulfe - a husband and wife team looking to get more people into outdoorsy awesomeness and create a lifestyle where we spend more time adventuring with our friends and whānau. Their range of activities, across 4 locations on the Wellington coastline, provide something for everyone and they run a specially tailored 2 hour session at the Pencarrow Head Lighthouse.

Talk Topics:

• Health and safety
• Managing an outside attraction out of peak-season
• Environmental commitments

Activity Options:

• Hire bikes and eBikes (bike shuttles also available)
• Hire Kayaks or SUPS
• Bush walks
• White water rafting
• The Pencarrow Head Lighthouse school session

Timings: Timings vary dependant on activity, please contact Dave for more information

Locations:

Wildfinder Pencarrow – 519 Muritai Road, Eastbourne, Lower Hutt, Wellington: Discover Pencarrow’s lighthouses and lakes, with incredible views of the Kaikoura Ranges on an awesome cycling adventure. There are a range of bikes for hire, including comfort mountain bikes, eBikes, cruisers and cruisers. Bush walks also available in the area.

Wildfinder Kaitoke - Kaitoke Summit Road, Upper Hutt, Wellington: Explore the Remutaka Incline trail and beyond, with mountain bike and eBike hire and shuttles back from the end of the trail. Go for a bush walk in the Kaitoke Forest Park, or take an epic rafting trip through the upper reaches of the Hutt River.

Wildfinder Cycle Remutaka - The only business dedicated solely to the Remutaka Cycle Trail, with a perfect record of customer satisfaction on TripAdvisor and Google, Qualmark accreditation and official partner of Ngā Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trail. Wildfinder offer everything you need to ride this varied and beautiful trail - all inclusive cycle tour packages and fully supported day-trips; bike and eBike hire, with all the bike-packing accessories you could ask for; shuttles and bag transfers; accommodation and food services; information and advice. The Remutaka trail can be started at Days Bay, Pencarrow or Kaitoke.

Wildfinder Days Bay - 612A Marine Drive, Days Bay, Lower Hutt, Wellington: Based right at the end of the wharf in beautiful Days Bay, Wildfinder offer kayak and stand-up paddleboard hire to explore this beautiful bay from the water, or, to explore on land, take one of their guided walks up into the hills for fantastic views looking out over the bay and Wellington harbour. Bike and eBike hire is also available for those wanting to head around the bays and out to Pencarrow or the Hutt River.

Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm daily. Some sites operate seasonally. Pencarrow Closed Christmas Day

Contact: Dave Woulfe; Director - [email protected] / 027 570 0108

Cost: Prices vary per activity, please contact Dave for group pricing

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Visit our National Museum and explore the national identity of New Zealand. Consistently rated as one of NZ’s top attractions, Te Papa provides a range of options from guided and self-guided tours, to special exhibition viewings. An educator will take you on a 1-hour journey telling stories along the way &, afterwards, there will be time to explore the museum at your own leisure.

Talk Topics: Te Papa offers a range of educational sessions with the ability to learn about funding, managing visitors and our taonga, as well as educating visitors through storytelling. Talk with a Learning Coordinator, to discuss specific learning outcomes.

• Explore Te Papa
• Understanding Pōwhiri
• Māori Art

Activity Option: Students can explore the gallery with supervision

Timings: Sessions run for 1 hour and can start at a time of you choosing, please discuss specific timings with your Learning Coordinator

Location: 55 Cable Street, Te Aro

*5mins walk from Wellington i-SITE. There is bus parking outside and paid parking in front of and under the building

Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm daily

Contact: Beckie Jones; Learning Coordinator - [email protected] / 04 381 7000

Cost:

• Public general entry: FOC
• School learning sessions: $6.50/student, teachers and supervisors FOC

Other: Book as far in advance as possible for an education programme (min notice 2 weeks). 1 supervising adult for every 10 students is required.

 

Food And Talk Options

Zambrero

Menu: Zambrero is healthy, Mexican inspired food that also helps stop world hunger. The menu is freshly prepared, with a focus on modern superfood ingredients, to bring new flavours to traditional Mexican food and for every burrito or bowl purchased, a meal will be donated to someone in need with Plate 4 Plate.

Best For: Lunch and Dinner

Location: 57 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington

Opening Hours: 10am – Late

Contact: Craig; Store Manager - 021 582 239 / 04 385 473

Cost:Tacos from $6, Burritos from $10.50, Beverages from $2

Other: 24 hours’ notice required for group orders of 15+ meals. Food can be picked up in-store. There is some seating in store but may not be able to have capacity for large groups.

Kaffee Eis 

Menu: Kaffee Eis represents a modern fusion of NZ and European flavour specializing in gourmet gelato, sorbetto and boutique coffee.

