School Groups

 

We have a range of fun, interactive and educational activities for school groups, with the ability to cater for small classroom numbers through to large syndicates.

We provide short one-hour activities through to multi-day programs and have options for students from Year 5 and above, although we are more suited to Year 7 and above.

PLEASE NOTE:

All suggested fees per person may be negotiable with increased numbers. These fees apply to schools and youth groups only. Each activity has a maximum of 20 participants per session. We have a maximum limit of 60 students a day.

SUGGESTED FOR YEAR 7 & 8 STUDENTS, OR VISITING SCHOOLS

Intro to SUP Lesson (60 mins) - Max. $50pp 

Confidence building and skill development are the key factors with SUP (Stand Up Paddling).  

This lesson begins with an on-shore introduction to paddling before progressing to the water to build confidence and fine tune technique.

Also includes a short tour, SUP tricks and games.

Waka Ama Lesson (60mins) - Max. $50pp 

Team work is the key factor with Waka Ama. 

Begin with an on-shore lesson learning to paddle as a team, before putting skills to action on the water.

Includes circuiting the bay, paddling to the Tangaroa statue and racing.

Cultural Walk of Mauao (60-90 mins) - Max. $20pp 

Cultural and environmental significance of Mauao is the key factor with this walk.

The Legend of Mauao itself is inspirational, but only one of the many stories we share as we guide you around or up Mauao. Also learn about the wildlife that still reside around Mauao, and other environmental factors.

PACKAGES

If you have a larger group, or are wanting to spend a day at the beach, we can package our services together.

SUP and Waka Ama - Max. $70pp 

SUP or Waka Ama and Guided Hikoi - Max. $60pp

All 3 activities - Max. $80pp

Note that the Mauao Walk will be adjusted with package deals.

SUGGESTED FOR YEAR 9 AND ABOVE STUDENTS

4-SESSION PROGRAM

Our Level 2 Achievement Standard 91330 program designed for Year 9 and above students takes them through four 90-minute sessions advancing them in the sport of Stand Up Paddling.

By the end of the program, students will:

  • Have developed advanced paddling skills and techniques
  • Be competent in performing 5 different technical turns
  • Be able to participate in a buoy-turning race
  • Have achieved Level 2 Achievement Standard 91330

The sessions also include some open water safety skills, weather knowledge and equipment appreciation.

          

Our Stand Up Paddling Educational Adventures has students exploring safe waterways across Tauranga, plus learning about the environmental and cultural significance of each area.

Locations include:

  • Waikōrire (Pilot Bay) to Te Kawa (harbour entrance)
  • Te Papa (The Strand to Memorial Park)
  • Lake McLaren
  • Otūmoetai or Rangataua

We will consider other locations.  A 1/2 day experience includes the SUP Adventure, skill development and some cultural content.  Full-day experience includes walks, picnicking, discovering the local marine life.

          

1/2-Day - Max. $60pp

9:30am to 11:30am - OR - 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Maximum 20 students for 1/2-Day experience. 

Full-Day - Max. $80pp

9:30am to 2:00pm

Maximum 20 students for 1/2-Day, maximum 40 students for a Full-day experience. 

Also feel free to enquire about Waka Ama Sprint Race training, although we encourage students to join one of our local clubs where they train interested rangatahi for racing.

SUGGESTED FOR YEAR 11 STUDENTS AND OVER

With our older students, we can advance technically even further, and explore out of reach Tauranga waterways, it's inhabitants and the cultural significance.  

Options include:

  • Level 3 Achievement Standard 91501 in Flat Water SUP Racing
  • Level 3 Achievement Standard 91501 in SUP Surfing
  • Beyond 200m off-shore SUP Adventures
  • Land-based environmental and cultural workshops

Some SUP Adventure locations include Motuotau (Rabbit Island), Around Mauao, Matakana Island, Wairoa River.  And for our land-based activities, we have a selection of mountains and bush areas we can safely manage the students.

The SUP activities have a pre-requisite of completing the Intro to SUP Lesson beforehand.

These sessions will be tailored to suit your needs.  You can choose to do a one-off SUP Adventure or a full program, 1/2-day or full-day experience.  Send us an email and we'll take it from there!

          

TESTIMONIALS

Mt Maunganui Intermediate (Tauranga)

In Term 1 of 2022, Mt Maunganui Intermediate brought their entire school of 710 students to experience our three activities over 13 weeks.  It was a pleasure to share everything and meet our local teachers and students.

From the moment that our teachers turned up at the beach, the instructors took over and guided our tamariki through the day. The teachers were able to join in and enjoy the activities with their students without worrying about safety or behaviour as the instructors had it covered. The instructors were incredibly clear, ensured that safety came first and were pivotal in making sure the students had fun. The teachers and students felt really positive about the experience at Pilot Bay. Teachers commented about how organised the whole day was. They appreciated the cultural aspects that were incorporated in the day which included karakia, respecting Tangaroa and the hikoi which looked at local culture and use of the land in the early days. Student feedback also showed that the students thoroughly enjoyed their day and that they learnt a lot, not only about the skills required for waka ama and SUP, but also about our local environment and history.

Debbie Howell, Deputy Principal

Papamoa College (Tauranga)

Our fourth year in 2019 to service these Year 11 and 12 students from Papamoa College, who take up to 6 lessons each term to be assessed for achievement standards. It is rewarding for us to be able to work closely with these students and watch their skills and confidence grow.

“I would just like to acknowledge and thank (Mauao Adventures) for the great job they have done with our yr13 students. They had the challenge to get our students from flat water to paddle boarding in the surf over a six week period. Their very knowledgeable staff created a fun and safe environment where students were prepared to take on a challenge. Working with (Mauao Adventures) allowed us to use resources in our local community and really show students what is right here in our back yard. Great job, thank you."

Jeroen Van der Wijk, Year 9 Dean

Southwell School (Hamilton)

Southwell School from Hamilton have been visiting us every year since 2018.  They bring 150 participants over three days experiencing stand up paddle boarding, waka ama, and our guided hikoi around Mauao.  An amazing and fun few days, both for us at Mauao Adventures, and the students of Southwell School.  

"Our students really enjoyed their experience of Waka Ama and Paddleboarding with (Mauao Adventures). The staff were very knowledgeable, flexible and safe and we will certainly be locking this in as a regular for our year 7 students. 150 students got to experience these activities over 3 days, as well as a guided tour which shared local Maori myths and legends from the area. Many different learning experiences for all."

Damian Mills, Associate Headmaster

HEALTH AND SAFETY

At least one staff member onsite will be a certified instructor. All uncertified instructors will have gone through our rigorous training program.

At least one staff member onsite will have first aid certification.

All staff are police vetted.

You will receive our extensive RAMS and Covid-19 procedures with your booking confirmation.

All our activities are weather-dependent, so we work with you to implement Plan B & C options.

We have a ratio of 5-7 participants per instructor depending on the activity and age group, and the instructors are with participants both off and on the water. 

We can work with those who have physical or cognitive challenges.

All activities are available in Terms 1 and 4 only.

All other health and safety concerns are addressed in our RAMS document.