If you can’t find your question here or if you want more information, contact our programme coordinators, Nat and Shannon, at bookings@hillaryoutdoors.co.nz or 07 386 5511.
Hillary Holiday Camps are multi-day residential outdoor camps for teens. They focus on exploring the outdoors, making new friends and having fun in a safe, supported environment.
Hillary Holiday Camps are designed for teens aged 11–19.
Yes! Most teens sign up solo and quickly make friends.
No! All Hillary Holiday Camps are suitable for all experience levels, with qualified instructors guiding each step.
Activities vary depending on the Centre and conditions, but may include kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling, snorkelling, tramping, and team challenges.
We run Hillary Holiday Camps at both our North Island Centres – Coromandel and Tongariro. Both locations bring something different to the mix and offer stunning outdoor environments to explore!
You will stay in dorm-style bunkrooms with 2 – 12 people for most of the programme, except when you are on an overnight expedition. Boys and girls are in separate cabins.
Yes! An overnight supervisor stays in a neighbouring cabin. They complete checks in the evening and retire once every participant is asleep.
Yes. Safety is a top priority. All programmes are led by qualified instructors and operate under a comprehensive, three-tier safety management system.
No. Hillary Holiday Camps are specifically designed for individual teens to attend alone or with friends. If you would like to adventure with your teen, we run Whānau Camps where you can join the fun together.
You’ll receive a detailed gear list before your camp. This typically includes comfortable outdoor clothing, footwear, and personal items.
Both the teen and the attending adult must complete the online enrolment form.
We sure can! We can cater to vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, halal, and other dietary requirements. We are not a nut-free site, but we do our best to minimise cross-contamination in our kitchen. If you have a severe allergy and need to bring some or all your own food, we can provide fridge/kitchen space for it.
Yes! We’ve had many participants attend with various injuries or medical conditions such as;
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Hearing impairments
- Visual impairments
- ADHD
- Anaphylactic allergies
Reach out to our Programme Coordinators (bookings@hillaryoutdoors.co.nz or 07 386 5511) and let them know about your injury or medical condition. They will be able to answer your questions and work with you to understand how we can best support you at the camp.
Every camp at Hillary Outdoors is device-free! It creates the perfect opportunity to connect with each other, your camp peers and the nature surrounding you.
Teen’s devices (phones, laptops, iPads) are handed to the instructor in charge on arrival or left at home. Hillary Holiday Camps are an opportunity to connect with peers and the natural environment. Cameras (e.g., digital cameras, not phones) are allowed; ensure you bring a case/dry bag.
In the event of an emergency at home, whānau can contact the Duty Manager. This number is shared with you upon enrolment.
There are 2 good options to get to our Centres:
1. Self-drive drop off
2. Catch the bus and be picked up by our shuttle. For Tongariro camps, we pick up participants from the Tūrangi Visitor Centre, and for Coromandel camps from the Thames Information Centre.
When you enrol, you will receive further information regarding pick up and drop off times and locations.
Yes. We understand it is school holidays; however, school rules still apply. We expect acceptable school behaviour on our programmes. If students have major behavioural challenges during the camp, they may be required to leave the programme at their parents/guardian’s expense.
Yes! We welcome international participants to any Hillary Holiday Camp! Register as per usual, and our bookings team can help.