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A 5 Day Sailing and Kayaking Adventure | Easter 2025 School Holiday Camp


  • NZ Sailing Trust 220 Quay Street Auckland, Auckland, 1010 New Zealand (map)

5 Day sail and kayak Overview

Program Goals

  • Develop Grit and Determination: Challenge students to push their limits and achieve personal and shared goals.

  • Foster Collaboration: Promote teamwork through engaging outdoor activities.

  • Teach Practical Skills: Focus on navigation, weather reading, course setting, and group cooking.

  • Build Resilience and Decision-Making: Test students' resilience and challenge their decision-making abilities.

  • Enhance Personal Growth: Provide a transformative experience that fosters friendships and life skills.

Activities Breakdown

  1. Sailing with NZ Sailing Trust (2.5 Days)

    • Vessels:

      • Lion New Zealand

      • Steinlager 2

    • Historical Significance: Both vessels were sailed by Sir Peter Blake in the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race.

    • Learning Opportunities:

      • Sailing basics and advanced navigation techniques

      • Detailed weather reading and course setting

      • Group meal preparation and nutrition

      • Sleep aboard in a watch rotation system to simulate real sailing conditions

      • Beach clean-ups and raft building

      • Complex problem-solving and advanced communication activities

    • Personal Development:

      • Enhances leadership and teamwork skills

      • Promotes environmental stewardship through hands-on activities

      • Develops advanced sailing skills and resilience

  2. Kayaking with Auckland Sea Kayaks (2.5 Days)

    • Learning Opportunities:

      • Advanced kayaking skills and safety techniques

      • Camping in natural settings with a focus on self-sufficiency

      • Leading and being led by peers to build leadership qualities

      • Advanced map reading and navigation

      • Understanding and applying Leave No Trace principles in more complex scenarios

    • Personal Development:

      • Promotes leadership and teamwork in challenging environments

      • Encourages environmental responsibility through active participation

      • Develops practical navigation skills and resilience

      • Fosters independence and self-confidence

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1-2.5: Sailing

  • Day 1:

    • Introduction to sailing vessels and safety briefing

    • Basic and advanced sailing instructions

    • Setting sail and beginning watch rotation

    • Evening group meal preparation and debrief

  • Day 2:

    • Continuation of sailing with focus on advanced navigation and weather reading

    • Participation in beach clean-ups and raft building

    • Leadership and complex problem-solving activities

    • Evening reflections and skill assessments

  • Day 2.5:

    • Final sailing activities and preparation for kayaking phase

    • Departure from sailing vessels

Day 2.5-5: Kayaking

  • Day 2.5:

    • Introduction to kayaking equipment and safety

    • Basic and advanced kayaking skills

    • Evening camp set-up and group meal preparation

  • Day 3:

    • Full day kayaking expedition with advanced map reading

    • Leadership rotations and team-building exercises

    • Evening camp activities and reflections

  • Day 4:

    • Kayaking to different locations, practicing advanced navigation skills

    • Environmental education and application of Leave No Trace principles

    • Evening group discussion and skill sharing

  • Day 5:

    • Final kayaking challenge and debrief

    • Pack up and return to starting point

    • Closing ceremony and feedback session

Key Takeaways

  • Life Skills: Students gain advanced skills in navigation, teamwork, and leadership.

  • Resilience and Independence: Through challenging activities and team dynamics.

  • Environmental Stewardship: Understanding and applying environmental principles in daily life.

  • Personal Growth: Transformative experience fostering self-confidence and lasting friendships.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH (OPTIONAL)

The programme is structured in a way that allows the participants to complete components of the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award (DOE) if relevant to them  (this is optional). The programme components meet the requirements for the Adventurous Journey and as such, any participants who are interested in using this programme for DOE can do so. For those not completing the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award, they will receive the same quality of programme and experiences.

COST $1,575.00 INCL GST PER PERSON.

Cost includes use of kayak and sailing vessel, experienced instructors/assessors, experienced yacht skipper and crew, food, camping equipment, accommodation camping and on board yacht.

To book, please the blue Book Now button on the side of the screen

This 5 day programme qualifies for Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Silver Award Adventurous Journey and Qualifying Journey for Gold Award. The programme is not only for Duke of Edinburgh Award students. All are welcome!