Cultural program facilitation

Trip highlights

• Duration: tailored to group availability

• ability Level: Moderate (suitable for most abilities)

• Group Size: 5 min - 20 max

• Location: Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand

Our Kaupapa (program)

• Grounded in the protection, restoration, and celebration of our taonga — the sacred lakes, rivers, forests, flora, and fauna that sustain life.

• Guided by Te Ao Māori and Mātauranga Māori worldviews.

• Upholds the belief that when we care for te taiao (the natural world), it nurtures us in return.

• Embeds reciprocity, respect, and relationship at the heart of every experience.

Our Experiences

• Deliver authentic, safe, and culturally guided outdoor experiences.

• Reconnect people with the land and inspire active kaitiakitanga (guardianship).

• Offer immersive experiences such as:

  • Hīkoi (hiking)

  • Mahi hī ika (fishing)

  • Aru kararehe (hunting)

  • Noho taiao (camping)

• Create learning journeys that are physical, emotional, and spiritual, fostering deep connection with Aotearoa’s living landscapes.

Our Vision

• To nurture a flourishing environment for current and future generations.

• Weave together adventure, education, and culture to empower people to walk confidently in both worlds.

• Ground people in identity, belonging, and respect for te taiao.

• Envision a future where every young person:

  • Experiences mauri ora (wellbeing).

  • Strengthens connection to whenua (land) and whakapapa (heritage).

  • Develops as leaders and guardians of the environment.

Our Purpose & Approach

• Connect people with the wairua (spirit) of Aotearoa through immersive outdoor learning.

• Guided by cultural wisdom and environmental stewardship.

Each programme is designed to:

• Empower through Connection: Build confidence, resilience, and self-belief through hands-on engagement in nature.

• Revive Cultural Knowledge: Embed Mātauranga Māori and tikanga (values and practices) in all learning.

• Support Wellbeing: Provide safe, supportive environments for healing and growth, especially for those facing mental health challenges.

• Foster Kaitiakitanga: Inspire lifelong care and responsibility for the natural world.

Participants learn:

• Navigation, survival, and environmental monitoring skills.

• Cultural storytelling grounded in manaakitanga (care), whanaungatanga (connection), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship).

Focus on Rangatahi and Community

• Prioritise rangatahi — especially those facing barriers around mental health, identity, or belonging.

• Harness the healing power of nature and the strength of community.

• Create opportunities for experiential learning that build:

  • Confidence

  • Cultural pride

  • Connection to place and people

• Work in partnership with schools, iwi, and community organisations to co-design programmes that reflect local needs and aspirations.

• Uphold whakarongo (active listening) and whakawhanaungatanga (relationship building) in all engagement.

• Foster a generation of empowered young leaders and adults who walk confidently in their identity and contribute positively to their communities.

Collaborative Partnerships

• Collaboration is central to our mahi.

• Bring together whānau, educators, iwi, environmental groups, and community partners.

• Strengthen the web of relationships that sustain collective wellbeing.

• Promote shared learning, joint action, and long-term connection.

• Build partnerships grounded in respect, reciprocity, and shared vision.

• Ensure that transformation and positive outcomes endure beyond each individual experience.

*these experiences are provided for groups meeting eligibility requirements, therefore, providing the price incl. GST.

Please email operations@tekohuoutbackadventures.co.nz to discuss eligibility requirements and itinerary prior to booking.