School Camps

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Kia ora! We're the School Camp Experts, located in the lower North Island


At El Rancho on the Kapiti Coast just north of Wellington, we've been designing and facilitating camps for primary, intermediate and high school students for decades.

There are plenty of outdoor learning activities on offer to help meet your EOTC requirements with a maximum amount of fun.

We have a range of accommodation and catering options to suit your budget and preferences.

Ideally located right alongside the Waikanae River and just a short walk from Waikanae Beach.


We can help you fulfill all of the EOTC requirements for your TAMARIKI.


Special event: 'Rally at the Ranch' - school camp adventure!

If you have a primary or intermediate aged school group of 15 – 30 students* and are looking for an epic camp adventure to take them on – Rally at the Ranch is for you! Find out more here.

 
Girl and boy beach hut Girl life jacket Rockwall landscape Mila and Emily pool girl archery Girl horse Teen girls River track walk


quoteThank you once again for an amazing camp!  Our kids are still buzzing from all the new experiences
and we were so impressed with the friendly and supportive staff.
closequote   Porirua School

We're your 'Gateway to the Capital'

For schools outside of the Wellington region...why not stay with us, enjoy what we offer and as an added bonus discover the sights of our Capital city too.

There's our national museum Te Papa, the Beehive, the historic Cable Car, Adrenalin Forest, Weta Workshop...the list goes on! Find out more.

te-papa-exterior-day 1024x1024 GandalfatWetaCave02 WellingtonNZ Wellington city with Cable Car


Why is El Rancho the #1 choice for so many schools?

 
 
  • Our activities have been safety audited by OutdoorsMark NZ
  • Our staff and instructors are friendly and professional
  • We provide healthy & nutritious meals
  • We have a dedicated Teachers Lounge
  • An extensive range of onsite activities
  • Close proximity to Waikanae river, Estuary and Beach
  • Kapiti’s amazing climate
  • Day trips to Wellington City and Kapiti Coast attractions
New Outdoor Mark logo 2013 WEB-610
Healthy School Camp Food
 


Keen to book?

Simply fill out the Booking Enquiry form below and let us know your desired dates and requirements and we can then design a programme and provide you with a price quotation.

If you would like more information or to arrange a site visit please call us on (04) 902 6287.


Follow the link below to check out our accommodation options:

GROUP VENUES

 

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Off Peak Special Deal...50% off all Activities!!

Think you can only have fun during the summer months at El Rancho?  Then think again!

Book your OFF PEAK school camp with us in either May, June or August and we’ll give you 50% off the price of your choice of exciting onsite activity packages.

Find out more about the activities we offer here.

We have heaters ready to keep you warm and just imagine how much fun you’ll have rugged up around our bonfire toasting marshmellows.

Please note conditions include: minimum 2 night stay; minimum 40 people; camp must be fully catered.

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What schools are saying about us....

 

quote Our heartfelt thanks for the incredible manaakitanga and aroha you showed our students and staff. 

Our students absolutely loved their camp experience-the activities, the environment, and the atmosphere were unforgettable. Your hospitality and care were evident in every aspect, from the warm welcome to the way you ensured everyone was well looked after. Being “fed like kings and queens” was an extra special touch that our students will talk about for years to come.

Thank you once again for helping create such wonderful memories for our tamariki. This camp has truly been a highlight of their school year, and we are deeply grateful for all the effort and aroha you poured into making it so special. closequote

Rutherford Intermediate

quote We appreciated the easy booking process, the excellent variety and portions of food and the El Rancho staff were very friendly, professional, understanding and flexible. closequote

Ross Intermediate
 
quote Our camp at El Rancho was the best four days of school ever! I loved all the activities but my favourite time of day was chilling out with friends, laughing and bonding. El Rancho has taught me great life lessons about building relationships and connecting with people but also cool skills like rock climbing and archery, which I loved.  closequote

Student - Harmony
 
quote The activities were really engaging, easy to deliver, supported our REACH values used in school and organised really, really well.
The food was fantastic!  All the students enjoyed meal times with lots of positive feed back, what a great menu. closequote

Levin School
quote Thank you El Rancho staff for making our school camp the best experience of my life! I really enjoyed the activities and the food. I'm usually a picky eater but at camp I ate everything. closequote

Student - Samuel
 
 quote A BIG thank you for having us at your amazing facility. El Rancho has so many wonderful things to do and see. The cabins were nice, clean and warm. There was such a wonderful feeling at the camp surrounded by dense forest, green fields and paddocks.

We were really impressed with the instructors. They were kind, caring and generous with their knowledge. The instructors were positive and kept us standing tall when we felt challenged or scared.  

Thanks to the kitchen staff too for cooking all the delicious meals for us closequote

Pinehaven School

 
 


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