Learning is a lifelong journey, and nature serves as an endless classroom. Every trail, tree, and tide offers us new insights about the world and ourselves.
Nature isn’t just a place to visit; it’s where we find balance, restore our energy, and reconnect with ourselves. With a passion for the natural world and a background in environmental and outdoor education, DOC Community Ranger, Maree Limpus, has witnessed the positive impact nature can have on people and their well-being.
“The well-being of our communities depends on healthy nature, and time in nature is proven to improve people’s physical and mental health in many ways,” says Maree.
“Teaching people about nature not only connects them to the world around them but also fosters a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment, shaping their future.”
Maree works with kaiako (teachers) to develop and deliver nature-based educational programmes from the DOC Kauaeranga Visitor Centre, located 20 minutes from Thames in the Kauaeranga Valley.
Last year, an outdoor learning area was created near the Visitor Centre with the help of volunteers and rangers.
“The outdoor learning area and Visitor Centre offers opportunities for all ages to immerse themselves in nature and learn about our unique natural environment, the history of the Kauaeranga Valley, and themselves,” says Maree.
“We couldn’t do it without the help of our awesome rangers and volunteers. Together, we’ve created a space where people can come together and be fully immersed in nature for learning and mindfulness.”
Sensory based activities are an effective way to engage with te taiao (the natural world) – looking, touching, listening, and thinking about ways we can be kaitiaki (guardians).
Some of the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre’s popular educational activities include a lawn maze quiz, native tree discovery, and exploration of miniature life through magnifying glasses.
“These activities encourage people to slow down and deepen their connection to nature. Have you ever picked up a magnifying glass and looked closely at the bark of a tree? There’s a whole miniature world to be discovered.” says Maree.
Last year, Maree and Jo Buchanan – an environmental education facilitator from Waikato Regional Council – collaborated to host a professional development day for local kaiako at the visitor centre.
More than a dozen teachers from schools in the Thames and Hauraki districts attended to explore the educational resources on offer and learn how to use more nature-based education with their classes.
“In today’s fast-paced world, nature can offer a much-needed escape, helping us recharge and rejuvenate,” says Maree.
“No matter what age, we see people come away from our visitor centre with a renewed sense of appreciation for the natural world.”
The Kauaeranga Valley/Te Waiwhakaurunga is a special place of local iwi and hapū meaning ‘the many bathing pools of the upper reaches’.
Whether you’re with whānau, school groups, or professional teams, the Visitor Centre provides a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature. With a range of resources and activities available, it’s an ideal spot to escape, recharge, and engage in meaningful outdoor experiences.
It offers a range of nature-based activities for all ages: hikes, swimming holes, camping, and interactive experiences at the Visitor Centre. There is also a 50-seat audiovisual room which is often used by agencies and organisations for hui (meetings).
Interested in hiring the AV room, ngahere space or booking an educational visit? Call the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre at (07) 867 9080 to book.
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