If you can’t find your question here or if you want more information, contact Nat our Programme Coordinator, at bookings@hillaryoutdoors.co.nzor 07 386 5511.
A Whānau Camp is a multi-day residential outdoor programme for teens and their parent, caregiver, or guardian. It focuses on strengthening relationships through shared outdoor adventures, teamwork, and meaningful time together.
Whānau Camps are designed for teens aged 11–18 and a parent, caregiver, or guardian who attends alongside them.
Yes! Whānau Camps are designed as a shared experience, so adults are encouraged to fully participate in activities alongside their teen. Trust us, you will not want to miss out!
You don’t need any prior outdoor experience! All activities are guided by qualified instructors and adapted to suit a range of abilities and confidence levels.
Activities vary depending on the Centre and conditions, but may include kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling, snorkelling, tramping, and team challenges.
We run Whānau 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, except when you are on an overnight expedition, then you will be camping.
Yes. Safety is a top priority. All programmes are led by qualified instructors and operate under a comprehensive, three-tier safety management system.
No. Whānau Camps are specifically designed for teens and an accompanying adult to attend together. If your teen wants to come solo, we run Hillary Holiday Camps for teens every school holiday.
Yes! You will return to base around 5 pm daily to relax, connect, and enjoy the natural environment with your whānau.
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.
Yes! To find out the cost for an extra adult or teen, email bookings@hillaryoutdoors.co.nz or call 07 386 5511 and speak with Nat, our Programme Coordinator. She has all the answers!
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 of your own food, we can provide fridge/kitchen space for this.
You will stay in dorm-style bunkrooms with 2–12 people, except when you are on an overnight expedition, then you will be camping.
Yes! We’ve had many participants attend with various injuries or medical conditions such as;
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Hearing disorders
- Visual impairments
- ADHD
- Anaphylactic allergies
Reach out to Nat, our Programme Coordinator (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 with the nature surrounding you.
Teen’s devices (phones, laptops, iPads) are handed to the instructor in charge on arrival, kept by the parent/guardian/whānau member or left at home. For adults, phones can be used to take photos, but we recommend they are not used for the rest of the time. Better yet, we have GoPros to use or bring your own camera during the camp.
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:
- Self-drive. Both centres have off street outdoor parking to safely leave your car during your stay.
- 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.