Trailblazer Alpine Camp – Tongariro
This alpine-focused Camp is our most popular school holiday adventure! Our 5-day Trailblazer Alpine Camp is a residential outdoor experience for 16–19-year-olds who want to explore the snow-covered landscapes of Tongariro National Park. Build your confidence and technical skills, make new friends and join an epic overnight mountain expedition
Whether you come on your own (most do!) or with a friend, you’ll be part of a group that works together, challenges themselves, and makes the most of every moment outdoors. No prior alpine experience required.
What to Expect
There’s no fixed schedule, making every Camp one of a kind. You’ll co-design your week alongside your group and instructor, shaping the experience around your goals, interests, and weather conditions.
During the week, you’ll experience:
- Using alpine gear like ice axes, crampons and snowshoes.
- Learning to navigate alpine terrain and choose safe routes.
- Reading and interpreting alpine weather forecasts
- A highlight overnight mountain expedition!
- Plenty of chances to make new friendships and lasting memories
- Instructor-led outdoor adventure activities, including:
| Snow Shoeing | Using crampons | Navigation |
| Reading weather forecasts | Walking with an ice axe | Overnight expedition |
Why Teens Love This Camp
- Designed specifically for 16–19-year-old participants
- A more independent, participant-led experience
- Strong focus on leadership, teamwork, and personal growth
- A supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute
- The chance to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with people and nature
By the end of the week, you’ll head home a true Trailblazer, with greater confidence, stronger connections, new skills, and a shared sense of achievement from an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Enrolment
If you are interested in joining this holiday camp, you will need to request a mentor from your community to complete the referee form. For more information, click on the ‘Referee form & info’ button.
DATE
September 27 – October 2
COST
$1,408 incl GST
Cost breakdown
$1,408 = $281.60 per day, including:
• 7 hours of adventure daily
• 5 nights’ accommodation
• Nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners (from arrival to departure)
• Transport to and from activities
• Highly skilled, qualified instructors
• Ongoing pastoral care and safety support
• Use of specialist gear
WHO IS IT FOR?
Ages 16 – 19
LOCATION
TONGARIRO CENTRE
Hydro Access Road 3,
State Highway 3
Tūrangi
Google map
Meals & Accommodation
All meals and accommodation from arrival day dinner to departure day lunch are provided (We cater to most dietary requirements).
All Activities & Gear
Multiple days of outdoor adventure activities, including specialist gear and equipment.
Comprehensive Safety Management
Our professional Safety Management System ensures all activities are run to the highest safety standards by
qualified instructors.
Online Prep Evening
Before the programme, one of our team members will host a virtual prep session to introduce you to the other participants, share what to expect, outline what to pack, and answer any questions you have.
Phone Free Time
Participants can either leave their phones at home or store them away safely on the arrival night, and collect
them on departure day so they can be fully engaged in their programme.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award – Gold Residential
This programme meets the requirements for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award – Gold Residential. Students must already be enrolled in the DOE programme and ask instructors to sign them off at the end of the programme.
