Pre-Arrival:
Arrival in Auckland: Participants are met by Green School staff at the airport.

Activities in Auckland: One night stay and city tour to explore local attractions and acclimatize before heading to Green School NZ and New Plymouth.

Sunday: Enjoy a stop at the world famous Waitomo caves on the way. Stopping at the Waitomo Caves offers a magical experience, where you can explore underground caverns illuminated by thousands of glowing worms. The serene boat ride through the caves reveals stunning limestone formations and a mesmerizing glow from the bioluminescent creatures above. Upon arrival at GSNZ, participants will be welcomed with a Mihi whakatau (Welcome Ceremony) and engage in Whanaungatanga (Building Relationships). After lunch, the group will set up their camp area within the Green School campus, followed by Hangi preparation, gathering materials and preparing the whenua / land. The afternoon continues with a refreshing swim in the campus awa / river before enjoying a BBQ dinner. The evening will feature a fire circle where cultural stories are shared, followed by an exciting spotlight game. The day concludes with bedtime in tents under the stars.

Monday: The day begins with the option to light the fire for the Hangi, followed by breakfast. After breakfast, the Hangi basket is lowered, and participants can engage in cold water immersion and breathwork. The morning continues with a river bouldering adventure, and the Hangi is unearthed for lunch. In the afternoon, a Harakeke workshop takes place, followed by a tree planting ceremony and a nature play session. Downtime is scheduled before dinner, and the evening concludes with a fire circle and a night game before enjoying a second night camping on the beautiful Green School NZ campus.

Tuesday: The day begins with an invigorating yoga session and an early morning dip, setting a peaceful tone for the morning. Afterward, participants will join a campus tour and engage in a joint project with GSNZ students, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, the group will transfer to a partner hotel and explore the foreshore before enjoying dinner in town. The day concludes with an evening climbing session at Paritutu, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

Wednesday: A day trip to Mount Taranaki to enjoy a breathtaking hike through lush forests, with panoramic views of the mountain’s iconic cone and surrounding landscapes. After the hike, kayaking on the nearby lakes will provides a peaceful way to enjoy the region’s natural beauty, with the mountain standing majestically in the background.

Evening: Dinner back at the hotel and a sustainability session. (Run by one of our community partners).

Thursday: A visit to the Puke Ariki Museum will provide an immersive journey through the rich history and culture of the Taranaki region, showcasing fascinating exhibits on local Maori heritage and natural history. After exploring the museum, the interactive art workshop at the Len Lye Centre will allow participants to engage with the innovative and kinetic works of Len Lye, providing a hands-on creative experience. This combination of cultural exploration and artistic expression makes for a dynamic and enriching day.

Evening: Cultural evening with local performances and/or crafts. Kapahaka performance – rakau and poi making.

Friday: Morning: Surf lessons

Morning surf lessons in one of New Plymouth’s iconic surf spots will make for an exhilarating start to the day. It brings an opportunity to ride the waves along the scenic coastline against the backdrop of Mount Taranaki. After enjoying the waves, next stop will be a visit to Pukekura Park in New Plymouth to explore tranquil lakes, manicured gardens, and winding trails amidst vibrant native flora and beautifully landscaped grounds.

Evening: Last meal in town, Poroporoaki / farewell.

Saturday: Morning: Pack up and prepare for departure. (Tidal and weather dependent, stop at the Three Sisters on the way back to Auckland.

Optional: Additional tour offerings in New Zealand for those interested in extending their stay.

Email greencamp@greenschool.nz for any further questions