Outdoor Education

Education outside the classroom

Experiences students remember

Real challenges. Real growth.

Some of the most powerful learning happens beyond the classroom. Education outside the classroom gives students the chance to step beyond familiar routines, try new activities, work with others and discover what they are capable of.

These experiences help students build confidence, resilience, responsibility, leadership and friendships that last.

A Berkley student in a helmet riding an inner tube through a river at camp

Why it matters

Growth that lasts beyond camp

Every outdoor experience is a chance to step outside your comfort zone, discover new strengths and show the school values in action.

Confidence

Trying something new and discovering what you are capable of.
Teamwork

Working with others through challenges and shared experiences.
Resilience

Keeping going, adapting and learning when things are hard.
Responsibility

Looking after yourself, others and the environment.
Connection

Building friendships, belonging and memories that last.
Leadership

Encouraging others and taking positive action.

See camp in action

Camp through our students’ eyes

Bush, rivers, new challenges and plenty of memories.

For many students, camp is a major challenge — and one of the experiences they remember most.

Berkley TV Camp Aongatete 2024. Our even-year camp is now held at Ngatuhoa Lodge.

Student voice

Take up the challenge in every part of school life

“Camp helped me step outside my comfort zone and realise I could do more than I thought.”

Student voice · Year 8

Outdoor experiences give students real challenges, real responsibility and the chance to see themselves differently.

A Berkley student leaping from a ledge beside a bush waterfall at camp

Take up the challenge

Outdoor experiences at Berkley

Camp and outdoor programmes alternate each year, so every student has the chance to take part in something memorable.

Every even year

Ngatuhoa Lodge Camp

A three-day camping experience at Ngatuhoa Lodge in the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park. Students experience bushwalking, river challenges, abseiling, survival skills and outdoor teamwork.

Every odd year

New Horizons

Students choose from a wide range of experiences over three days, which may include outdoor adventure, visual art, caving, cycling, rock climbing, movie making and other exciting opportunities.

Each year

Hillary Outdoors

A group of students may have the opportunity to attend Hillary Outdoors, experiencing challenging outdoor activities in environments such as the Coromandel or Tongariro.