Erua Lodge just does it so well.
We arrive for a three night camp and the kids are full of expectation this time as the word got around that the last two camps our school had here were AWESOME! Bryan is laid back but doesn’t muck around when it comes to keeping kids safe. The students are quickly but gently taken out of their comfort zone and the words "outdoor education" take on new meaning for our students - the real meaning and purpose of outdoor ed is realised: adventure, recreation, extension, new horizons, action, aerobic exercise, mental testing and endurance, astronomy, archaeology, geology, science, history and sport science. All is done safely and the kids discover skills they never knew they had!
Bryan is the all round "good guy". The kids adore him. The leaders are grateful that he likes kids and yet keeps a firm control on things when control is needed but takes his hands off when not needed. He recognises the need for balance! And what CAN'T he do??
Kite flying, building, relating to teenagers, archery, paintballing, cooking (oh I need to mention the fabulous meals he cooks too - roast dinners, thai green curries, spaghetti with flair, steak and salads to die for!) Bryan's menu is always changing.
Miriam runs the show behind the scenes - i.e. keeps an eye on things but stays out of things too when she is not needed. Again, balance!
The two exude KINDNESS and a penchant for fun, novel ideas and good times! They are ideal camp hosts.
We are coming back next year for more - and longer too. 4 nights and five days! More of Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tokaanu Hot pools, caving, glow worm viewing, flying fox, archery, kite flying, paintballing and next time KAYAKING!
Yes, they do it well. The lodge is comfortable, clean and nicely appointed. It has imagination and adventure written all over it, from the Lion the Witch and the WARDROBE DVD den to the building design and its location in Tongariro's beautiful scenic playground. And our students love every minute of it! Well done guys and see you next year!
Denis Tate
Teacher, Feilding High School
December 2008
Recently our team of 15 students, including myself and 3 teachers stayed at the well know Erua Lodge. Our time at the awesome camp was packed full of exciting and adrenaline pumping fun activities that helped us all bond closer together.
You would never expect such an awesome lodge to be practically right at the foot of the North Island’s highest mountain. The views were absolutely fantastic everywhere we ventured. Caving, paintball, off-road go carting , tramping and archery are just a few of the activities our whole crew took part in.
The food was fantastic. If you’re into hearty sized home cooked meals then this is the place to be. There is nothing better after a 7 hour tramp but to sit down and tuck into a roast of pork.
We all had a fantastic time, the staff were great and I’m sure I speak for all of us in saying I wish the camp went for way longer!!!
Eddie Cranston
Year 10
Feilding Agricultural High School