Outdoor Marine Education for Schools
Outdoor Marine Education for Schools
Outdoor marine education provides students with hands-on learning experiences that go beyond the classroom. At OMAC (Orama Marine Adventure Centre), we believe that outdoor learning builds resilience, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for nature. Our 2025 school programmes offer an exciting opportunity for schools to provide their students with unforgettable outdoor experiences on Great Barrier Island.
Why Choose OMAC for Marine Education?
Located in the stunning Karaka Bay at the northern end of Great Barrier Island, OMAC sits on 250 acres of pristine coastal and native bushland. We specialise in marine education for schools, offering engaging and immersive programmes designed to challenge, inspire, and educate young minds. Whether it’s kayaking in the beautiful Karaka Bay, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, or learning about marine ecosystems, our programmes provide students with unique opportunities to explore and understand the natural world.
Since its foundation, Orama has been dedicated to providing transformative outdoor experiences. Over the years, thousands of students have visited Orama, leaving with newfound confidence, leadership skills, and an appreciation for the environment. Our new 2025 programmes build on this legacy, delivering structured, high-impact learning experiences tailored to the needs of New Zealand schools.
What Our Marine Education Programmes Offer
OMAC’s marine education for schools is designed to align with New Zealand’s curriculum and encourage hands-on, experiential learning. Our programmes focus on two key learning approaches; Place-based Education and Experiential Learning.
Marine Activities
With our marine activities students explore Great Barrier Island’s diverse marine environment, through our programmes like our guided snorkelling trips and our ocean to plate programme where students gain valuable insights into sustainable fishing practices and marine ecosystems while also receiving hands-on training in food preparation, developing a deeper understanding of marine biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
Adventure-Based Learning
Our adventure programmes challenge students both physically and mentally. Activities include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, coastal hiking, and survival skills training. These activities promote resilience, teamwork, and personal growth while fostering a connection with the outdoors.
Leadership and Personal Development
Through structured leadership challenges and team-building exercises, students develop essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. Our leadership-focused activities encourage students to step outside their comfort zones, discover their strengths, and build confidence in a supportive environment.
A Cost-Effective Outdoor Education Option for Schools
We understand that organising school camps can be challenging, particularly when it comes to costs. That’s why we’ve designed our 2025 programmes to be an affordable yet high-quality option for schools looking to incorporate marine education into their curriculum. Our team works closely with educators to create tailored experiences that fit within school budgets while ensuring maximum impact for students.
OMAC provides a range of accommodation options, from self-contained sea-view units to comfortable lodge rooms, rustic cabins, and tent sites. Our facilities are designed to accommodate groups of various sizes while ensuring a comfortable and immersive outdoor education experience.
The Orama Legacy, A History of Outdoor Education
Orama has a long-standing tradition of providing life-changing experiences to students, educators, and community groups. Since 1962, when Neville and Dorothy Winger first established Orama, the centre has been a place of transformation, growth, and connection. Originally founded as a Christian conference and ministry centre, Orama has expanded to include OMAC, which focuses on outdoor and marine education for schools.
The valley where Orama is situated has a rich history, with local Māori using the land to grow medicinal plants such as Mairehau, known for its healing properties. Today, that spirit of renewal continues, offering students a safe and nurturing environment to learn, grow, and connect with nature.
Book Your School’s OMAC Experience Today
There has never been a better time to bring your students to OMAC for an outdoor education experience that will stay with them for life. Our 2025 marine education for schools is designed to engage, inspire, and challenge students in a way that only nature can.
To find out more about our school programmes, pricing, and availability, get in touch with our team today. Let’s create an unforgettable learning adventure together!
