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!
 

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

 

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.

Stars

 

What schools are saying about us....


quote Our school had a wonderful time at El Rancho. The staff are so friendly and helpful and all the activities were just right for our kids. We can't wait to bring future students - so they can get the same amazing experience closequote

Cannons Creek School
 
quote A great place for a school camp with a variety of activities for the students to participate in - both self led and instructor led.  We had our own accommodation, dining hall and recreation centre which meant we saw the other schools there in passing, but we did not need to use the same facilities at the same time. Great, friendly welcome by the staff closequote

Pauatahanui School
 
quote I was one of the parent helpers with the Wa Ora Montessori School group at El Rancho last week. No doubt the teachers will be sending you feedback, but I just wanted to say that the parent group really enjoyed the camp – the facilities are great, the activities are fun (tubing seemed to be a favourite!) and all the staff were really helpful and made our jobs so much easier. I have been on three school camps now and El Rancho is easily the best in all those factors.

And I must mention the food, which is far and away the best we have come across on a camp. The kids certainly enjoyed it, and it was great that you catered for them to have extra helpings closequote 

Wa Ora Montessori
 
quote Thanks so much, El Rancho! We all had an amazing time! Your staff were all fantastic; so friendly, knowledgable and accommodating. The ammenities and activities are superb. We can't fault anything about your camp. Can't wait to come back! closequote

Carlton School
 
 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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