Hillary Outdoors Education Centre

Hillary Outdoors is a charitable trust that provides outdoor education primarily to young people. Hillary Outdoors opened its first centre in 1972 beside the Tongariro National Park. In 2006 a second centre opened on Great Barrier Island with a marine focus. The organisation also runs a very successful series of nationwide adventure-based events throughout the year.

Hillary Outdoors is a not-for-profit organisation run by a charitable trust. Our programmes are often described by a wide variety of participants as a life-changing experience.

Hillary Outdoors is an Accredited Activity Provider for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, offering Adventurous Journey Training and Adventurous Journey sections.

They run specific courses to meet the requirements of the following sections of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award at their centres in Tongariro and Great Barrier Island including:

• Bronze Adventurous Journey
• Silver Adventurous Journey
• Gold Adventurous Journey

Hillary Outdoors has a list of their upcoming Award programmes advertised on their website. It’s as simple as finding the right programme for you and signing up.

Vision | Te Whāinga Matua

Our goal is to sow the seeds of change and growth in everyone we work with, through outdoor adventures. We want to be part of a vibrant and sustainable future for Aotearoa New Zealand. Our Purpose We empower people to do extraordinary things – by growing through adventure and connecting through participation. “People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.” – Sir Edmund Hillary

Purpose | Te Koronga

Our Values Connections ​A better understanding of self, others, culture, local community, partners, and the environment. Growth Grow through a strengths-based quality learning environment where there is emphasis on analysing and reflecting on your experience. Kaitiakitanga Guardianship and protection of our environment. It is a way of managing the environment, based on the Māori world view. We all develop a relationship with our natural environment and become environmental stewards.