Supporting Rangatahi in the Outdoors

New Zealand Sailing Trust and Auckland Sea Kayaks are both outdoor education, youth development and tourism providers operating in the Tīkapa Moana / Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Our programmes encourage both New Zealanders and international 

ākonga to get active in the great outdoors.

Our youth development programme - Tīkapa Moana - is delivered over 5 days of sailing and kayaking.  Our programme is for 13-18 year old students in low-mid decile schools, and various community groups to build their confidence in the outdoors.

The NZ Sailing Trust was established with a vision of creating opportunities for New Zealanders to share a unique maritime experience on Sir Peter Blake’s iconic Whitbread Round the World Yachts.  Auckland Sea Kayaks take pride in delivering a professional service with safety as a high priority.  

Tīkapa Moana 5 day Sailing and Kayaking Programme

Our focus is on personal achievement, empowerment and leadership to reflect on their own journey with respect to self and respect to Kaitiakitanga. Our role models assist to map out these journeys and provide context of what is possible.

Two nights are spent sailing on the internationally renowned maxi yachts - either Lion New Zealand or Steinlager 2. Everybody on board has the opportunity to learn to sail the boats, help with the preparation of meals and sleep aboard. They are put into a watch rotation system to learn about different aspects of sailing, practice reading the weather, plan our destination and work together to sail the boat to that destination.  We engage everyone in beach clean ups, raft building, problem solving or communication activities to further develop skills and enhance personal growth.

Two nights are spent on the water with Auckland Sea Kayaks, where students learn how to kayak and camp in a safe, fun and supportive environment. They have the opportunity to lead and be led by their fellow peers under the guidance of an experienced and qualified female instructor. The students put their map reading and navigational skills to use, follow Leave No Trace and gain understanding for how each of the 7 principles applies to the present environment and their day to day lives.  

Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award (optional)

The programme is structured in a way that allows the participants who have been awarded space on this trip to participate and complete components of the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award (DOE) if relevant to them  (this is optional). The programme components meet the requirements for the Adventurous Journey and as such, any participants who are interested in using this programme for DOE can do so. For those not completing the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award, they will receive the same quality of programme and experiences.

Criteria for Application

Available to eligible:

• Māori students, Pacific students and students from Refugee backgrounds

• Some students with Disabilities, please enquire before applying.

• Ākonga that have less opportunity to engage in the Outdoors

• Ākonga that experience financial hardship

• Ākonga that have a diverse background

Each student is to contribute or fundraise $240 as a donation to NZST 

(we can provide fundraising ideas info@nzsailingtrust.com)

Booking Process 

1. 1. Complete the online application form below, including:

      1. • 200 word paragraph sharing why they wish to go on the programme and hope to achieve over the 5 days 

         • Answer 2 questions: 

           1. why is the outdoors important to me? 

           2. why should I go on this 5 day programme?  

         • Questions may be answered in whatever form they wish.  This can be written,  music video or some other creative format.

   2. The NZ Sailing Trust and Auckland Sea Kayaks will review each application and select students for the programme.

   3. On approval on the programme the student will be required to pay $240 

April 2023 departure, deposit to be paid by Monday 3rd April 2023

Get in touch with us if you are unable to meet this deadline and we can discuss making a plan.

Terms (see conditions on application form)

1. Cancellation. If student was to cancel for any reason 50% of $240 payment is non-refundable.  

2. The value of the funding cannot be exchanged for cash.  

3. Places are subject to availability.

Student Gear List

Briefing Meeting

April Departure

We will have a Microsoft Teams meeting at 7.30pm on Monday 27th March 2023 to discuss preparation and planning for the trip.  We can discuss the gear list and also answer any questions students may have.  Invitations to the Microsoft Teams meeting will be sent out by email.

Start and End of Trip Meeting Point

Any problems on the day or hold ups don't hesitate to call 021 333 816.