EDUCATION and School Visits

We have a large number of tamariki who visit our museum in Riverton/Aparima as part of an educational visit with a school trip, and most school groups who visit once, end up making us a regular activity in their programmes. A typical school visit to our museum takes 1 hour (but can take longer depending on your planned activities), and is only allowed using one of our local guides - this helps ensure the most educational experience, and our taonga on display are respected. We can usually accommodate two groups of 15-20 students at any one time, but can also discuss ways to manage larger groups.  

School visits to museums are often focussed on social science, however our museum content also encompasses content relating to science, health, visual arts, and other languages (we have audio guides in 9 languages). Our local guides are either former teachers or tour guides, and can give greater focus on the topics you are studying. You must book in advance for school visits so we can arrange your guide and avoid clashes with other groups.

We can provide you with:

• An overview timeline of key phases in the South Coast’s social history.
• Table showing each exhibit’s main curriculum focus and additional relevant curriculum topics.
• List of additional artefacts in storage which you may request to view (advance notice required).
• Additional resources such as books and DVDs which can be posted to you in advance of your visit (charges apply). 
• Student Quiz (can be used during or after visit).
• Visitor protocol to assist appropriate behaviour expectations. 

We ask that teachers ensure your group maintains adult to student ratios. Photos are allowed in the museum (sometimes not in our temporary exhibitions), but no filming of our documentaries (which are available to purchase). We have a Health and Safety Plan, and Child Protection Policy which are available upon request.

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There are many great things to do, such as local short walks, surf beaches and historic sites which can complement your museum learning experience. Please contact us if you would like:

• Town and district maps with points of interest
• Riverton Aparima Heritage Trail information

Teachers are welcome to visit free of charge to plan potential school visits. Our gift shop has a great selection of books popular with teachers.

​We charge $4 per student, with no charge for teachers/caregivers. There is an additional charge of $35 for each local guide.

Let us know if you have any questions. 

facilities

Coach parking is usually available on the main street outside the museum (we can put cones out to reserve space for you). There is additional car parking out the back of the museum (driveway between old courthouse and pharmacy). There is no time limit or charge for parking on the main street of the town.​ For more detailed accessibility information, click here.

We do not offer secure storage, so recommend bags be left on your transport. There is no indoor area suitable for food, but students on a fine day enjoy the grass area out front of the museum. A 10 minute drive will take you to Taramea Bay, opposite the dairy is a sheltered area, with free BBQ’s and toilets.

To help you plan your visit, we have provided some contact details for services/facilities in the township (it is not a full directory of all our facilities, most others you will find on a google search such as accommodation). If you are planning a school camp here, the Riverton Holiday Park may be able to offer your group exclusive use.

CABI
021 136 4960
(Transport Riverton - Invercargill)

Fishing supplies and licences
Hammer Hardware 03 234 9900

Riverton Holiday Park
43 Richard Street
03 234 8132

Medical Centre
03 234 8290

Fishing Charters & Surf School
​Robbie Wallace 03 234 9990

Swimming Pool
Napier Street
​03 234 8727

Environment Centre
Food Forest Tours
03 234 8717

Rūnaka (Ōraka Aparima) 
Marae at Oraka Colac Bay
​03 234 8192

Please contact us if any details here need updating.