Planning an educational and fun-filled school trip can be a daunting task, especially when aiming to provide a unique experience that combines learning, physical activity and safety. 

At Tree Adventures we offer an exceptional venue for school groups, providing a perfect blend of adventure and education. 

This beginner’s guide will help you navigate the process of organising a school trip to Tree Adventures, ensuring an enriching and memorable experience for students and educators alike.

Why Choose Tree Adventures for School Trips?

Tree Adventures is a premier destination for school trips in New Zealand, offering a range of safe outdoor activities for schools. There is no shortage of outdoor education in Auckland. However, being located in the Woodhill Forest just a short drive from the CBD, our adventure park provides a highly stimulating environment for students to explore and learn. Whether you’re looking to incorporate team building activities for students or simply provide a day of fun and physical activity, Tree Adventures caters to all of these and more.

The Benefits of Education Outside the Classroom

Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) is a vital component of a well-rounded curriculum, offering students the chance to learn in a natural environment away from the traditional classroom setting. At Tree Adventures, students can engage in activities that promote physical fitness, environmental awareness and personal growth. The experience of navigating our courses and zip lines not only challenges students physically but also encourages them to step out of their comfort zones, fostering resilience and confidence along the way.

Key EOTC learning outcomes:

• Outdoor Pursuits: Teach students about the great outdoors, the importance of being in nature and the benefit of challenging yourself in the outdoors.
• Physical & Mental Wellbeing: Promoting an active lifestyle while fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.Personal Development: Activities that involve risk-taking and problem solving while helping build self-esteem and leadership skills.
• Teamwork & Communication: Strengthening collaboration and leadership skills as students navigate the courses together.
• Risk Assessment & Decision-Making: Providing real-world opportunities to assess challenges, make informed choices, and build resilience.

Planning Your Tree Adventures School Trip

1. Choosing the Right Date and Time

The first step in planning your school trip is selecting a suitable date and time. Consider the school calendar, including any major exams or events to avoid scheduling conflicts. It’s advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons such as spring and summer to ensure availability.

2. Understanding Group Size and Supervision Needs

Tree Adventures can accommodate school groups of various sizes, from small group outings to larger classes. It’s crucial to determine the number of students and supervisors in advance. Our staff-to-student ratio ensures that all participants receive adequate supervision and support. For younger students or those requiring additional assistance, we recommend a higher ratio of supervisors to ensure safety and smooth coordination. Supervision ratios can be found here.

3. Selecting Appropriate Activities

Tree Adventures offers a range of courses tailored to different age groups and skill levels. From beginner-friendly routes to more challenging high ropes courses, there are activities for everyone. When planning your trip consider the physical abilities and comfort levels of your students to choose activities including all aspects of the above. 

4. Preparing for the Day

Preparation is key to a successful school trip. Ensure that students are dressed appropriately for outdoor activities with comfortable clothing and  closed shoes. It’s also advisable to bring extra layers as weather conditions can change. Additionally, students should bring their own water bottles and snacks, although we offer picnic areas where groups can have lunch.

5. Safety Briefings and Equipment Use

Safety is a top priority at Tree Adventures. Upon arrival, all students and supervisors will receive a comprehensive safety briefing covering the rules and proper use of equipment. Our courses use the Clic-it smart carabiner system, which ensures that participants are securely attached to the safety lines at all times. Trained staff are always present to assist and oversee the activities, providing peace of mind for educators and parents.

Enhancing the Educational Experience

Integrating Learning Objectives

Tree Adventures provides a unique opportunity to integrate outdoor education into your curriculum. Our activities can be aligned with various learning objectives, such as biology (understanding ecosystems), physical education (promoting physical fitness) and personal development (building teamwork, leadership, and communication skills). We encourage teachers to plan educational discussions or reflective sessions as part of the trip, helping students make connections between their experiences and their academic studies.

Fun Team Building Activities for Students

One of the key components of a Tree Adventures school trip is the focus on team building activities. Navigating the courses requires communication, cooperation, and mutual support, making it an excellent opportunity for students to develop teamwork skills. These experiences can strengthen classroom dynamics and foster a sense of community among students, which is also beneficial for their social development.

Problem Solving Skills for Students

In addition to team building exercises, students will engage in activities that teach essential skills like problem solving, leadership and effective communication. These activities are naturally inclusive, ensuring that all students and team members can participate and benefit from the experience.

Logistics and Practical Considerations

Transportation and Arrival

Arranging transportation is a critical logistical aspect of the trip. Ensure that you have reliable transportation for your group and plan to arrive at your scheduled start time. This allows for a smooth check-in process and gives students ample time to prepare for the day’s activities.

Food and Refreshments

While Tree Adventures provides picnic areas, it’s important to plan for food and refreshments, especially for longer trips. Schools may opt to bring packed lunches.

Weather Contingencies

New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable so it’s important to have contingency plans in case of rain or adverse weather conditions. Tree Adventures operates in most weather conditions but safety considerations may require rescheduling in the event of severe weather. Keeping an eye on the forecast and staying in communication with our staff will help ensure a smooth experience.

Post-Trip Activities and Reflection

Reflecting on the Experience

After returning from the trip, it’s valuable to conduct reflection sessions where students can share their experiences and learnings. This can be done through group discussions, written reflections or creative projects. Reflecting on the trip helps consolidate the learning experience and encourages students to think critically about what they have gained from the day.

Feedback and Evaluation

Gathering feedback from students and supervisors is crucial for evaluating the success of the trip and planning future excursions. Feedback can highlight what went well and areas for improvement, helping educators refine their approach to outdoor education. At Tree Adventures, we also appreciate receiving feedback as it helps us continually improve our services and ensure that we provide the best possible experience for school groups.

Booking Your Tree Adventures School Trip

Booking your school trip to Tree Adventures is straightforward. Contact our team to discuss your needs, choose appropriate activities, and finalise logistics. We offer flexible booking options to accommodate different group sizes and requirements. Our team is dedicated to working with educators to create a safe, educational and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Contact Us Today

Ready to plan an unforgettable school trip? Contact Tree Adventures today to learn more about our offerings and to book your adventure. Our experienced staff are here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring that your students have a memorable and enriching experience.