Secondary School Programmes
Whenua Iti Outdoors is here to support schools in the education of rangatahi. We provide unique experiential learning programmes that complement and enhance classroom learning. Programmes can be tailored towards specific outcomes, the focus can vary between leadership goals, social development, technical skills, career development or may have a NCEA support focus.
Working together with schools we are able to help your rangatahi through Experiential Education to experience success, learn and grow.
*FREE PLACES AVAILABLE IN TERM 4
Thanks to funding from Trades Academies, Jobs for Nature and the Whenua Iti Foundation we have free places on these programmes for local secondary students!* This is an amazing chance to get outdoors, learn some new skills and earn NCEA credits at the same time.
There are limited places so be sure to enrol soon via the programme page on our website or with your Trades Coordinator at School.
Adventure Leadership
This is a fantastic opportunity to make the most of your school holidays on an Adventure Leadership programme. Focus on sea kayaking and mountain biking while you have a great experience meeting new people and exploring the beautiful outdoor environments of Te Tau Ihu.
Ages: 16 - 18 yrs
Duration: 7 nights / 8 days
7th - 14th Dec
Kaitiaki Leadership
Adventure in local national parks, experiencing a range of adventure activities on 3 x 3-day expeditions, with a lens on conservation & biodiversity management. You will come away with a deeper connection and understanding of te taio (the environment).
Ages: 16 - 18 yrs
Duration: 8 nights / 9 days
16th - 24th Nov
Adventure Skills Development
Develop outdoor adventure skills while experiencing a variety of activities on group outdoor expeditions, with the added opportunity of completing 15 Level 3 NCEA credits.
Ages: 16 - 18
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
7th - 15th Dec
*Funded places available to students from Nelson, Tasman Marlborough & West Coast.
Trades Academy Programmes
Whenua Iti Outdoors in conjunction with Top of the South Trades Academy (TOTSTA) and West Coast Trades Academy (WCTA) deliver a range of programmes to Year 11 -13 students.
Find out more >
Holiday Programmes
We offer programmes during the school holidays to secondary students, some of which can also include NCEA assessments. This is a great way to get the most out of the school holidays!
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Tailored Programmes
We work with school & community groups to design & deliver bespoke programmes to meet the needs of your students - we can also build in NCEA assessments to offer educational outcomes.
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Duke of Edinburgh's Award
We support individuals & schools to participate in the Award, which inspires youth leadership & achievement. WIO are registered providers of Adventurous Journeys & Gold Residential Project.
Find out more >
Download our Brochure
Qualified Instructors
You're in safe hands. Our friendly & highly professional instructors are all industry qualified for a wide range of activities.
NZQA Qualified and NCEA Aligned
We are NZQA accredited, can offer NCEA Level 1-3 assessments and all programmes align with the NZ Curriculum key competencies.
Safety Accredited
We put safety first. We are a registered provider of Adventure Activities with Worksafe NZ, and are Safety audit certified with OutdoorsMark.
All Secondary School Programmes
Kaitiaki Leadership (L3)
Connect to nature while developing your outdoor adventure skills in our local national parks on 3 x 3-day expeditions, learning about conservation & biodiversity management to protect these taonga. This…
- Adventure
- Nature Connection
- Environment
Adventure Leadership (L2)
Build on a love of the outdoors by learning technical and practical outdoor skills in a team environment. *Thanks to funding from Top of the South & West Coast Trades…
- Adventure
Aotearoa Calling
Aotearoa Calling is a leadership programme designed for secondary students to deepen their connection to Aotearoa while on an adventurous journey across Te Tau Ihu, the Top of the South….