Best For: Afternoon Tea and Dessert

Location: 5 locations in Wellington to choose from:

• 29 Courtenay Place
• 146 Cuba Street
• 236 Oriental Parade
• Frank Kitts Park
• TSB Bank Kiosk

Opening Hours:All sites open morning till 4.30pm. Courtenay Place and Cuba Street Locations open till late.

Contact: Karl Tiefenbaches; Manager – [email protected] / 04 384 8040 (Courtenay Place site)

Cost: Gelato from $5.50

Other: Kaffee Eis have changing varieties of gelato and some cafes are more limited in their offerings. Frank Kitts Park and Oriental Parade stores can also be weather dependent.

Te Papa Café

Menu: Te Papa Café serves familiar family favourites. Breakfasts, brunches, lunches, and fresh snacks, as well as a range of cabinet items. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. Read the menu here

Best For: Breakfast and Lunch

Location: Ground Floor, past the Te Papa Store entrance, 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Opening Hours:9am – 5pm

*Items ordered off the breakfast and lunch menu are limited to 9am - 3pm

Contact: Please ask for the Retail, Food and Beverage Manager when arranging your visit, if you have any specific requirements. The Education Programme team can also assist you with catering enquiries [email protected] / 04 381 7000

Cost: $9 - $21.50

Other: Te Papa has indoor and outdoor spaces for schools providing their own packed lunches, but these are subject to availability and group size.

Café Kaizen at Pātaka Art + Museum

Menu: Light snacks to full blackboard menu. Classic café cuisine with a range of gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian options available.

Best For: Breakfast and Lunch

Location: Ground floor, Pātaka complex, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua City Centre

Opening Hours: 9am - 3pm (last orders) daily. Pātaka Art + Museum is open until 5pm

Contact: Suse MacGillivray; Manager - 04 237 4222 / [email protected]

Cost: Cabinet food starting from $4.50

Other: Pātaka Art + Museum is in the process of establishing sessions that align with unit and achievement standards but currently offers school visits for $2pp where students can learn more about NZ culture and heritage. For more information, contact Linda Fordyce, Education Officer - [email protected] / 04 237 3551

Days Bay Pavilion

Menu: Delicious wood-fired pizzas, meals, snacks, coffees & ice cream. GF & vegetarian options available.

Best For: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Location: 611b Marine Drive, Days Bay, Lower Hutt

Opening Hours: Mon and Tues, 8am - 8pm; Weds – Fri, 8am - 8.30pm; Weekends 9am - 8.30pm  

Contact: Adam; Owner – 04 562 7775 / [email protected]

Cost: Brunch from $10, Pizzas from $11, Burgers $19.50 - $25

Other: Inside seating for 60pax and outside standing/seating for 100pax. 

Accommodation And Talk Options

Nomads Capital

Accommodation Type: Nomads Capital is 5* backpacker accommodation in the heart of Wellington

• 10-bedroom dorms with communal bathroom
• 6-bedroom dorms with communal bathroom
• 6-bedroom dorms with ensuite bathroom; $23 - $32 pp/night

Location: 118/ 120 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington.

Contact: Lissita Santana; Assistant Manager – [email protected] / 04 9787 800

Cost: Shared rooms start from $17pp/night.

*10% discount for groups booked directly with Nomads Capital

Other: There are no stay lengths or min. group booking requirements. Linen is provided but towels can be hired from reception for $3. WiFi is FOC in communal areas and $4/day in private rooms. The backpackers is 6min walk from Te Papa and close to other waterfront and central city attractions. Continental breakfast can be provided for $10pp/day and $15 for a full cooked breakfast (including continental offering).

Silverstream Retreat

Accommodation Type: Silverstream Retreat offers comfortable bunk options up to 4* motel rooms. Silverstream Retreat is well catered for large groups and provides breakfast, lunch and dinner included in the room price.

• Rimu Court A: sleeps 25 in 6 separate rooms, 4 bathrooms and communal lounge space
• Rimu Court B: sleeps 17 in 4 separate rooms, 4 individual bathrooms

Location: 3 Reynolds Beach Drive, Lower Hutt

Contact: Tania Lusse; Conference Coordinator – [email protected] / 04 562 9080

Cost: $62pp/night including all meals (option to have a packed lunch)

*Towels and bedding not provided but a fully serviced option can be arranged at an extra charge

Other: Silverstream Retreat has an inhouse catering team and can develop meal plans and cater for specific dietary requirements. The site is set on 40acres of land, with numerous other venues for hire. Silverstream Retreat is 25mins from Wellington CBD but accessible by bus and train. If travelling out of town by bus, free accommodation can be provided for the driver.