Trail education

Explore trails, learn about our collective culture and history whilst teaching young people how to interact with nature safely.

Trail adventures

If you are planning a school trip or an adventure for a club here are some ideas to get you started.

There are plenty of walking trails in our own backyard for little explorers, with opportunities to discover nature, enjoy spectacular views, learn about wildlife and even take in a bit of New Zealand history.

Wellington

Eastern Walkway, Wellington. This is an easy 2.6km walk through native bush that treks along the ridgeline above the southern end of Miramar Peninsula. Easily accessible from both starting points, kids will love the stunning views and enjoy being among nature while also learning about historic Maori sites and WW11 observation posts and gun batteries. There are also picnic spots along the route.

Hutt Valley

Horoeka Reserve Trail, Upper Hutt. This easy 1km loop track is popular with young children because of the little surprises they’ll find along the way! Aptly named Fairy Forest, meander through regenerating native bush and you’ll come across a number of fairy houses made by children.

Kāpiti Coast

Kohekohe walk, Waikanae. It might only be a short, 1km easy walk, but this adventure will take you through one of the only remaining Kohekohe forests in the country!

Porirua

Te Ara Piko, Porirua.This meandering path that runs along Pauatahanui Inlet will take you through salt marshes and wetland habitat along tracks, boardwalks and bridges. It’s an easy walk that’s perfect for bird and wildlife watching.

Wairarapa

Carter Scenic Reserve, just out of Carterton. Check out some of the plants and animals that became extinct or reduced to low numbers due to land clearance for farming in the 1880s-1900s. The flat, loop track will guide you through remnants of a flooded kahikatea forest, a chance to learn about what the Wairarapa used to look like.

For more inspiration try this list of walks your kids will love.

Keeping the kids motivated and on trail isn’t easy but these adventures will help them to foster a love for the outdoors, take on challenges and learn all at the same time!

Wellington

Fenceline Track. This loop track is 2.5 hours long and follows the boundary of Zealandia eco-sanctuary. It means you get to tune in to native birdsong as you walk while also learning about predators, and endangered species of flora and fauna.

Hutt Valley

East Harbour Regional Park. Accessible via Wainuiomata or Eastbourne, there are several tracks to explore, from dense native forests and freshwater lakes to rocky coastlines and sandy beaches, not to mention indigenous plants and birdlife and even lighthouses!

Kāpiti Coast

Waikanae Trail. This is a flat, easy 10km walk that follows the banks of Waikanae River from State Highway 1 to the sea. Venture through farm gates and over farmland, and stop for a quick dip in the river during the warmer months.

Porirua

Battle Hill Forest Park. Accessible via Pauatahanui, and with three different trails to choose from, this historic Maori battle site is the perfect place to spend a day, or a weekend. Take the tent to stay and stay at the campground within the park, or enjoy exploring grassy downs, native forests and farmland that spreads across 500 hectares.

Wairarapa

Masterton Recreation Trails. Popular with walkers, runners, cyclists, wheelchairs, buggies and dog walkers, these trails that wind through the town’s stunning parks and recreation areas can be explored in short bursts or over a day.

For schools, colleges and keen mountain bikers, check out Rivenrock Mountain Bike Park during spring and summer. It features a network of professionally designed and built trails to suit riders of all styles and abilities.

For those seeking a challenge, there are more difficult trails and overnight experiences on offer all over the region.

Wellington

Mākara Walkway. Climb high above the cliffs of Mākara Beach for spectacular views, while also discovering an ancient pā site and gun emplacements.

Hutt Valley

Kaitoke Regional Park. Nestled at the foothills of the Tararua Ranges, explore 2860 hectares of bush featuring rimu, beech forest and rātā., plunge into the many swimming holes and/or camp overnight.

Kāpiti Coast

Escarpment Track. High above the Kāpiti coastline, one of the region’s finest walking experiences runs from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay, taking in sweeping views along the way.

Porirua

Te Ara Utiwai. It’s a gentle 5km climb through native bush and exotic forestry to stunning views from Rangituhi Lookout. Ideal for walkers, runners and mountain bikers.

Wairarapa

Jumbo Circuit. It’s a short drive from Masterton to Tararua Forest Park. As the trail name suggests, this is a three-day hike through forest to the top of the Tararua Ranges. Most secondary schools hike to Powell Hutt (4 hrs) and return the same way.

For a shorter, easier day experience that showcases the best of Tararua Forest Park, try the scenic Gentle Annie Track, one of the most popular half-day trails.

Plan your adventure

Decide which trail is best for your year group, consider what to take, the learning intentions and risk management.

These tips from DOC will ensure you’re prepared, so too will this EOTC management self-audit checklist.

Why not get your students to think about all of these factors in a plan like this one.

Make sure you protect our environment when you’re out and about by adhering to these simple rules.

On your return, encourage your students to evaluate their experience. And share your pictures on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Resources

There are many helpful resources to help young people engage with nature.

The Department of Conservation is a valuable source of information for everything from learning about animal pests and threats to becoming a Kiwi guardian.

Other outdoor education providers include Everyone Out, a non-profit group that aims to develop Kiwi kids through play, learning and nature, the New Zealand Tourism Guide and school camps at El Rancho, Waikanae Beach.

Other programmes worth a look are Enviroschools, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and the scholarship programme for promising young athletes, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington.

Councils in the Wellington region have plenty of outside the classroom ideas too. Check out Greater Wellington Regional Council, Wellington City Council, and Hutt City Council.

There are also learning opportunities at Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, Wellington Zoo, and Otari-Wilton’s Bush.