Hillary Outdoors Coromandel - Hillary Outdoors

Welcome to our Marine & Conservation Centre

ABOUT HILLARY OUTDOORS COROMANDEL

Hillary Outdoors Coromandel is nestled amongst 340 hectares of native bush in Port Charles on the Coromandel Peninsula. 242 hectares of this land is protected under the QEII Conservation Trust, supporting the preservation of this unique environment.

The land surrounding the Centre’s main buildings rises steeply into dense, regenerating bush, with the Tangiaro River winding its way through the valley below. Towering kauri stand throughout the area, and the site is home to the largest wild kiwi population on private land in northern Coromandel.

WHAT AWAITS YOU AT HILLARY OUTDOORS COROMANDEL

At the Centre, participants can experience a wide range of activities, including sea kayaking, waka ama, coasteering, surfing, snorkelling, rock climbing, and tramping through the bush with overnight stays in hammocks or under flys.

Our programmes are designed to bring people together through shared challenge, discovery, and adventure. Using experiential learning, outdoor exploration, and communal living, participants connect as a group; building trust, resilience, and a sense of belonging along the way.

LEARN BY DOING, TOGETHER

Our Coromandel Centre immerses participants in hands-on learning experiences from the moment they arrive.

From marine adventures to conservation efforts, every activity invites participants to participate, contribute, and grow. They’ll gain practical skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the environment.

A SHARED COMMITMENT TO KAITIAKITANGA

We are deeply committed to protecting the unique ecosystems of the Coromandel Peninsula, and everyone who joins us shares in that responsibility. Through our partnership with the Waikato Regional Council, we follow strong biosecurity practices to help protect kauri and preserve the land for future generations.

Our programmes foster a shared respect for the natural world and encourage participants to experience and care for it simultaneously.

COROMANDEL IN THE WINTER

Winter in the Coromandel is mild, with daytime temperatures around 12 to 15°C and cooler nights between 8 and 11°C. It’s not the kind of cold that keeps you indoors. It’s the kind that invites you to get out and explore!

Yes, there’s a bit more rain around, but there are also plenty of crisp, clear days that feel made for outdoor adventures. And at the end of it all, you can head back for a hot mug of Milo.

As the day winds down, things get even better. Clear winter nights bring incredible stargazing, and the sound of kiwi calling through the bush is something you won’t forget in a hurry.

THE CENTRE

Hillary Outdoors Coromandel can accommodate up to 60 overnight participants and accompanying adults weekly. We have six participant cabins accommodating 12 participants and four supervisor cabins, each accommodating two to four adults.

There is a shared Main Lodge/wharekai for communal dining, a fireplace, a pool table, a ping pong table, and a lounge.

Don’t miss out! Register your interest today or contact us for more information.

IN THE NEWS

We have taught outdoor skills and personal development since 1972, and our instructors are highly qualified, caring, and committed.
Hillary Outdoors is a New Zealand leader in outdoor risk management; safety is paramount and all risks clients are exposed to while at Hillary Outdoors are consistently and carefully analysed and managed
Tailor-made programmes defined in consultation with the Hillary Outdoors Team that can include specific adventures providing context to focus areas, key competencies, learning outcomes, and more…
As a registered educational establishment, Hillary Outdoors can also help deliver Unit Standards and Achievement Standards to Year 11 – 13 students during their time with us
This is a proven and impactful programme – in just 5 days students grow, develop, and learn new things about themselves, with numerous schools telling us of the positive change in their students on return to the classroom.

Where is the Coromandel Centre?

In the beautiful Port Charles (1299 Port Charles Road, Port Charles 3584) on the Coromandel Peninsula.

When will the Centre open?

It’s open! To make an enquiry or booking, email Chloe Beer chloeb@hillaryoutdoors.co.nz.

What safety measures are in place for participants?

Safety is priority.

We have a comprehensive safety management system in place at Tongariro, and this high standard has been implemented at Hillary Outdoors Coromandel, along with our three-tiered safety system.

We will have qualified instructors, well-maintained equipment, and strict safety standards for all activities. More information on our safety standards can be found here.

What age groups are programmes offered to?

Programmes are available for participants from year 7 upwards. We can also provide programmes for groups of adults.

When can teachers/trip organisers do a site visit prior to their school/ group attending?

Please contact Chloe Beer chloeb@hillaryoutdoors.co.nz to express interest in a site visit and she can arrange this with one of our staff.

What types of programmes are offered at the Coromandel Centre?

We offer multi-day, multi-week and multi-year programmes. Typically, our multi-day programmes span over 5 days and our multi-week programmes continue for 5 weeks. Multi-year programmes see the same participants return annually to amplify youth development outcomes.

Programmes are bespoke and our team develop programmes to meet a groups’ learning outcomes. Contact Chloe Beer chloeb@hillaryoutdoors.co.nz to inquire about programmes.

What activities are available?

Our programmes are bespoke. Our team will work with you to develop a programme that meets yours and your ākonga’s needs.

We facilitate activities such as sea kayaking, surf kayaking, snorkelling, coasteering, environmental conservation projects, team-building exercises, tramping, camp craft, and overnight expeditions, to provide opportunities for transformative youth development.

Activity Booklet

What does the programme cost?

Costs will vary depending on the length and type of programme. Quotes will be made specifically for each enquiry.

To make an enquiry or booking, email Chloe Beer chloeb@hillaryoutdoors.co.nz with the following info and she will send you a quote;

School/ Group/ Organisation name
Number of participants
Number of adults
Preference of dates or which term/ time of the year
Please include that this is an enquiry for the Coromandel Centre. Chloe can also book groups into our Tongariro Centre.

How can I book a programme for my school/ group/ as an individual?

Email Chloe Beer chloeb@hillaryoutdoors.co.nz with the following details;

School/ Group/ Organisation name
Number of participants – youth or adults
Number of accompanying adults
Preference of dates or which term/ time of the year
Please include that your inquiry is for the Coromandel Centre. Chloe also books groups into our Tongariro Centre.

Individual bookings – Check out our Holiday Action Challenge, Discovery Challenge and Duke of Ed Programmes.

Do I need any prior experience to join the programmes?

No, our programmes are an awesome opportunity to learn about your strengths, work with others, learn outdoor skills and put them to use in a safe, supported and fun way.

We encourage you to come with an open mind and willingness to give the challenges a go.

Your instructors will work with your group to give you opportunities to learn, go out of your comfort zone, recognise your strengths and work with your team to overcome challenges together.

We will push you, if it were easy, it would be boring. We want you to realise how capable you are. We want you to be successful and have fun!

Hillary Outdoors are the custodians of the amazing legacy created by Sir Graeme Dingle and Sir Edmund Hillary who believed that all youth should have access to enhance their lives through outdoor and adventure education, regardless of their material resources or ability.

Over 50 years later, we continue to provide support to ensure our outdoor education-based, youth development programmes are accessible to all Kiwi kids.

We can provide funding support for rangatahi to have life-changing adventures and flourish through two funding channels:

Crowdfunding: Contribution Hub
Hillary Step Scholarship programme

Find out more