Māori Culture

Study Tour Certificate

Culture & People, Nature & Wildlife, History & Archaeology

Description

Under the starlit sky of New Zealand, let’s embark on a magical journey to explore Māori culture! This study program centers around the Māori New Year, Matariki, guiding students into the world of the Māori through unique cultural experiences and nature exploration. We will interpret the meanings of the nine Matariki stars and learn about the Māori wisdom of living in harmony with nature. Each stop, from Auckland’s museums to Rotorua’s forests and the breathtaking scenery of Lake Taupo, offers a deep learning opportunity.

Highlights:

Māori Culture: Gain a deeper understanding of the Māori New Year, Matariki, and experience the wisdom and traditions of living in harmony with nature.
Cross-Cultural Leadership: Explore how various cultures, including Chinese (Pleiades), European (Seven Sisters), and others interpret the same natural phenomena through the study of Matariki, discovering both differences and commonalities.
Interdisciplinary Thinking: Integrate content from science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, and the arts, allowing students to learn comprehensively through practice.
- Nature Exploration: Learn the meanings of the nine Matariki stars while experiencing New Zealand’s stunning ecosystems, including forests, lakes, geothermal areas, and oceans.
- Scientific Practice: Understand the scientific principles behind natural ecosystems through field surveys and investigations, fostering students’ spirit of inquiry.
- Artistic Expression: Draw inspiration from nature and culture to create artistic projects for graduation, appreciating the beauty in Māori culture, modern science, and artistic expression while developing creativity and communication skills.
Responsible Decision-Making: The program revolves around Matariki and addresses cutting-edge topics such as climate change, carbon footprints, biodiversity, renewable resource utilization, and marine conservation. Students are encouraged to take responsible actions in their daily lives to protect our planet, embracing sustainable development and healthy living principles.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland – Begin the Magical Journey

Arrive in Auckland, check into a 4-star hotel, and relax to prepare for the adventure ahead. The fresh air and vast natural scenery of New Zealand will provide a refreshing start to your journey.

Day 2: Explore Auckland – Heroes and Legacy

Visit the mysterious Weta Workshop to uncover the secrets of world-class special effects, experience the passion of New Zealand’s national sport at the All Blacks Rugby exhibit, and discover ancient Māori legends at the Auckland Museum.

Study Theme: Pōhutukawa ^{Sterope /昴宿三} – Honor ancestors and explore the power of human heritage.

Day 3: The Power of Oceans and Wind

Explore marine life at the Auckland Aquarium, marvel at the natural beauty of Mount Eden’s volcanic crater, and enjoy panoramic views of the City of Sails from the Sky Tower.

Study Themes:

Waitā^{Taygeta / 昴宿二} – Guardians of the sea, learning about marine ecology.
Ururangi^{Merope / 昴宿五} – The power of wind, examining wind energy and carbon footprints.

Day 4: Enchanted Caves and Hobbiton – Courage and Dreams

Walk through the glowworm caves and immerse yourself in the magical underground world, then step into Middle-earth at Hobbiton. In the afternoon, arrive in Rotorua to experience the unique geothermal wonders.

Study Theme: Hiwa-i-te-rangi ^{Calaeno / 昴宿增九} – Cultivating wisdom, courage, and vision, shaping unique personal character.

Day 5: Farm Life and Forest Exploration

Experience authentic New Zealand farm life with a sheep shearing demonstration and tractor tour at Agrodome. Stroll through the mystical Redwood Forest on a treetop walk, then visit Hell’s Gate to discover geothermal landscapes.

Study Theme: Tupu-ā-rangi ^{Atlas / 昴宿七} – Sustainable forestry and carbon sinks, appreciating the balance between nature and humanity.

Day 6: Vibrant Nature and Waterfalls

Witness the stunning colors of the Champagne Pool and listen to the roar of Huka Falls. Enjoy scenic views along the journey as you head toward the capital city, Wellington.

Study Theme: Waitī ^{Maia / 昴宿四} – Exploring freshwater resources, learning about hydropower and ecological conservation.

Day 7: Immersive Wildlife and Culture in Wellington

Stroll through Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary to observe rare flora and fauna up close. Visit the iconic Te Papa National Museum to explore New Zealand’s rich natural and cultural history, and tour the Parliament buildings to learn about the country’s political and historical legacy.

Study Themes:

Tupu-ā-nuku ^{Pleione / 昴宿增十二} – Explore the formation of the ancient Gondwana supercontinent and gain insights into soil science.
Waipuna-ā-rangi ^{Electra / 昴宿一} – Understand the rain of the Land of the Long White Cloud, building models of rainforests and the water cycle.

Day 8: Return to Auckland and Farewell Ceremony

Take a scenic train ride back to Auckland, admiring the breathtaking New Zealand landscapes. In the evening, participate in the closing ceremony, where students present their learning outcomes and receive study tour certificates.

Study Theme: Matariki ^{Alcyone / 昴宿六} – Reflect on the journey and create a hopeful vision for the future.

Day 9: Departure

According to flight schedules, students will be transferred to the airport, leaving with cherished memories of Māori culture and natural exploration.

Note: This sample itinerary is designed around the Māori New Year and can be customised based on the season, student interests, and the starting location of the study tour.

Course Outline

Objectives：

Cultural Understanding: Delve into the Māori New Year, Matariki, to explore Māori traditions and wisdom. Study how different civilizations around the world interpret natural phenomena.
Nature Exploration: Conduct field investigations of New Zealand’s diverse ecosystems, including oceans, forests, volcanoes, geothermal areas, and freshwater systems, and learn about their sustainable use.
Scientific Practice: Engage in observation and practical activities to understand natural science principles such as ecological conservation, the carbon cycle, and hydroelectric power.
Interdisciplinary Integration: Combine knowledge from various fields—culture, science, history, art, and geography—to develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Reflection and Expression: Guide students in reflecting on personal character development and applying multicultural knowledge to build a global perspective, culminating in presentations or written work to demonstrate their learning.

Disciplines

Astronomy, Geography, History, Philosophy, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Engineering

Course Modules: Please refer to the “Itinerary” for daily study themes.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this study tour, participants will:

Knowledge Acquisition: Gain an understanding of Matariki’s significance in Māori culture, New Zealand’s natural ecosystems, and sustainable development principles, and learn to navigate using stargazing.
Inquiry Skills: Develop scientific inquiry and observation skills through outdoor activities, learning fundamental principles of ecological conservation.
Cultural Understanding: Gain a deeper understanding of Māori culture and compare it with perspectives from Chinese and European civilizations, identifying cultural similarities and differences.
Reflection and Expression: Reflect on personal growth through character-building themes, honing critical thinking and communication skills.

The study tour programme can be tailored to client requests, including nearby tours.