After operating from Karaka Bay on Aotea Great Barrier Island since 2006, we have made the tough decision to permanently close our Centre on Aotea as of 11 May 2024.

The challenges of operating from an island location mean the centre is no longer financially sustainable for our Trust. Increased costs to run outdoor education programmes for the many school and community groups we service have unfortunately made pricing out of reach for our rangatahi. 

We are sad to end our long-standing relationship with our Aotea Great Barrier Island community, including Orama, iwi, and the wider island community who have worked with us for 18 years. Aotea will always be a location that holds a special place in our hearts and minds. 

Staff and client safety and well-being remain our priority. Please be assured that Hillary Outdoors remains viable and is committed to continuing to deliver incredible programmes to Aotearoa’s rangatahi long into the future. Our Tongariro Centre, the Tertiary and Events programmes remain in operation. 

The capacity of our Tongariro Centre will increase to accommodate our affected clients. We are committed to supporting and offering other opportunities to our team and our clients through this time.

We thank the many schools, groups and organisations that have supported our Aotea Great Barrier Island Centre over the years. While it is the end of an era, it is the right decision for our organisation as we look to the future and continue to work towards Hillary Outdoors being a sustainable organisation for the next 50 years. 

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini – my success is not mine alone, but it is the strength of many.

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Media Contact

Hilary Sutherland, 021 234 1824, marketing@hillaryoutdoors.co.nz