Activities


Below is a list of activities that APOEC can run as part of our programme. The variety of activities allows for teachers preference, weather conditions and season, groups size, group age and group goals.

Rain or snow does not usually keep us inside! But however if weather conditions are sufficiently nasty to keep us indoors APOEC has indoor activities available.


Bush or alpine walks

Half or full day. Weather dependant

For more information on the local Arthur's Pass walks click here.


River Crossing.

1-1.5 hours. Weather dependant

Introduction to safe river crossing skills and a chance to put the theory into practice under controlled conditions at a safe site.


Sensory trail.

1-1.5 hours.

A blindfold confidence activity following a rope trail in the forest at Greyneys flat. 10 minutes drive from AP Village.


Bush Study

1 hour.

An activity where students get up close and personal with the ecology of a Beech forest!

Orienteering

1-1.5 hours.

An orienteering course within the village, suits most abilities. Participants require a vague sense of direction!


Stretcher making and mock rescue

1-1.5 hours.

Small groups are given materials and mock rescue to build a stretcher, but no instruction book. Once groups have a working stretcher they undertake a “rescue” of one of their team mates.


Rock art

1-1.5 hours.

Taking a stony river bed and building a creative outdoor exhibition.


Visitor Information Centre

1 hour.

Visit the Department Of Conservation Visitor Information Centre. Displays of local natural and human history. 18 minute video on the history of the Arthur’s Pass road and railway.


Map reading

45 minutes. All weathers.

Basic map reading and/or compass skills. Indoors or outdoors.


Technology challenge

45 minutes. All weathers.

Build a shelter with limited resources in small teams. Indoors.


Sketching

45 minutes. Weather dependant.

Sketching plants or historic buildings. Drawing materials required.


Historic walk

1-1.5 hours. Weather dependant.

A circuit of the village visiting sites and buildings of historic significance.


Kiwi listening

30 minutes. Weather dependant

New for 2003. 10 pupils and 2 adults at a time. Listening for some of the 22 local Great Spotted Kiwi. Activity most successful in winter and during the dark phase of the moon. Listening carried out during first 2 hours of darkness (6-8pm). Bring all of your winter woolies!


Subject talks

45 minutes. All weathers.

Weather, history, conservation, Seach and Rescue. Interactive. Indoors or outdoors.


Trust/initiative games

45 minutes. All weathers.

Group initiative and trust games. Indoors or outdoors.


Solo

1 hour. Weather dependant.

Pupils spend one hour alone at a designated site in the forest with some activities to complete.


Viaduct visit

35 minutes return trip.

Visit the Otira Viaduct in the APOEC van (11 seat) or your own vehicles.