Brookfield Outdoor Education Centre is a self-catered school camp in Moores Valley, Wainuiomata, about 40 minutes’ drive from central Wellington and 20 minutes from the Hutt Valley. Owned by Scouts Aotearoa, it covers more than 260 hectares of native bush, stream, lake and paddocks, with bunk-room cabins, lodges, two halls with large kitchens and plenty of room to camp. Schools can use the flying fox, confidence course, kayaks and swimming pool as part of their stay, with an 18-metre abseil tower available through an audited instructor.
Why schools choose Brookfield
- Space to explore: more than 260 hectares of bush, stream, lake and open paddocks, close to Wellington.
- Activities included: the flying fox, confidence course, incident course, kayaks and pool (October to April) are covered by your accommodation or camping fees.
- Flexible accommodation: three bunk-room blocks, four lodges and huts, and camping at both ends of the site.
- Big kitchens for big groups: two halls, each with a large kitchen and commercial-style ovens.
- Abseiling: a renovated abseil tower with drops of up to 18 metres, run by an AdventureMark-audited provider.
- Conservation in action: a site-wide predator trapping programme and native plant surveys students can learn from.
- Not-for-profit: owned by Scouts Aotearoa and looked after by volunteers.
School camp accommodation
Bunk-room cabins
- A block: 24 bunks, plus a supervisors’ cabin with two beds and a private bathroom.
- B block: 24 bunks.
- C block: 28 bunks.
Lodges and huts
- Lions Lodge: sleeps 12 in two bunk rooms, with a fully accessible bathroom and shower, a lounge, a small kitchen and a private grassed area with fireplace.
- Rovers Lodge: sleeps 10 in one room, with a large kitchen and lounge, internal toilet, and a big deck with BBQ opening onto a private grassed area.
- Bunkhouse: a refurbished room sleeping 12, with a small kitchen and heat pump.
- Lock Hut: a tramping hut 15–20 minutes’ walk into the bush, sleeping 10 inside with room for a few small tents outside, ideal for an overnight tramping experience.
Camping
There are camping areas at both ends of the site, each with its own toilets and washing facilities, plus a camp kitchen, cooking shelters on request and plenty of fireplaces. Camping suits anything from a single class to large school groups.
Mattresses, cookware, toilet paper, hand towels and cleaning supplies are provided. Bring bedding, pillows, towels, tea towels and sunscreen.
Facilities for school groups
- Fletcher Hall: the largest hall, seating 80–100, with a large commercial-style kitchen (dishwasher, gas stove, large oven, double-door fridge and chest freezer) and large BBQs outside.
- Maire Hall: a dining room seating 50, with its own kitchen and a large deck.
- Nelson Lounge: a restored historic cottage used for training sessions and breakout groups.
- Swimming pool: open October to April.
- Lake with kayaks and pontoons.
- Campfire circles: a large and a small circle for evening gatherings.
- BBQs in each accommodation area and in the top paddocks.
Self-catering
Brookfield is self-catered. Fletcher and Maire halls both have well-equipped kitchens with large ovens, fridges and freezers, so parent helpers can cook for a full camp. Cookware is supplied, and cutlery and plates can be provided on request.
Activities on site
Most on-site activities are run by the visiting group, using the centre’s equipment and risk management (RAMS) documents. Some activities need an outdoor instructor, which may cost extra.
Adventure activities
- Flying fox.
- Confidence course suited to a range of abilities.
- Challenge and incident courses for problem solving and teamwork.
- Abseil tower: drops from 5 metres up to 18 metres, run by Captivate Adventures as the audited provider (from age 7 for the small abseil and age 10 for the top).
On the water
- