Two classes of Year 13 Geography students recently spent three days in Rotorua carrying out geographic research into the changes in tourism from before COVID-19 to the present day.

 The trip provided valuable opportunities for students to gather data for their NCEA externals and internals while experiencing firsthand the realities of New Zealand’s tourism industry.

During their visit, students explored a wide range of attractions, including Te Puia, Wingspan, the Redwoods Treewalk, and the Luge. Each activity highlighted a different aspect of tourism, from eco-tourism in the Redwoods, to cultural experiences at Te Puia, and adventure tourism on the Luge. Students also enjoyed hearing directly from tour guides who explained how COVID-19 had affected their attractions and Rotorua as a whole.

One of the most valuable learning experiences came from a presentation at the Rotorua Library about the history of tourism in the region. This gave students a deeper understanding of how tourism has shaped Rotorua over time and why it continues to be such an essential part of the local and national economy.

Students discovered that tourism in Rotorua has largely recovered since the pandemic, with increasing visitor numbers and renewed growth in the sector. They came away with a strong appreciation of tourism’s role in sustaining both the local community and New Zealand’s wider economy.

The trip was not only academically rewarding but also memorable. Students returned home tired, inspired, and grateful for the experience.