Outdoor Education for Secondary School Students with Waimarino Education Trust

At Waimarino Education Trust, outdoor education isn’t just about adventure—it’s about giving secondary school students meaningful opportunities to grow, learn, and challenge themselves in ways that extend far beyond the classroom. Located near Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty, Waimarino Adventure Park has been hosting adventure-based school experiences for decades, helping students build confidence, resilience, teamwork, leadership and real-world skills through exciting outdoor activities.

Engaging Outdoor Education Programmes Designed for Older Students

Waimarino’s secondary school programmes are carefully designed to engage adolescents in active learning experiences that support outdoor education goals, including personal development and challenging students safely in dynamic environments. All programmes are led by trained instructors who prioritise safety and outdoor learning outcomes.

• Park Fun Day: Adventure and Activities
• For a high-energy day packed with adventure, the Park Fun Day programme brings students into the full range of Waimarino Adventure Park activities. Here, secondary school groups can try:
• Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
• Diving boards and hydro slides
• Gladiator pole, UFO and the BLOB
• Rock climbing, low ropes, volleyball and more

This programme is a great way for students to try multiple activities in one day, develop physical confidence, and enjoy quality time outdoors together.

3D Team Challenge: Outdoor Problem Solving

• The 3D Team Challenge brings a unique mix of outdoor adventure and collaborative learning. Students work in small teams to solve strategic challenges that test:
• Communication and teamwork
• Decision making and leadership
• Critical thinking under pressure

This head-to-head style competition encourages students to draw on each other’s strengths while learning valuable interpersonal and thinking skills—all within an outdoor, activity-based environment.

The River Hop: A True Kiwi Adventure

The River Hop programme offers a distinctive outdoor experience that combines physical challenge with environmental learning. Students:

• Walk, scramble, and swim through sections of the Wairoa River
• Learn coordination and teamwork as a group
• Explore New Zealand’s river environments with experienced guides

This activity fosters confidence in moving through natural terrain and teaches students about risk management, communication, and trust-all in a safe, supportive setting.

SUP Board Adventure: Water Skills and Confidence

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a fantastic way for students to develop balance, coordination and water confidence. The SUP Board Adventure programme includes:

• Paddleboard instruction and guided games
• Water safety and technique teaching
• Exploration of Lake McLaren, and potentially into Mangapapa Canyon

This progression beyond kayaking helps older students challenge themselves while gaining practical skills in aquatic environments.

Sea Kayak Skills and Student-Led Journeys

For groups ready to build deeper skills on the water, Waimarino offers Sea Kayak Skills training where students learn:

• Equipment handling, safety procedures, and loading techniques
• Paddle strokes and rescue methods guided by trained staff
• Confidence on the water under supervision

A step further, the student-led kayak experience allows groups to embark on an extended journey—either on the scenic Wairoa River or on Lake Rotoiti—with stops for lunch and on-route team-building challenges. This combination of education and adventure builds independence, decision-making, and leadership.

Why Outdoor Education Matters for Secondary Students

Outdoor education plays a powerful role in adolescent development. Through programmes like those offered at Waimarino, students not only gain physical skills but also grow in resilience, self-confidence, environmental awareness, and social skills that support both personal and academic success. The Trust’s instructors are qualified to ensure that students are challenged safely while being encouraged to step outside their comfort zones.

Secondary teachers appreciate that Waimarino can tailor experiences to meet school needs and support broader learning goals. Whether as part of a camp, EOTC week or specialised outdoor learning block, these programmes add depth and excitement to a school’s outdoor education offerings.

Plan Your Next School Adventure

Waimarino Education Trust’s range of outdoor education options for secondary school students offers something for every group—whether you want a fun-filled challenge day or a skills-based journey on the water. Experienced instructors, high-quality equipment, and a focus on safety make these experiences accessible for all abilities.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to build skills, confidence and connection outdoors, Waimarino’s programmes are an excellent choice for your next school camp or education trip.