- Adventure
- Tourism
- Environment
Inspiring Leaders
Build confidence in your leadership skills with Whenua Iti Outdoors. This course is aimed at senior students who have the potential to take up school or community leadership positions for…
- Adventure
- Health & Wellbeing
- Environment
Environmental Journey
Join us on a fun & rewarding environmental journey from the mountains to the sea – perfect if working towards your Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Venture into one of…
- Adventure
- Environment
Adventurous Journey – Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Join Whenua Iti Outdoors to complete part of your Adventurous Journey Award component on an unforgettable 4 day / 3 night excursion. Venture into one of our stunning local national…
- Adventure
Predator Control & Conservation (Level 3)
If you enjoy being outside, being active and learning in a hands-on, practical way, then come and join our efforts to protect New Zealand’s unique biodiversity! The Level 3 Predator…
- Environment
- Trades
Tailored Programmes – International
We can create a unique experiential learning programme for international groups that can be designed to meet your desired outcomes using a mix of cultural, environmental or outdoors-based activities. At…
- Adventure
- Environment
- Cultural
- Health & Wellbeing
Tailored Programmes – Secondary Schools
We can create a unique experiential learning programme that will be designed to meet your goals. Allow your rangatahi to access the benefits of an organised, adventurous and engaging Experiential…
- Adventure
- Cultural
- Environment
Tailored Programme – Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
If you have a group of 6 or more Whenua Iti Outdoors (WIO) can tailor a programme to help you achieve your Adventurous Journey or Gold Residential components of the…
- Adventure
Whaikaha (Seek Strength)
Support through Adventure Therapy at Whenua Iti Outdoors. Based on a clinical approach used by field therapists, Whaikaha programmes are a proven, life changing intervention, using an adventure therapy model.Our…
- Adventure
- Health & Wellbeing
First Aid Courses
First Aid skills are key life and work skills that are transferable across a range of career pathways. Whenua Iti Outdoors provides a range of First Aid courses for secondary…
- Adventure
Environmental Science (Level 3)
The Environmental Science programme is designed to bring science to life through a series of field-based, environmental investigations. The programme focus is on developing an understanding of environmental science and…
- Environment
- Trades
- Cultural
Service Industry Internship (Level 3)
The Service Industry Internship programme is designed for students who are looking to gain essential employment skills for the transition from school to the world of work. Students whilst working…
- Tourism
- Trades
Tourism Operations (Level 3)
Students get to really experience tourism through the lens of clients, local tourism business owners and as an employee. You will visit a range of tourism operators, understand the different…
- Tourism
- Trades
Manaaki Tāpoi Advanced (Level 3)
The Manaaki Tāpoi Advanced programme will strengthen participant’s understanding both of the uniqueness of Māori culture as well as the interconnectedness of Te Ao Māori. The course builds on the…
- Cultural
- Tourism
- Trades
Manaaki Tāpoi Introduction (Level 2)
Course Aim The Manaaki Tāpoi course celebrates the importance of Cultural (indigenous) Tourism. Learning will focus on key elements of Māori culture and how they are interpreted in cultural tourism…
- Cultural
- Tourism
- Trades
Adventure Tourism Leadership (L3)
Take your existing outdoors skills to the next level. Build your confidence in outdoor leadership through this challenging and rewarding course. Course Aim Students will build on their existing outdoor…
- Adventure
- Tourism
- Trades
Adventure Tourism Leadership (L2)
Build on a love of the outdoors by learning technical and practical outdoor skills in a team environment. Course Aim The Adventure Tourism Leadership – Level 2 programme provides students…
- Adventure
- Tourism
- Trades
Civil Defence Emergency Response (Level 3)
Experience simulated emergency exercises and gain essential rope skills & techniques used in emergency outdoors situations. Course Aim To provide participants with the practical skills and knowledge to be able…
- Trades
- Adventure
Senior Journey
Let your tamariki go on a journey of discovery with our Senior Journey holiday programme, to explore the outdoors and discover their potential. The Senior Journey adventure holiday programme allows…
- Adventure
- Environment
Adventure Skills Development (L3)
Develop your outdoor adventure skills on this programme – experience a variety of disciplines while on group outdoor expeditions in local national parks. Thanks to funding from Top of the…
- Adventure
Junior Journey
Let your tamariki go on a Journey of discovery, to explore the outdoors and discover their potential. The Junior Journey heads to the outdoor sweet spots of our region, designed…
- Adventure
- Environment
Waka Ama Journey
The Waka Ama Journey programme has been designed to increase student’s self-confidence, cultural connection, and develop a strong sense of belonging. The programme will identify individual student’s strengths and build…
- Cultural
- Adventure
Uniformed Services (Level 2)
Find out first hand what it’s really like to be a paramedic, a police officer and a firefighter! Course Aim: To provide students with the opportunity to explore career pathways…
- Trades
Want to find out more about a programme or have a question for us? Talk to one of our friendly team - we're happy to help.