Nau Mai
Haere Mai
The Wilderness Canoe Trust is a registered charity guided by our kaupapa of making outdoor experiences accessible for everyone.
We believe that real-life adventures in nature help build confidence, strengthen connection (whanaungatanga), and deepen appreciation for the natural world (te taiao).
Our Kaupapa
Our kaupapa guides how we work, how we care for people, and how we connect with the outdoors.
Mission | Mīhana
To provide safe, inclusive canoe journeys that remove barriers and create meaningful outdoor experiences for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Values | Uara
Whakamana
empowering people to grow in confidence and recognise their own strength and potential
Manaakitanga
caring for people with kindness and respect
Whanaungatanga
building connection, trust, and belonging
Kaitiakitanga
honouring and protecting te taiao
Vision | Tirohanga
Aotearoa’s outdoors are accessible to all - where everyone can experience nature with confidence, support, and a sense of belonging.
Ā Mātou Mahi
Our Work
We offer a range of canoe experiences designed to be safe, supportive, and accessible:
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Fully and partially funded canoe journeys for community groups of all abilities
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User-paid school camps for students keen to explore and learn on the water
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Canoe skills courses, coaching & leadership workshops
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Staff development days or team-building adventures on the water
Each experience is carefully planned, guided by experienced kaiako, and shaped around the bespoke needs of the group, ensuring a meaningful and enjoyable experience.
Ā Mātou Aronga
Our approach
Our approach is grounded in creating genuine opportunities for people to connect with the te taiao, with each other, and with themselves. We focus on making the outdoors more accessible, supporting people of different abilities, and nurturing inclusive spaces where everyone feels they belong.
We place strong value on rangatahi (young people) supporting them to step forward, take responsibility, and grow in confidence through real experiences, supporting their rangatiratanga and sense of self.
He aha te hua?
Why it matters
Time on the water creates space to try something new, to have fun together, to feel capable, and to connect with place and people.
For many participants, our journeys are:
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a first time in a canoe
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a confidence boost
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a reminder that they belong in the outdoors
Our Impact
Te Pai Tawhiti
421
Funded
Canoe
Journeys
4806
People
Engaged
90
Communities
Impacted
Our journeys help people:
Build confidence
Deepen environmental awareness
Strengthen teamwork and belonging
Discover joy in nature
