Environmental Education Facility
Set on 4 hectares, the facility includes trout and eel ponds, a kōura hatchery, wetlands, and native plantings. Students experience hands-on environmental learning in a safe and engaging outdoor setting.
Our program is flexible and suitable for year 3 to year 10 students.
Educational Opportunities
School Visit Options
Hosted Class Field Trip
Our staff will host your group and can run a selection of these activities.
A typical visit will consist of a quick welcome, introduction to the site & staff, and a health & safety briefing. We'll run through a selection of activities, enjoy lunch under the trees then come back together for a chat & farewell.
Activities
Water Testing
Explore the small inhabitants of the water and learn about the importance of clean healthy water and the impacts on the food chain.
Eel Feeding
Always the kid’s favourite activity. See the eels up close as they get a feed and learn more about these fascinating creatures.
Kōura
Meet our resident Kōura – Fresh Water Crayfish, that are being bred in our hatchery and learn about why these little creatures are so important to our environment.
Tour & Planting
Learn about the 90 year history of this facility & Fish & Game buy touring the old Hatchery, learn about the development of the facility & the exciting future plans for this educational facility.
Our grounds are still under development and students have the opportunity to shape the future of this facility by helping to plant native wetlands & bush areas. This activity is subject to weather and seasonal conditions.
Scavenger Hunt/Orienteering
Scavenger Hunt: Explore the grounds in this race to find all the markers. Suitable year 3-6
Orienteering: Students are given a map of the facility & have to find the named native trees. Map encompasses a large area of the facility. Suitable year 5-9 students.
Introduction to Fishing
Learn about the basics of Spin & Fly fishing and the differences, casting, types of rods etc. Practice casting with our training rods and see a demo on our ponds.
Group Bookings
Bookings are available for 10-40 children.
We take the safety of the students very seriously and our site is one that does pose multiple hazards, especially with the water and large open spaces that have yet to be developed. Schools are responsible for providing adequate supervision for students to ensure they follow the health and safety advice they are given at the start of the visit. In the case of wet weather staff reserve the right to cancel or postpone the visit.
This Outdoor Education program is subsidised by Hawke’s Bay Fish & Game but there is a small charge of $8/student to help cover costs for the hosted field trip. There is no charge for the Quick Class or Independant field trips.
The Quick Class Visit
Bring your class (up to 30 students) along for a visit and enjoy what the facility has to offer. We’ll give you a tour of the grounds and talk about the importance of biodiversity & wetland preservation, feed the Trout & Eels and get up close to these amazing creatures and learn a bit more about them.
Groups are welcome to stay and enjoy some morning tea or lunch under the trees or by the ponds and the Scavenger Hunt or Orienteering are available for teachers to run with students.
This option includes free use of the facility for up to two hours & one hour of staff hosting. Schools are responsible for providing adequate supervision of students while visiting the facility. This option is sponsored by HBFG.
Independent Class Field Trip
Schools are welcome to use the Game Farm facilities free of charge for up to 6 hours
Bring students along to our facility for hands-on learning around environmental, ecological or inquiry studies where you can tailor lessons to suit your needs.
We can provide the activities listed above for teachers to run with students and fishing gear is available to those who wish to do fishing, but a valid Fishing licence is necessary for the teacher.
A large meeting room is also available for classes to use.
Contact us to find out more or arrange a tour of the facility.
Click here for the online booking form
Course Content Curriculum Alignment
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Junior Fin & Feather Club
"Feather & Fin Juniors," has been created to provide a nurturing environment where young enthusiasts can safely explore and develop their interests in fishing and game bird hunting, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and conservation.
Enquiries Welcome
Hawkes Bay Fish & Game Council
22a Burness Road
Jervoistown
hawkesbay@fishandgame.org.nz
www.facebook.com/hbfishandgame www.instagram.com/hbfishandgame
06 8442460