Connect with your teen in the outdoors
Whānau Camps are a unique opportunity for a parent, caregiver, or guardian to spend quality one-on-one time with their teen (11-18) in the outdoors, alongside other families. These family camps focus on building stronger relationships through outdoor adventure, communication, and personal growth.
Together, you’ll take part in guided activities that encourage connection, teamwork, and mutual support, in some of Aotearoa’s most remote and inspiring natural environments.
Camp registration covers one adult and one teen. If you’d like to bring additional whānau members, please contact our Programme Coordinators at bookings@hillaryoutdoors.co.nz or (07) 386 5511, and we’ll help arrange this for you.
What you’ll both gain:
- Quality one-on-one time together
- Strengthen communication and trust
- Create lasting shared memories
- Meet and connect with other participants
- Build confidence through outdoor challenges
- Develop practical outdoor and teamwork skills
Hear from some of our past Whānau Campers
“One of my favourite moments with my dad was when we were abseiling because when I was halfway through, I could look up at him smiling and cheering from the top. Another one of my favourite moments was when we were coasteering because I was able to tackle him off the rock, and we would be jumping together. I think it strengthened our relationship because we saw each other doing things we hadn’t seen each other do before. That was cool.”
“My son and I have a strong bond and this camp enabled us to create new memories in a new environment. Along with spending time with my son there was an unanticipated benefit of relaxing with the other parents.”
“What stayed with me most were the moments of shared presence with my son. One example was after the climb to our campsite, where we sat together and simply acknowledged the journey and the physical effort we had endured side by side. Another was being able to recognise him for his courage and perseverance, and to name that in a way that helped reinforce his own sense of capability. The overall experience was meaningful and grounding, and it strengthened our relationship in ways that will continue beyond the camp.”
“The instructors were encouraging, steady, and supportive throughout the camp. Their approach created safety and trust, which allowed both the young people and the parents to engage fully.”
INSTRUCTORS
Our instructors are the heart of your experience. They are dedicated to your whānau throughout, guiding, supporting, and encouraging every step of the way.


FOOD
Healthy, balanced meals to fuel your time outdoors, with options for a wide range of dietary needs.
ACCOMMODATION
Stay in DOC-style shared cabins with full facilities, plus one night on expedition sleeping in tents, flys, or hammocks.


SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Your safety is our top priority, with experienced instructors and carefully managed challenges at every stage.
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
Please take a moment to read through our Terms and Conditions before making a booking.
We have attempted to answer some of your questions! If you have more, please email our Programme Coordinators, Nat and Shannon – bookings@hillaryoutdoors.co.nz or call 07 386 5511.
Events
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Hillary Holiday Camp - Ages 13-16Adventurer Camp – Tongariro
Join other teens aged 13-16 for an unforgettable school holiday outdoor adventure. This 4-day Adventurer Camp is a fun, residential outdoor camp held Read More
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Hillary Holiday Camp - Ages 11-12Explorer Camp- Tongariro
Ready for an unforgettable school holiday? Our 4-day Explorer Camp is a residential adventure for 11 and 12-year-olds who want to try Read More
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Adult and Teen - ages 11-18Whānau Camp – Coromandel
This Whānau Camp is a residential outdoor family camp in the Northern Coromandel for teens (11–18) and the important adults in their lives. It’s designed to Read More
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Hillary Holiday Camp - Ages 16-19Trailblazer Camp – Coromandel
Join other participants aged 16-19 years old for a fun, multi-activity outdoor adventure these school holidays. Our Trailblazer Camp is Read More
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School Team Event - Year 9-10Get2Go – Taranaki/Whanganui
Get2Go is a great entry-level outdoor education adventure challenge for Year 9 and 10 school students. Form a team of Read More
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Homeschool/Unschool - Ages 14-18Discovery Camp – Tongariro
Discovery Camp is all about stepping outside your comfort zone, working as a team, and experiencing the wild like never Read More
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School Team Event - Year 9-10Get2Go – Auckland
Get2Go is a great entry-level outdoor education adventure challenge for Year 9 and 10 school students. Form a team of Read More
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School Team Event - Year 9-10Get2Go – Northland
Get2Go is a great entry-level outdoor education adventure challenge for Year 9 and 10 school students. Form a team of Read More
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School Team Event - Year 9-10Get2Go – Waikato
Get2Go is a great entry-level outdoor education adventure challenge for Year 9 and 10 school students. Form a team of Read More
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School Team Event - Year 9-10Get2Go – Bay of Plenty
Get2Go is a great entry-level outdoor education adventure challenge for Year 9 and 10 school students. Form a team of Read More
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School Team Event - Year 9-10Get2Go – Hawkes Bay
Get2Go is a great entry-level outdoor education adventure challenge for Year 9 and 10 school students. Form a team of Read More
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School Team Event - Year 9-10Get2Go – Wellington/Wairarapa/Manawatū
Get2Go is a great entry-level outdoor education adventure challenge for Year 9 and 10 school students. Form a team of Read More



