
Session 1 · THRIVE: Improve
Plan the route
- 10 minContour lines: close together means steep, far apart means flat. Find the steep and flat parts of your route on a topographic map.
- 25 minRoute planner (Activity: 'Route planner'): measure the distance with string and the scale, estimate time, mark rest stops, a turnaround time, and entry and exit points (road ends, beach access, a bridge).
- 10 minPlan B: what is the escape route if the weather turns or someone is hurt? Mark it.
- 5 minKererū asks one question about your route plan.
Session 2 · THRIVE: Improve
Shelter and first aid
- 20 minTarp shelter (Activity: 'Tarp shelter'): in groups, build a shelter from a tarp and cord that keeps off wind and rain. Test it with a watering can.
- 25 minFirst aid stations (Activity: 'First aid practice'): DRSABCD and calling 111, a sprained ankle, a cut, and a cold, wet walker. Practise on each other with scenario cards.
- 5 minAdd the shelter and first aid steps to the class guide.
Session 3 · THRIVE: Value
Why we go outside
- 10 minHow does time outdoors affect your hauora: body, mind, relationships and spirit? Use Te Whare Tapa Whā to map it.
- 15 minCaring for places: the Tiaki promise and leave-no-trace habits. Whose whenua is your trip on? What stories or rules come with that place? (Ask, don't guess.)
- 15 minRead about the people who keep the outdoors safe: rangers, hut wardens and LandSAR volunteers. What do they value?
- 10 minWrite your own 'why': what do you want to get out of this trip beyond getting there?
Getting started
Give each group a route-planning template with boxes for distance, time, stops and escape route.
Stretch
Plan the same route for a whānau group with a grandparent and a toddler. What changes?
Checkpoint
Your group has a route with times, a turnaround and escape plan, and you can show a shelter and three first aid steps.
Activities for this week
- Route planner: How long will our trip take, and how do we get out if something goes wrong?
- Tarp shelter: Can your group build a shelter that keeps wind and rain off in 15 minutes?
- First aid practice: What should you do first when someone gets hurt or cold outdoors?
Useful this week
- Trip planning ↗ How to choose a trip that fits your group's skills and plan it step by step.
- Plan My Walk ↗ A free planning tool with track information, weather and gear lists.
- NZ Topo Map ↗ Free topographic maps of anywhere in New Zealand for route planning.
- Orienteering New Zealand ↗ Find a club and permanent orienteering courses near you.
- First aid guides ↗ Simple step-by-step guides for sprains, bleeding and calling an ambulance.
- Walking and tramping ↗ Find short walks and tracks across Aotearoa, with information on accessibility and difficulty.
- Tramping in New Zealand ↗ The history of tramping, clubs and huts in Aotearoa.