Wellbeing Framework
A Focus on Wellbeing
At Adventure Specialties Trust, all of our programmes focus on hauora/wellbeing.
We define wellbeing as a holistic state where we can thrive physically, mentally, socially, spiritually and in relation to the land and the natural environment. It's about having the energy to engage full in life, with the mindset to navigate challenges and celebrate successes. We have strong connections with others, a clear sense of identity and purpose, and a deep relationship with nature.
Wellbeing is the foundation for living a meaningful and balanced life.
Wellbeing Framework
When we are designing our programmes, we use a wellbeing framework based on Te Whare Tapa Whā (the house with four walls).
Te Whare Tapa Whā is a Māori model of holistic health developed by Sir Mason Durie, a renowned psychiatrist, professor of Māori Studies and advocate of Māori hauora/wellbeing.
Each of the four walls of Te Whare Tapa Whā (described below) is an important part of hauora/wellbeing. At Adventure Specialties Trust, we weave these wellbeing 'walls' into our programmes in a variety of ways.
TE WHARE TAPA WHĀ
TAHA TINANA / Physical Wellbeing
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 / Social Wellbeing
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.
TAHA HINENGARO / Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
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 / Spiritual Wellbeing
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 / The Land
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.
Programme Outcomes
How do we know if we have had a positive impact on our participants?
At the end of our programmes, we ask participants to fill in an 'Outcomes Evaluation' form, so that we can measure the impact of our programme on their hauora/wellbeing. At the end of each year, we analyse the results to see where participants have experienced personal growth, and where we can improve our services to support them better.
Read our annual Impact reports to see the stats and read about the positive impact that our programmes have on the participants.
Our programmes
Programme categories
Over the years, we have refined and honed our programmes. All of our programmes use outdoor adventure activities as the foundation, supported by a framework of holistic wellbeing.
From that foundation of outdoor adventure and wellbeing, we offer three types of programmes: Education, Development, Therapy.
Educational programmes
Our Educational programmes focus on supporting learning through outdoor adventure.
Our Educational programmes are designed for schools, kura and tertiary institutions who want to teach outdoor skills and knowledge as part of their curriculum. We work alongside teachers and lecturers to deliver practical, field-based experiences that complement classroom learning. Our instructors take on the role of teacher/instructor and they provide safe, professional instruction that supports your assessment goals.
Find out more on our Educational Programmes page.
Developmental programmes
Our Developmental programmes focus on growing people through experience.
Our Developmental programmes focus on the personal and social benefits that come from outdoor adventure. The goal here isn’t to master the techniques of kayaking or rock climbing or abseiling, but instead it is about what happens to people when they step out into nature, take on a challenge, work together and discover their strengths in the outdoors. The focus is on growth, challenge and connection, rather than on technical mastery.
Find out more on our Developmental Programmes page.
Therapeutic programmes
Our Therapeutic programmes focus on healing and growth through outdoor adventure.
Our Therapeutic programmes are designed for people who are working through challenges in their lives – whether related to trauma, mental health challenges, or setbacks that have made it hard to live fully. Participants come to these programmes with specific personal goals: these might be about improving how they see themselves or their relationships with others, or rebuilding confidence and independence. The outdoors provides a safe and supportive space for healing and change.
Find out more on our Therapeutic Programmes page.
An example
Check out this video of one of our 10-day Developmental programmes. Run in partnership with Graeme Dingle Foundation, the participants experience different outdoor activities (like biking, abseiling, kayaking) as well as group activities designed to encourage wellbeing and personal growth.
Get in touch
Get in touch!
If you think that a wellbeing-focused outdoor adventure programme might benefit you and your group, we would love to hear from you. Fill in the Programme Enquiry form below or contact us to have a no-obligation chat about what you are looking for and how we might be able to help.
Online form
Fill in our online form (below) and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Call Auckland
Talk to Jeff, our Operations Manager in Auckland.
Call Christchurch
Talk to Andy, our Operations Manager in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Email Auckland
Email Jeff, our Operations Manager in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Email Christchurch
Email Andy, our Operations Manager in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Problems with this form? Please contact our Comms/Website person (comms@adventurespecialties.co.nz)
“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.”
—Fydor Dostoyevsky