Ruakuri is located 2 km from the world-renowned Waitomo glowworm cave and 17 km from the King Country town of Te Kuiti.
The reserve contains a fascinating combination of natural features and cultural history. The 114 ha of native bush and limestone provide a variety of recreational and educational opportunities, all just a few minutes easy walk from the carpark.
Ruakuri is ideal for a day trip. Students can explore the limestone landscape and native forest, and study a threatened species - the long-tailed bat.
View the resource
- Ruakuri Caves & Bush Scenic Reserve cover (PDF, 516K)
- Page 2-12 (PDF, 982K)
- Page 13-21 (PDF, 824K)
- Page 22-37 (PDF, 535K)
- Page 38-46 (PDF, 312K)
About the resource
This kit provides site location maps, pre- and post-visit activities for your outdoor education experience and includes safety considerations and background reading for teachers. Curriculum links are provided and a series of teacher’s study sheets covering a range of topics pertinent to the area.
Contents
- Locations of teacher resource kits
- Location of Ruakuri Caves and Bush Scenic Reserve
- Using this resource
- Organisation of outdoor safety
- Ruakuri Caves and Bush Scenic Reserve facilities and organisation
- Ruakuri Caves and Bush Scenic Reserve conservation management
- Teachers' background reading
- Statement about curriculum links and the kit
- 7 teacher study sheets
- Other references and resources
Learning areas
Primary:
- Science
- Social sciences
- Health and PE
Secondary:
- Science
- Social sciences
Learning outcomes
Primary:
- Students will research and explore the systems responsible for the formation of the caves at Ruakuri.
- Students will identify different native plants and explain the traditional uses of each plant.
Secondary:
- Students will gain knowledge on food chains, Adaptations, Maori medicines, pest damage to native bush
- Students will explore tourism effects on the environment
- Students will investigate the creation of limestone caves
Links to curriculum
Primary:
- Science: Living world
- Planet earth and beyond: Earth systems
- Nature of sciences: Investigating in science
- Health & PE: Personal health and physical development
- Social sciences: Place and environment
Secondary:
- Science: Living world: Ecology
- Planet earth
- Social sciences: Place and environment (Māori)
Topics
- Forest and green spaces
- Native animals
Publication information
ISBN 0-478-22049-9
Contact
Kirikiriroa / Hamilton Office | |
Phone: | +64 7 858 1000 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | hamilton@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
Level 4 73 Rostrevor Street Hamilton 3204 |
Postal Address: |
Private Bag 3072 Hamilton 3240 |
Full office details |