Why use Afoot?
Afoot is a unique expedition and exploration Adventurous Journeys provider for the Award. Afoot has successfully and safely supervised more than 2,000 journey days for students from all over the North Island since receiving its DOE Accreditation.
Afoot operates under a Concession from the Department of Conservation providing experienced guides and instructors for journeys and activities in the Ruahine, Kaweka, Tararua, Whirinaki and Kaimanawa Forest Parks in the central and eastern North Island.
Afoot is an Accredited Award Provider with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award providing:
– Classroom theory and practical Adventurous Journey Training.
– Practice and qualifying Adventurous Journeys both tramping and mountain biking.
– Conservation activities to meet the requirements of the Voluntary Service part of the Award.
– Afoot also offers Gold Residential Conservation Programmes.
All of these can be provided for a specific individual school programme or be put together with students from a variety of schools.
A few things that, we hope, set Afoot apart:
– Small groups with a maximum of eight students to one adult guide.
– A female guide always accompanies female groups.
– Pre-set dates per quarter for easier organisation.
– Web-based registration, gear lists, photos and other important trip information.
– Department of Conservation approved.
– Outdoor safety certified.
– Reasonable pricing.
– Practical approved training modules at all levels.
– Afoot also acts as an Award Leader for schools and students if required.
Adventurous Journeys. Training, Expeditions and Explorations
Our Journeys are delivered across the central and eastern North Island and dates are set well in advance. Training sessions for Bronze & Silver Journeys are held to cover the classroom theory and practical parts of the syllabus.
Available dates are all on the Afoot website. Information sheets and online registration can be found on the website.
We get some great feedback reflecting the challenge but also the enjoyment:
“The tramp was exceptionally fun. The views were stunning and the walks long hard and satisfying. I will certainly be doing Gold Duke of Ed and look forward to the 4 day tramps. I had an amazing time thank you.” – Silver DOE student.
Voluntary Service Conservation Activities
Afoot is part of the Hawkes Bay Wilding Pines Community Group which is an entity specifically set up with DOC to manage wilding pines in the Lakes area of the Kawekas.
With groups of about 10 volunteers, we can clear roughly 1,000 wilding pines in a relatively leisurely day. Students will volunteer to be trained on how to find and clear wilding pines. The area also has a line of traps which can also be checked and logged. This will help control rat, stoat and possum numbers in the area so further protecting flora and fauna.
Other activities on DOC land are also undertaken by Afoot (such as hut maintenance and track clearing) and students can participate in these activities too.
Future dates and details of the different activity days are listed on the website (these are updated regularly). We can also put together a bespoke day for school groups that may wish for a specific date.
