A SNAPSHOT OF OUR REAL-LIFE THEMES ON OFFER

  • KAYAKING IN THE BAY

  • SNORKELING

  • EXPLORING AND UNDERSTANDING OUR MARINE ENVIROMENT

  • HIKING

  • TEAM BUILDING

  • SURFING

  • OUTDOOR COOKING & NUTRITION

Join us for a unique Island Adventure

Our experienced team are here to help you organise your next school camp. We offer a unique environment and experience for your students. Once you have decided on your preferred dates we can work through what you would like to achieve from your specific camp, what activities you would like, and of course the cost of your camp.

School Group Adventures

The OMAC experience is based on two key learning approaches; Place-based Education and Experiential Learning. Place-based Education takes our community and geographical location as the context for learning and Experiential Learning is the philosophy that recognises that hands-on learning and doing is where many students / ākonga find success.

With Place-based Education and Experiential Learning as our foundation, OMAC has developed a local curriculum to strengthen students' learning opportunities and to celebrate our unique place. This local curriculum is available to schools as a collection of Real-life Learning Themes. Our signature Real-life Learning Themes are selected by school leaders to create a unique medley of learning opportunities relevant and appropriate for the ākonga at your school.

SNORKELING

  • Our primary focus is on marine activities, ensuring that opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, and leaping off the wharf are fully embraced.

  • Engaging in these aquatic adventures will allow OMAC students to explore the underwater world, fostering confidence and a sense of adventure along the way.

  • Available soon

OCEAN TO PLATE

  • A cooking experience with a difference. In this activity ākonga will explore and participate in the journey of kaimoana as it comes from the ocean to their own plate.

  • Students will gain valuable insights into sustainable fishing practices and marine ecosystems while also receiving hands-on training in food preparation, cooking, and presentation. This activity seamlessly blends marine science with hospitality, food technology, culinary techniques, and adaptability, providing a well-rounded educational experience.

  • Available soon

SURFING

  • The east coast of Aotea has some amazing surf beaches, perfect for learning this new skill. Connect with the moana at beautiful Mabeys Beach for a full day, off site experience with a qualified surf instructor.

  • Students will learn the basis of all aspects of surfing including balance, paddling and timing, along with connecting with te taiao/nature, and promoting mental and physical wellbeing.

  • Available soon

KAYAKING

  • Through this experiential learning unit, students/ākonga will develop foundational kayaking skills while fostering water safety awareness and connecting with the outdoors.

  • Our fleet of sit-on kayaks are perfect for learning to paddle in our bay. This activity incorporates water safety and environmental awareness, cultural connections, teamwork and leadership skills.

  • Available soon

NAVIGATION AND ORIENTEERING

  • Navigation skills and orienteering techniques for exploring the outdoors. Students will learn how to read maps, use a compass, and navigation using GPS.

  • Navigation and orienteering promote the development of cognitive and mental processes whilst exploring the outdoor environment and are especially useful and applicable in the unfamiliar marine and bush surroundings.

  • Available soon

PADDLEBOARDING

  • Learning to paddleboard is an exhilarating experience that not only builds balance and strength but also fosters teamwork as students navigate the water together.

  • Students learn balance and coordination while engaging in fun team-building activities that boost confidence and deepen appreciation for the ocean and shared accomplishments.

  • Available soon

SAILING

  • The OMAC point of difference. Learn to sail with our resident professional world-class sailor Dean Salthouse. Students will learn the skills of sailing in our sailing dinghy fleet ideal for beginners.

  • Students will grow in their confidence as they learn from Dean’s experience, learning to read the wind and the foundations of sailing whilst thoroughly enjoying his stories of adventures on the sea.

  • Available soon

BUSHCRAFT + SURVIVAL SKILLS

  • How do you survive in the outdoors? In this activity, students will learn basic skills and crafting techniques for wilderness survival.

  • It is all about preparedness and problem-solving skills. Ākonga must think on their feet, adapt and collaborate. Self-sufficiency and teamwork are developed to work out how to handle unexpected situations away from the comforts of home.

  • Available soon

ROGAINING OMAC STYLE

  • An outdoor adventure race that requires strategy in the race against the clock! This activity combines cross-country navigation, check points and obstacles with some good ol’ fashioned fun and competition.

  • Strategy and active team-work are critical in this activity where ākonga will work in teams of 2-5 people to compete in a variety of challenges and tasks.

  • Available soon

OVERNIGHT WILDERNESS CAMP

  • Introduce students to the fundamentals of camping, outdoor safety, and Leave No Trace principles.

  • Usually towards the end of the week, this camping adventure incorporates the many skills of bushcraft, navigation, safety, survival and ethics. It will also include an emphasis on environmental conservation and stewardship of the whenua, flora and fauna. Great Barrier Island is also a Dark Sky Sanctuary, so the sky here is certified magnificent.

  • Available soon

LEADERSHIP AND TEAM CHALLENGES

  • Develop leadership and teamwork skills through a wide range of challenges and activities. Teams will to learn how to problem solve together in an encouraging way.

  • Challenges set the foundation for successful teamwork, providing ample opportunities for participants to review their performance and make improvements within a short span of time.

  • Available soon

Check out our video!

“THE AIM OF OMAC IS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO REALISE SOMETHING NEW ABOUT THEMSELVES AND TO ENHANCE THEIR PERSONAL GROWTH THROUGH EFFECTIVE CONNECTION, PARTICIPATION AND PROBLEM SOLVING.”

— TENNILLE MURDOCH

Our Team

The Orama adventure team, is made up of people passionate about making a difference in students’ lives. Alongside the passion, they bring a wealth of experience.

A snapshot of our team:

  • Dean Salthouse - Heading up the Marine Sports - International professional sailor

  • Gavin Murdoch - Surf Coach L1 - Bush 1 - Coastal Skipper - GradDip Tchg

  • Tennille Murdoch - Programme developer - teacher

  • Steven Heath - Compliance and H & S (formerly from Mi Camp Taupo)

  • Jo Ruffer - Program Manager/School Liaison - Nurse

Program Advisors:

We are fortunate to have on board our advisory team:

  • Gavin and Tennille Murdoch. They have a wealth of knowledge in the outdoor/adventure learning environment and are the founders of The Forest School.

Our experienced team are here to help you organise your next school camp. We offer a unique environment and experience for your students. Once you have decided on your preferred dates we can work through what you would like to achieve from your specific camp, what Real-life Learning Themes you would like, and of course the cost of your camp.

Booking confirmation

Once your adventure camp details are confirmed we will send you confirmation of the details and the price. To secure your booking, a deposit will be required 4 weeks after the initial booking. An invoice will be emailed for your booking deposit. Failing to pay the deposit might result in the loss of your booking with us.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your booking in the three-month period leading up to your due date, you will lose your booking deposit.


Our full list of activities will be available soon + program options of what a week would look like.

A snap shot of Real-life Themes on offer:

  • Kayaking in the Bay

  • Outdoor Cooking & Nutrition

  • Overnight wilderness camp

  • Navigation & Orienteering

  • Ocean to plate

  • Marine Sports

  • Environmental Conservation and Stewardship

  • Environmental Awareness

  • Surfing

  • Bushcraft & Survival skills

  • Leadership and Teamwork

  • Rogaine Challenge