Tracking the Wild: Kids Eco Adventure

About this Event

Give your tamariki the chance to spend a full day immersed in the outdoors at Camp Adair, exploring the bush, solving nature mysteries, and learning through hands-on eco adventures.

This full day programme invites tamariki to become Wildlife Detectives, discovering how conservationists monitor animals and understand what’s happening in the forest when humans aren’t around. The day begins with small-group explorations around Camp Adair and the surrounding bush, where tamariki will collect wildlife monitoring cards that were placed earlier in the week. Together, they’ll examine bite marks and clues, learning what these signs tell us about the animals moving through the landscape.

As the day continues, tamariki will build and decorate their own tracking tunnel, learning how these tools are used to monitor wildlife and what kinds of footprints they might discover. Each child will take their tracking tunnel home to continue investigating in their backyard or local green space.

Alongside the wildlife detective activities, tamariki will also take part in our Orienteering Native Tree Trail, combining navigation challenges with learning about native plants, habitats, and how ecosystems fit together. Expect plenty of movement, teamwork, curiosity, and time spent fully engaged in the ngahere.

Parents are welcome to drop tamariki off at Camp Adair, or make use of the free shuttle from Wero Whitewater Park if transport is needed. A sausage sizzle lunch is provided, and tamariki are asked to bring their own morning tea. This activity is suitable for Years 4 to 8.

All activities are fully supervised by experienced staff, with all materials provided. No prior knowledge is needed, just a sense of curiosity and a willingness to explore. This is a fantastic opportunity for tamariki to spend a full day outdoors, build confidence, make new friends, and come home happily tired with stories of wildlife clues, adventures, and hands-on discovery.

To make sure tamariki are comfortable and ready for a full day outdoors, please bring:

• Closed-toed shoes suitable for walking on uneven ground
• A hat and sunscreen
• A water bottle
• Morning tea