Fieldshops

Koha: $30.00 per person
Min/max numbers: no minimum number, maximum number 40

Travel to Owae Marae in Waitara, north Taranaki’s paramount marae, to gain an understanding of the sites environmental and cultural history, and the transformational projects that are reshaping its future. Explore Project Tangaroa’s awa revitalisation, including a tree planting session with the local kura. Then travel through Waitara to explore Otupaiia, Waitara’s marine park and one of the first areas to be settled in Aotearoa, to gain an understanding of its cultural and community significance now and for future generations to come.

Ticket price: $35.00 per person
Min/max numbers: no minimum number, maximum number 40

Join Sam Humphreys from the Venture Taranaki team for a visit to one of the trial sites currently growing Angelica Root, a key ingredient in gin, as part of the Branching Out Project. Branching Out serves as a real-world case study in land-use and value chain diversification, with Taranaki as the trial region. This initiative originated from the Taranaki Regional Economic Development Strategy Tapuae Roa and the Taranaki 2050 Roadmap. Discover the environmental, social, and economic benefits that land-use, food, and fibre diversification could bring to New Zealand.

The afternoon will conclude with a cocktail and snacks at Juno Gin, one of the local partners supporting the project and working to add value to the crops grown in Taranaki.

Ticket price: City bike $30.00, E-bike $60.00 per person
Min/max numbers: no minimum number, maximum number 25

In 2010 the New Plymouth District Council was lucky enough to receive funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency to develop walking and cycling initiatives that encourage people out of their cars. Over the years there have been many infrastructure changes, such as pathway upgrades and new bridges, plus attempts to change people’s attitude and behaviour through things like cyclist skills training, travel planning, events and competitions.

You will travel at a leisurely pace around the city by e-bike (of course!) looking at some of the projects already implemented or in progress. These include the Coastal Walkway extension from Bell Block to Waitara, the Waiwhakaiho Pathway and the Te Henui Bridges. Along the way you will travel on the famous Coastal Walkway and view some iconic features such as Puke Ariki, the foreshore and the Wind Wand. You will also stop at Te Rewa Rewa Bridge where, on a clear day, you can get a must-have photo of Mount Taranaki framed by the bridge’s arched ribs.

You will travel around 15km in total, mostly on pathways created especially for walking and cycling. At the end you can quench your thirst with a drink at Shining Peak Brewing, a craft brew pub and eatery.

Helmets will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own. The weather can be changeable at this time of the year so please bring a jacket.

Ticket price: $20.00 per person
Min/max numbers: no minimum number, maximum number 40

The Green School campus features some of the world’s most stunning education landscapes, architecture fit for another planet and students both gifted and hardworking. Green School has amassed a collection of awards recognising the mahi and aroha that has gone into creating and embodying a one-of-a-kind school. On this field trip you’ll have a chance to meet the founders and discuss their vision and unique education philosophy, visit iconic buildings on the campus such as the pods and the kina and hear about the approach to sustainable infrastructure design.

Koha: $20.00 per person
Min/max numbers: no minimum number, maximum number 35

Join Ngāti Te Whiti, mana whenua of Ngā Motu New Plymouth, on a hikoi to explore the sites and features that have shaped the town and its people. Follow the trail along Huatoki awa as we visit Puke Ariki landing, Māwhera kainga, and Paetawa and Paeare - the mauri stones that could not be destroyed. Look out over the city from Pūkākā hill, and be welcomed to Te Whare Hononga (the House that Binds), on one of the most significant sites in New Plymouth combining past and present.

Ticket price: Included in registration fee
Min/max numbers: no minimum number, maximum number 40

Taranaki produces all of Aotearoa’s natural gas and LPG. Natural gas is an important energy source for Kiwis and can assist in enabling our transition to carbon net zero. This unique experience includes a tour of a drilling rig and wellsite in north Taranaki to explore how natural gas is discovered, developed and used.

Ticket price: $35.00 per person
Min/max numbers: no minimum number, maximum number 40

This field trip will follows the Mounga and awa settlements panel session where attendees have learned of the Crown’s historic agreement with Taranaki iwi, and the renaming of Egmont National Park to Te Papakura o Taranaki. With more of a focus on biodiversity protection, we will travel approximately half an hour to the Historic ‘Camphouse’ nestled on the slopes of the mighty Mount Taranaki where, following introductions, we will hear about Project Mounga, its challenges and victories. Following lunch at this location attendees will walk the ‘uphill’ part of the Veronica Loop Track to above the treeline, with magnificent views of the Mounga and the coastline. This is a pleasant walk, with plenty of time for all, but following a long series of steps attendees will return to town via the Quaill’s Nest at One Burgess Hill, overlooking the Waiwhakaiho river valley, where any tired muscles will be rejuvenated with local seasonal produce and beverages.