About Us

The Rotorua Education Network (REN) is a first-of-its-kind tourism collective solely dedicated to the education industry.

The network was formed by 4 tourism partners in 1997 to provide quality out of classroom experiences for students nationwide.

The group has now grown to 13 members; including 11 Rotorua based tourism businesses encompassing cultural, geothermal, natural environment, and adventure elements. Our other 2 partners include Johnstons our transport operator and Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing.

All our members are Qualmark rated and members of the Rotorua Sustainable Tourism Charter.

Members have a curriculum-based educational component to their product or, in case of support services such as accommodation or transportation, have an added value component to their core service which is specifically developed for education groups.

The Rotorua Education Network Office will be your point of contact for any queries, arrangements or bookings.

Anne Yates

Rotorua Education Network Co-ordinator

Anne has been a member of Rotorua Education Network Office for over seven years and is the heart and soul of the office. She brings invaluable experience to the team and is very dedicated to her job. She has been working in the tourism industry for 15 years.

“It is fantastic to see that schools are coming back each year and to receive fantastic feedback from teachers, who have said that since their students have done the fieldtrips their grades have gone up 50%. To know that I have contributed by organising the trips is very rewarding.”

Katrina Dekke, Rere School

“Just a quick email to say thank you very much for your organization of our school trip to Rotorua. We all had a wonderful time and the range of activities were well suited to our very diverse age range. You made the whole process very easy for me. At every place we were expected, treated extremely well, and having the vouchers made it all flow… hassle free. I am sure the camp will be one that is long remembered by us all. Once again a huge thank you, your efforts were very much appreciated by us all.”

Kayla Middleton

Rotorua Education Network Co-ordinator

Kayla has been part of the REN Office team for over a year and enjoys working with teachers and students. She has been involved in the tourism industry for 4 years and is thrilled to be able to use her extensive experience from the tourism & travel industry by organising tailor-made itineraries based on the specific requirements of each school.

“It is great to know that I can help more schools to experience out-of-the-classroom activities and that we are able to offer them the best rates available. The best part of my job is to make things easier for teachers by organising everything for them as well as putting smiles on student’s faces who can experience a fun way of learning out of the classroom.”

Joy Bridge, Trip Organiser

“Our group had a wonderful time in Rotorua, as always. I would like to pop in and thank you personally, but if I don’t get the chance, know that I truly and deeply appreciated your expert advice and suggestions. It has been a pleasure to deal with you.”

• We organise quotes, create customized itineraries specific to your needs including activities, accommodation and transportation, arrange bookings & vouchers and process all the payments.
• Arrange speakers with tourism marketing staff or appropriate people with a working knowledge of the industry.
• We will provide resources for teachers and students.  Go to the Resources page and use your password to access to up-to-date NCEA Geography Achievement Standard tasks and worksheets . Level 1 AS 91007 Demonstrate geographic understanding of environments that have been shaped by extreme natural event(s) has been updated for 2011. New online is Level 1 AS 91009 (1.3): Demonstrate geographic understanding of the sustainable use of an environment titled Tourism in Rotorua and AS91011: Conduct Geographic Research, with direction. Still available are Level2 and 3 which will be updated as the achievements change.
• We guarantee the most competitive rates with a 24-hour turnaround.
• Save you time and money by booking through one source rather than individual operators.

We, as the Rotorua Education Network have developed educational programmes that are linked to curriculum and assessment areas.

Through the development of these programmes Rotorua is the destination of choice for the education sector (primary, intermediate, secondary, tertiary domestic and international schools, BOT’s, principles, teachers and parents).

Our aim is to add value to what is taught in the class by providing a practical and hands-on understanding.