Whenua Iti Outdoors

18/09/2026

Four days, four groups, one great fortnight with Henley School in Richmond. Over the last two weeks we've hosted four groups from Henley School for a day out of the classroom. The programme covered orienteering, adventure based learning games, and high ropes elements including the Flying Kiore and the trapeze.

Every group brought energy from the first activity to the last. Watching tamariki push themselves on the ropes course and problem solve their way around the orienteering course is exactly why we do this mahi.

Henley School

17/09/2026

If you've been to our site in Lower Moutere chances are you've seen the gear shed at some point. Did you know that early on in Whenua Iti's history our vehicles could drive right through the building? We're really enjoying going through the archives and finding pictures like this.

Reminder: keep the 21st November free. We're busy planning our 40th birthday celebrations and we're running a public open day between 11 - 3pm.

16/09/2026

Small group, but a big week! Reid kicked things off solo on Tuesday, tackling the climb at Charleston and finding out exactly what "comfort zone" means by stepping right out of it.

Then the crew grew. Five more students joined in for a huge Wednesday: team building, into the dark at Winchead Cave, and a cool down swim in the Nile River to wrap it up. Thursday's mission into Cave Creek was awesome. The tutors loved watching this group show real respect for the history of the place which made the whole day.

Three days. Four locations. A whole lot of growth. The team are buzzing to have this crew back down with us in Term 2.

Buller High School

15/09/2026

We’re very excited to continue our partnership with NBS. Their support makes our programmes more available to local primary and secondary school students.

Supporting local youth for over 10 years 💚

We're proud to continue our partnership with Whenua Iti Outdoors who is helping local tamariki and rangatahi access outdoor learning experiences that build confidence, resilience and lifelong skills. By helping remove financial barriers, more young people from our region can take part in programmes that challenge, inspire and create lasting memories.

Here's to more opportunities for local youth to learn, grow and thrive.

Read the full article here 🔗 https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01mtpt0

10/09/2026

In partnership with Te Āwhina Marae, join us for an enriching multi-day wānanga of transformative experiential learning designed to deepen reciprocal relationships with Te Taiao through understanding and connection. This opportunity is ideal for active recreation professionals and outdoor educators who are interested in enhancing their environments and practices through deeper engagement with Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview).

30th November - 3rd December | Motueka, Nelson. $850 pp.

Your registration fee includes:
• all sessions and activities (excluding waka)
• all transport within the wānanga and airport transfers (at set times)
• 2 nights x noho marae accommodation (nb. first night is up to you, you're welcome to camp at Whenua Iti)

Food Provided:
Day 1: Lunch & Afternoon tea (dinner is up to you)
Day 2: Morning & Afternoon tea, lunch & dinner (Breakfast up to you)
Day 3: All meals
Day 4: Breakfast & morning tea

The dawn waka paddle (limited numbers) is an extra $85pp, you can sign up when you register.

Register here > https://www.whenuaiti.org.nz/wananga-2026/

09/09/2026

Some scrapbook gold from the archives to celebrate our 40th year. Back in the late 80s and early 90s, much of the property was surrounded by pine forest. You can still spot it behind the mud in one of the photos - look for the abseil tower. Very different scenery to what campers see today!

Getting the site off the ground took some serious help. The NZ Army pitched in, Unimog and all. And of course, none of it happens without people. Meet early Chief Instructors, Gareth Hare and Paula Roberts, who set the tone for every instructor since. If you were around in these early days, or you recognise a face, tell us in the comments.

Reminder: Keep the 21st November free because we have a public open day for our 40th birthday celebrations.

04/09/2026

Today we said farewell to a very special member of the Whenua Iti Outdoors whānau. For more than five years, Mo has been one of the first faces to welcome people arriving on site. Whether it was a school camp, holiday programme, staff event or community gathering, her friendly smile, positive attitude and willingness to help made everyone feel at home. This afternoon we gathered as a team to celebrate Mo and thank her for the incredible contribution she has made to Whenua Iti Outdoors. As part of her send-off, she even took on the Flying Kiore, proving once again that she's always up for a challenge.

Mo's hard work, big heart and dedication to our kaupapa have left a lasting mark on our organisation and the thousands of young people, teachers, whānau and visitors who have passed through our gates during her time here. While we're very sad to see her go, we're incredibly grateful for everything she has given to Whenua Iti Outdoors. We know she'll bring the same warmth, energy and commitment to whatever comes next. Thank you, Mo. You'll be deeply missed, and we wish you every success for the future.

03/09/2026

NBS has been one of Whenua Iti Outdoors’ most steadfast partners, helping young people access outdoor learning experiences that build confidence, resilience and connection. NBS Chief Transformation Officer Jake Bromwich recently got a taste of a Whenua Iti programme himself, joining WIO Chief Executive Mark Bruce-Miller on our high ropes course. Have a read of our latest blog about his experience and how NBS have been supporting WIO for many years.

NBS has been one of Whenua Iti Outdoors' most steadfast partners, helping young people access outdoor learning experiences that build confidence, resilience and connection. As we celebrate 40 years of experiential education in Nelson Tasman this year, their support stands out as an enduring communit...

01/09/2026

It's our 40th birthday this November!

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of inspiring, challenging and connecting people through the outdoors. Bring your whānau and friends for a fun-filled day exploring Whenua Iti, meeting our team, enjoying activities, and celebrating this special milestone with our community.

31/08/2026

Last week our team headed out with a fantastic group of students from Queen Charlotte College for a four day tramping adventure through the Marlborough Sounds, and what a trip it was.

The journey started with some team building before the group loaded up and drove out through Canvastown to Butchers Flat, then tramped in to Devils Creek Hut carrying their own food, shelter and cooking gear. They managed themselves brilliantly as a group from day one, staying together and looking out for each other. Evenings were spent setting up camp, getting the fire going, cooking dinner and, of course, marshmallows by the fire.

From there the group pushed on to Nydia Bay, a solid five and a half hour walk, before finishing up at Kaiuma Bay with an early 6am start and a talk on stepping outside your comfort zone. A real highlight was watching students step up for each other. When things got tough, we saw peers step in time and time again to support their mates. Every student also had a turn leading and navigating their group, and most threw themselves into the challenge.

Respectful, loud, hilarious and always up for a laugh in the downtime, this group did Queen Charlotte College proud. Huge thanks to the school for having us out, it was a real pleasure. Nice work team.