On the boat 

Ensure that all students have morning tea and make use of the bathroom facilities while on the ferry. Accompanying adults need to supervise all age groups of students during the ferry crossing. The students are based on the lower level where it is more stable. Note that the ferry is a public commuter vessel and students’ behaviour needs to be considerate of the public on board.

10.20- 10.30 

Arrive at Tiritiri Matangi Island. School parties wait until other day-visitors have left the boat before doing so themselves. Any large or heavy food containers can be loaded by accompanying adults onto the luggage trolley on the wharf. On leaving the ferry, walk to the end of the wharf where the vehicles are parked (keep to the hand rail on the left hand side). Personal bags that are not needed during the guided walk are loaded onto the trailer. Students should to remain together in a group, standing or sitting in front of the small rostrum on the concrete pad for the Ranger's talk. 

10.30-10.40 

Introductory talk by DOC Ranger, then groups to be guided are organised and assigned to guides. 

10.40-10.45 

Guided groups start their walk. School groups usually move off before other visitors.

10.45-12.15 

Guided walk. Two routes are available. Most school parties walk up the Wattle Track, which is the shorter of the two and therefore more suitable for younger students. Senior students usually walk the longer Kawerau Track which is more suited to their learning needs. If in doubt, discuss the choice of route with our educator before your visit. Whichever route you take it may be possible to walk the alternative route after lunch (see below). All accompanying adults need to supervise students closely during the guided walk. 

12.15-1.00 

Lunch in the courtyard at the Visitor Centre (or inside the Visitors Centre (VC) in wet weather). Complimentary tea and coffee is available in the VC for accompanying adults (not students). Water is available and soft drinks may be bought from the shop. Adults are to supervise students throughout lunch, taking turns to do other things (visit the shop, toilets, etc.). Note that the public toilets are downhill from the VC, clearly signposted. 

1.00 

Students have 10 minutes with the Tiritiri Matangi Educator, looking at what we can do to improve our natural environment.  

1.10-3.00  

Afternoon activities are determined by the school. There are several options:

• Spend time on worksheets or assignments set by the school 
• Students can be given a presentation by the educator (senior students only)
• Carry out one of the two available 'Round Robin – Scavenger Hunt' activities in the vicinity of the Visitor Centre (ask the educator about these)
• Walk down the alternative route back to the wharf
• Walk to the beach to build sand sculptures, swim in summer months or observe the marine life (more appropriate at low tide).

3.15  

Whatever you decide to do after lunch (and there may be time to do more than one of the above activities), bear in mind that your party must be back at the wharf by 3.15 sharp, to board the ferry for a prompt 3.30 departure.