Geography students explore nature and tourism in Rotorua
Posted on April 08, 2021
Macleans College A Level Geography students visited Rotorua in Week 9 of Term 1 to explore the nature of the Taupo volcanic zone and enjoy the tourism attractions.
The aim of the field trip was to understand how individuals and companies apply the sustainable livelihoods approach to hazardous areas as well as how a tourist destination has developed over time.
Rotorua is a famous travel destination for both domestic and international tourists because of its spectacular geothermal activities. The students started with a climb to the top of Mt Tarawera to view the Taupo volcanic zone including Lake Tarawera and Lake Rotomahana. They also entered the crater via the scree slope to see the scar of eruptions.
The next day started with a Rotorua Museum talk; the experienced local guide provided a commentary on Maori Legend, History and Volcanology. The most exciting part was the Kaitiaki Adventure which includes the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. The students rafted through two waterfalls and several rapids. The trip then ended at Skyline Rotorua, where the students took a Gondola ride and experienced the luge carts.
