One Big Adventure

We offer exciting outdoor education programmes at three facilities; Carey Park Christian Camp, Ferndale Lodge and Piha Mill camp.

Using the Ministry of Education’s EOTC guidelines, we strive to ensure that all visiting school groups meet the requirements of the Ministry of Education’s goal for achieving quality, educational outcomes, based around education outside the classroom.

Developing personal competencies

Our individual camping events and programmes help build personal competencies, with outcomes centred on: Self-identity, Self-worth, Self-esteem, Leadership and Self-respect.

These personal competencies are reflected in the four C’s of our camp community: Compassion, Contribution, Commitment and Character.

Safe & certified

Our staff members are highly trained in the supervision and instruction of our activities. Some of this training is based in-house and some is provided by independent third party training providers. All training meets industry standards to ensure the safe delivery of activities for our guests.

Activity and hosting staff all hold recognised first aid qualifications and all staff members working at camp are police vetted. Our kitchen staff members have undergone training in good kitchen practice and are basic hygiene certified.

We are also an OSCAR approved provider, undergoing regular audits to the relevant legislation. Our activities undergo an annual audit inspection to ensure that they are provided in a safe and satisfactory manner.

Our equipment is fully maintained and annually inspected by professional engineers to ensure that it meets industry safety standards.

We are audited and registered with WorkSafe New Zealand under the ‘Adventure Activity Regulations 2016’. Our certifying body is OutdoorsMark.

Adventure awaits!

Camp facilities at Carey Park and Ferndale Lodge are only 30 minutes from central Auckland and 5km from Henderson. Both are situated at the foot of the Waitakere Ranges heritage area and are surrounded by the magnificence of native and exotic bush.

The Opanuku stream borders our northern boundary and the large swimming hole is used for kayaking and swimming.

Our grounds incorporate a variety of activities such as a confidence course, flying fox and numerous others. There is also a large grassed area for other games and activities.

Piha Mill Camp is situated in Piha itself, with the famous Piha beach only a ten minute walk away. Its location gives a base to explore the Waitakere Ranges Centennial Park and the surf beach. The grounds cover a large area, including bush, and the remaining area is suitable for most outdoor games and recreation. A safe shallow stream flows through the property which includes a small area suitable for swimming.

Time spent in the outdoors is the perfect way to rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. Getting away from the city and unwinding in nature is one of the many benefits of camping. As soon as you enter the parks, you will sense the peace and tranquility and yet there is the added anticipation of excitement and adventure.

Come and enjoy the challenging and refreshing environment with a community of caring individuals.