Whenua Iti Outdoors

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.

28/08/2026

Today we said haere rā to Rachel who has been a tutor at Whenua Iti for over six years! Most people know she's got a colourful collection of socks (and hats and shirts) that mean she's easy to spot when you see her outdoors - we wore our most colourful socks in her honour today.

When she's not participating in adventure races she's been a stalwart of the Trades Academy programmes. In particular, Uniformed Services which we are sure will be one of her lasting legacy projects that she was a big part of establishing. We'll miss your enthusiasm and energy Rach, and we wish you the best for your next adventure.

If you’ve been a participant on a programme with Rach drop a comment below.

26/08/2026

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou i te NRDA! It was wonderful to participate in the wānanga. We greatly appreciate your mahi in this space 💚

21/08/2026

Not every classroom has four walls. Our Outdoor Emergency Response (Level 3) Trades Academy students have been learning in some of the most incredible environments Aotearoa has to offer, building real skills that can be applied in the outdoors, the workplace and everyday life.

During the programme, students learned how to work effectively as part of a team, prepare for overnight outdoor activities, understand New Zealand weather systems, cross rivers safely, and assess and manage emergency care situations in outdoor environments.

These are practical, nationally recognised skills that build confidence, leadership, problem-solving and resilience. More importantly, they give young people a taste of careers in the outdoors, conservation, emergency response, tourism and recreation sectors.

The photos tell the story. Big landscapes. Real challenges. Students stepping up, supporting each other and discovering what they're capable of.

If you're aged 15-18 and thinking about your subject choices for 2027, now is the time to explore the opportunities available through Trades Academy. Funding is available for partner schools, so there is no cost to students, and the skills and qualifications gained can help create a pathway into employment, further training or a career straight after school.

Get in touch with your school's careers advisor or contact us to learn more.

17/08/2026

Our recent adventure with Reefton Area School was a reminder of what can happen when young people are given the opportunity to challenge themselves in the outdoors.

Over three days, students explored some of the West Coast's incredible landscapes. From abseiling at Tauranga Bay near Westport and tackling more vertical challenges at Woods Creek near Greymouth, to exploring historic mine shafts and building survival shelters alongside the Boyle River, every day brought new experiences and new opportunities for growth.

What stood out most was the willingness of these students to step outside their comfort zones. They embraced each challenge with enthusiasm, supported one another, and showed a genuine connection to the natural environment around them.

Our tutors came away incredibly impressed by the group's attitude, resilience and sense of adventure. It was a privilege to spend time with such a positive bunch of young people who clearly love being outdoors.

Ngā mihi, Reefton Area School. We loved sharing this journey with you. Lastly, a big thank you to Buller REAP - Youth Team for your support bringing this program to life 🙌

Reefton Area School

16/08/2026

Some vehicles do the job. Others become part of the team. We've had the pleasure of having this classic Toyota Land Cruiser on loan over the weekend from our long time supporter Bowater Toyota, and it's fair to say it's been a bit of a star! Participants, staff and visitors have all stopped for a look, shared a story, or commented on just how good it looks. There's something about a classic vehicle that brings a smile to people's faces.

A huge thank you to Bowater Toyota for trusting us with this beauty. We're not saying we've become attached... but there may have been a few discussions about whether anyone would notice if it just quietly stayed parked outside the office forever...

Bowater Group Ltd

14/08/2026

ExpedNZ is the international education arm of Whenua Iti. Profit from these programmes is reinvested in domestic programmes for youth in Te Tauihu. ExpedNZ is founded on the belief that experiential learning best prepares students for our changing world, weaving culture, adventure and nature connection experiences throughout carefully designed programs that result in lasting personal growth.

Find out more at expednz.com