GIRLS JOURNEY

WHO IS THIS FOR?

This programme is open to any young woman (aged 15-18 years old) who is wanting to get outdoors and feel a bit better about life!

Maybe you are struggling with anxiety or depression, or feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. Maybe a bit stressed about school or other things, or just generally wanting to improve your wellbeing.

Our Adventure Therapy programmes focus on building health, wellbeing, confidence and connection.

 

DATES

Each school holiday

(See specific dates in the blue box up the page a bit)

 

TIMETABLE

Day 1: Meet at our office in Christchurch, travel to Marlborough Sounds, get to know the rest of the group

Day 2: Sea kayaking to Ratimera Bay

Day 3: Sea kayaking to Kumutoto Bay

Day 4: Sea kayaking to Torea Bay, then a tramp

Day 5: Tramping from Torea Bay to Mistletoe Bay

Day 6: Biking from Misteltoe Bay to Momorangi

Day 7: Pack up and drive back to Christchurch. Reflection and goodbyes.

 

IMPORTANT!

If any of those activities sound intimidating, please don’t worry.

Everything is beginner-friendly. And it is really important to us that you choose your level of challenge. For some, this will mean not going very high on a climb, or very hard on the surf kayaking. Prehaps you would rather enjoy the nature. That is ok, and we will make practicable efforts to allow as much choice in this as possible. We always try to make choices available and make it really clear where choices are not practically possible.

Read more about this under “Our Approach” below.

 

LOCATION:

We will be departing from our office at 71 Bamford Street, Woolston, Christchurch and heading to Queen Charlotte Sound for the week! (You are welcome to meet us there, if that is more convenient).

 

ACCOMMODATION:

Camping in tents at different campsites along the route.

 

COST

Usually, the programme costs $2,100 per person. BUT, GREAT NEWS! We have received funding to subsidize this programme, so the cost to you is significantly reduced. It will only cost you $200.

This cost covers the following items:

• 7 days and 6 nights of adventure!
• Our caring, highly experienced staff
• Transport from Christchurch to Queen Charlotte Sound (or you can meet us there)
• Food
• Accommodation
• Any outdoor adventure equipment that is required (technical clothing, tents, cooking equipment, mountain bikes and helmets, kayaks and life jackets, etc.)

 

 

Below is a list of all the gear you need to bring. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything, as we should be able to provide anything you don’t have. Please ask if you’re not sure.

Bring all your clothes and gear in a sports bag, duffle bag, suitcase or tramping pack (whatever you have available). We will check everyone’s gear on the first morning, before we leave.

We will provide all the equipment you will need for each activity (kayaks, life jackets, bikes, bike helmets, spray jackets, tents, cooking gear, etc.). We can also provide clothing that will help you stay warm (thermals, fleece, waterproof pants, etc.), as it can get very while cold kayaking, if it’s raining and at night at the campsites. If you have all your own stuff, that’s great. Otherwise, anything marked with an * we can provide.

For the first part of the journey, we will be sea kayaking, so we will pack all the gear for that leg of the trip into dry bags inside the kayak hatches. Feel free to bring your own dry bags, if you have any. But, if you don’t, we will provide them, but you may wish to bring some spare rubbish/waterproof bags as well, as extra protection. After packing our sea kayaks, any gear that we don’t need for that part of the trip will remain in your bag and locked in the trailer. So you will have your spare clothes/gear available there, when we finish the sea kayak leg.

 

CLOTHING

1x Sport shoes (with good grip for biking
and day tramping)
1x Shoes (or wetsuit booties) for sea kayaking
(they will get wet)

2x shorts
2x tshirts (polyester or merino are best)
1x jumper/hoodie for campsite
1x long pants (jeans, trackpants, etc.)
2x cotton socks
Underwear (for 7 days)

1x warm jumper (wool or fleece)*
2x thermal tops*
1x fleece pants*
2x thermal pants/bottoms*
1x good quality rain jacket with good hood*
1x woollen/merino beanie*
2x long woollen socks (for warmth)

Padded bike shorts (optional)

Togs
2x towels
Sunhat and sunglasses (VERY IMPORTANT!
Please let us know if you don’t have these)

TOILETRIES

In addition to the toiletries you would normally
pack (tooth brush, hair brush, etc.), please also bring:
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Santiary items
Personal medication

 

EQUIPMENT

Sleeping bag*
Sleeping mat*
Pillow (we will only take these in the kayaks if there is room)

Knife, fork, spoon
Mug (unbreakable e.g. metal or plastic)
Bowl (unbreakable e.g. metal or plastic)
2x drink bottles (at least 1.5L volume in total)

Torch*
Batteries for torch (plus spares)*
Small day pack (e.g. school bag) for tramping

Dry bags/extra rubbish bags*

 

MEDICATION

All personal medication needs to be declared in the Medical/Consent form.

