Available to Year 9 - 10 students to apply - just complete the attached application form to explain why you would like this opportunity!

School Holiday Programme July 2021 

What is the programme? A Multidisciplinary Hikoi exploring local Lake, River & Bush Environments 

Duration: 3 days – 2 nights 

When: School Holidays, 13 – 15 July 2021 

Where: Waiuta based Hikoi. 

Costs: The costs of the entire programme are covered by WestREAP & Youthtown

Who is this for? 14 Rangatahi from year 9 &10 as identified and selected by schools, WestREAP & Youthtown. 

Rangatahi who are looking for a challenge, something new, something to stretch their leadership and teamwork capabilities, a reason to explore their back yard and their own abilities. 

This 3-day school holiday programme provides an immersive and experiential learning journey where participants take part in a multidisciplinary expedition focused Hikoi, covering multiple locations and activities over the three-day period. A key element of the programme is on the focus of understanding Kaitiakitanga. This important antecedent is used as a lens in which to view ourselves with regards to the natural world and how we are collectively involved in the safeguarding of our place and its future wellbeing. They will learn about water safety specific to our local rivers and lakes and try their hand guiding a white-water raft on slow moving water. They will be taught how to safely camp and navigate through West Coast bush environment and be introduced to a range of fun bush survival and bush/camp craft skills. We have built this programme specifically to provide inspirational new experiences to broaden the perspectives of participants on the local area’s depth of nature focused outdoor opportunities, experiencing first-hand what our natural world provides. 

This programme is run by internationally experienced, certified and inspiring local outdoor educators and guides who bring their own perspective’s and stories to light during the 3 day adventure.

The programme includes:

• Teaming and leadership skills development
• Intra and Interpersonal skills development. Interpersonal skills help a person collaborate and work with others, whilst intrapersonal skills help in recognising your own strengths and weaknesses.
• A range of water based skill development activities such as white-water rafting and water comprehension and safety skills, including lessons on river hydrology (how to read a river)
• Tramping and Camp-craft skills development and comprehension including; navigation (introduction to map-reading and use), leave no trace camping, equipment knowledge and use (tents, cookers, camp kitchens)
• Bush-craft skills, cooking with basic/homemade equipment, survival shelters, fire-lighting
• Environmental awareness; an introduction to local flora and fauna, conservation and human impacts.
• Understanding Kaitiakitanga and how we are collectively involved in the safeguarding of our place and its future wellbeing.

Start time: 9am Hokitika, 10am Greymouth

Day 1. Tramp, bushcraft & navigation 

Day 2. Raft instruction & guiding on the Upper Grey River Gentle Annie Gorge section. This is a stunning section of the river with loads of fun rapids. 

Day 3. Adventure race around various Waiuta locations, incorporating skills they are learning - navigation, bush craft, tramp, survival etc. 

Finish time: 3pm Greymouth, 4pm Hokitika 

What is supplied? 

• All camping equipment, tents, cookers, camp kitchen 
• Rafting equipment: wetsuits, lifejackets, helmets
• Transport
• Accommodation
• Food (dietary requirements will be catered to) 

What participants will need to bring: 

A detailed gear list will be provided in advance and our team can assist in preparing students equipment on a case by case basis prior to the trip. Here’s a snapshot: 

• 3 sets of clothes including thermals 
• Boots or trainers for tramping
• Sleeping bag/pillow
• Rainwear (jacket, over-pants if they can but not essential)
• Warm hat