On 24 & 25 February 2026, all Year 8 students swapped their classrooms for the lush landscapes of the Auckland Botanical Gardens. Accompanied by teachers and parent helpers, the groups ventured outdoors to witness firsthand how plants adapt to their environments as part of their science unit on biodiversity.
The day was packed with fun and engaging learning activities, ranging from a competitive scavenger hunt to exploring various plant zones. Under the guidance of patient and engaging instructors, students investigated numerous seed dispersal methods using wind, water, and animals, and even tasted berries.
Everyone arrived at the Botanical Gardens by 9:30 am. Shortly after, students were guided to walk into the Potter Children’s Garden. The sun was shining brightly on everyone’s faces, and the wind managed to cool the heat away. Students were instructed to sit under a hut-like building, out of the sun.
After a prayer, the instructors briefed everybody on the rules and we were split into smaller groups, divided by guided lessons and independent tasks. Every student was provided with a pamphlet. The pamphlet contained a series of mini-scavenger hunts, questions related to our science unit, and students were eager to finish first, since there was a small prize at the end.
The first group had a guided lesson with the instructors, and the second group of Year 8 students was left to explore the wonders of the garden along with the pamphlet activity. Walking around the garden, students passed by ducks, multiple butterflies, and beautiful plants.
The pamphlet was very unique – it cleverly outlined every activity, using the different folds of the pamphlet. On the front cover was a series of questions on climate change, renewable energy, etc. The second layer was multiple questions related to our science unit. The third section was the mini-scavenger hunt with eight different locations connected to various questions and drawing activities. The pamphlet was a blast and very engaging.
The guided lesson was full of entertaining activities such as mini challenges that involved groupwork and short quizzes, tasting berries, and planting two succulents. One challenge that was competitive and exciting was the scavenger hunt. In groups of 4-5, students had to solve riddles to get to a location within the Potter Children’s Garden that had the answer key to receive certain words. Those certain words completed the blanks of a sentence; the first group to complete the sentence were the winners.
To conclude the day, every student was supplied with their own succulent plant to take home, bringing their lessons on plant survival to life.
Here are some of their quotes:
- “It was very fun, seeing all those different kinds of plants, with so many colours was amazing. Not only that, but we were also able to plant our own succulents which was an incredible experience. The Botanical Garden was full of life and native plants as well as some butterflies. I would definitely go again, over and over just to learn about Aotearoa’s plants.” – John Jezera (8GNS)
- “The Botanical Gardens was a really fun experience for me because it gave me a deeper understanding of how plants grow while learning in a fun and encouraging environment. My favourite activity was probably the scavenger hunt!” – Lucia Phung (8BRN)
- “I found the trip to the Botanical Gardens very appealing. It was very thrilling and overall, a great experience.” – Reyon Withana (8LIS)