Please give your medication to the instructors for them to look after during the journey.

 

WHAT NOT TO BRING

Participants are NOT allowed to bring:
Cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, vapes.

 

CELL PHONES

Cell phones are permitted, but please note that they are your responsibility.

There will not always be reception and there will be restrictions on when they can be used.

 

 

You will be in safe hands with our wonderful crew of caring, highly experienced staff.

 

The programme will be staffed by:

• A highly qualified, experienced outdoor instructor
• A mental health professional

 

We offer a maximum staffing ratio of 1:4

 

WE FOCUS ON YOUR STRENGTHS

Our conversations and facilitated discussion in our Adventure Therapy programmes are guided by the ‘Solution Focussed’ and ‘Strengths Based’ model of therapy. Contrary to what the name suggests, this is not about the facilitators offering ‘solutions’. It is more about a model of thinking that is more forward focussed – on where you want to go and the skills and strengths you have to get you there.

We don’t go delving into people’s deep personal past or analysing problems. We focus on movement towards your goals, whatever those might be.

It is important for us to acknowledge that any person knows their self, their situations and their challenges the better than anyone else. We honour that and so we facilitate (or guide) conversations and opportunities, rather than telling people what to do. We do not presume to be experts or have the answers to any problems. We are not there to assess, diagnose or prescribe solutions. We are simply there to facilitate an experience where you can connect with nature, with yourself and others, reflect on your life and experiences with the goals of moving towards your own goals.

 

CHALLENGE BY CHOICE

Challenge is definitely a part of our programme, and each activity or environment will challenge everyone in a different way. Challenge can be good for us! Though the same challenge is not for everyone, at all times.

It is really important to us that you choose your level of challenge. For some, this will mean not going very high on a climb, or very hard on the surf kayaking and would rather enjoy the nature. That is ok, and we will make practicable efforts to allow as much choice in this as possible. We always try to make choices available and make it really clear where choices are not practically possible.

CONNECTION TO NATURE

This programme is an opportunity to take more time in the day to connect with nature rather than just move through it. Every day, we will go to a different environment and do an activity there. Most of the time this will be an adventurous activity (sea kayaking, bush walking, mountain biking, etc.). However we may also do some activities specifically to connect with nature – maybe a mindfulness walk, or doing some art pieces/ sculptures with nature, or any other ways of connecting in a relationship with nature.

SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

First and foremost, it is a priority that that this group is a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

Obviously in outdoor activities the physical safety is important! We have qualified instructors and a rigorous safety management system that is audited and registered with Worksafe NZ. It is crucial that everyone in the group follows our safety rules.

‘Safe’ also means emotional safety – this means we take time to build a culture where sharing is ok and encouraged by others. Where respect is really important and intentionally built upon on the group. It is also safety to be yourself no matter which culture, gender, sexuality, profession, age or personality you have. We aim to build a group environment where everyone is safe and supported on their journey of wellbeing.

 

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about any part of our approach, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Amy, the programme co-ordinator (office@adventurespecialties.co.nz, attention: Amy)

 

Our Taha Tinana allows us to feel healthy, energetic, motivated, and physically capable of pursuing activities that bring joy, connection, and satisfaction to our days. 

HOW THIS LOOKS IN THE OUTDOORS:

Outdoor activities challenge and strengthen our bodies, promoting fitness, resilience and confidence. Physical movement, especially outdoors in nature, supports overall health, wellbeing and energy levels.  

Taha Whānau is about feeling a sense of belonging, connection and confidence in our relationships with others. It includes a belief that people can be kind, trustworthy and safe, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with others. 

HOW THIS LOOKS IN THE OUTDOORS:

Adventure builds teamwork, trust and belonging. Shared challenges strengthen relationships and provide a supportive space for growth, healing and connection.  

Our Taha Hinengaro allows us to feel balanced, hopeful, and positive about the future, with the capacity to navigate life’s challenges and celebrate its joys while nurturing a sense of self-compassion and self-worth. 

HOW THIS LOOKS IN THE OUTDOORS:

Time in nature reduces stress and enhances mental clarity, emotional resilience and self-awareness. Adventure activities encourage participants to challenge themselves which helps them develop courage and self-confidence.

Taha Wairua is about feeling a strong sense of self, identity, and connection to our faith, beliefs, culture, values, and purpose. It provides a foundation of meaning and direction. 

HOW THIS LOOKS IN THE OUTDOORS:

Being outdoors in nature fosters a sense of wonder, connection and purpose. Outdoor experiences deepen spiritual awareness, whether through faith, nature or personal reflection.  

Te Whenua is the foundation of Te Whare Tapa Whā. Connection to Te Whenua is about a sense of belonging in te taiao, the natural world, and drawing on that connection to support our wellbeing. It includes experiencing awe and wonder in natural spaces, fostering a sense of responsibility to protect and care for the Earth.