International Students
Rotorua is a town steeped in Maori history. It is the heartland of Maori culture in New Zealand and has educational support, personnel and product to enhance in-depth learning experiences for international students.
For international students the WAI RUA Education Program provides insight in to Maoritanga and is an invaluable learning experience for those wanting to discover Maori Culture and history.
This full day program (9.30am – 5pm) combines two places of local historical, education and spiritual importance.
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A journey to this privately owned island is a privilege we would love to share with your students. Mokoia Island educational tours offer student of all ages an insight into Rotorua’s history and culture. Once a thriving village and fiercely defended area, Mokoia Island is now an exploration of our natural environment, its flora and fauna enabling students to embrace New Zealand and gain more knowledge and understanding of this country.
Mokoia Island is the sacred home of the Te Arawa people of Rotorua for more than 700 years. Ancestrally known as the scared heart of Rotorua, this special island has become home to some of New Zealand's most endangered species and is now one of the most important wildlife refuges in the Bay of Plenty.
A guided tour around this inland-island wildlife sanctuary enables our visitors to explore the flora and fauna of New Zealand and share in the knowledge the Maori have of their environment, indigenous food sources, healing herbs and utility resources.
Over centuries Mokoia has been the subject of many episodes of ownership dispute and invasion. Although this century has been no exception there has been less bloodshed as the conflict moved to the courts in 1916. Eventually, the Maori land court awarded the island (motu) to four tribes which now administer the wildlife refuge as a trust board. Mokoia Island is now an excellent example of partnerships in conservation between local iwi (people) and the Department of Conservation.
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Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve, Mud Baths and Spas
As New Zealand’s only Maori owned thermal park, Hells Gate is of major importance to the Ngati Rangiteaorere tribe who have interacted with this land and it’s unique geothermal features for more than 700 years.
Feel the soft hot water of the Sulphur Lake and the finest geothermal mud. See steam vents, sulphur fumaroles, erupting waters. New Zealand’s only accessible mud volcano, boiling mud pools and the largest hot waterfall in the southern hemisphere.
Walk through rugged, violent landscape then beautiful bush opening to wide steaming pools. The 50 acres that make up the Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve gives visitors a unique insight into New Zealand’s geothermal and cultural history.
Enjoy soaking in the Hells Gate Mud Baths and Spas. The unique geothermal muds and waters of this area are renowned for their curative and invigorating properties. For more than 700 years Hells Gate has been a special place of wellness for our local Maori. With the arrival of Europeans to New Zealand some 150 years ago, the special qualities of the geothermal muds and sulphur waters of Hells Gate have been sought after with many documented and medically certified cures being identified.
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Itinerary:
9.30am - 12.30pm - Begin at Rotorua Lake front for journey to Mokoia Island. Enjoy your Mokoia Island Experience before returning to the Rotorua Lakefront and departing for Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve.
1.00pm - Hangi Lunch at Hells Gate
2.00pm Guided Tour of the Hells Gate reserve focusing on the History and culture of this unique area
3.00pm Bath in the Mud Baths and Sulphur of Hells Gate
4.30pm Return to Rotorua City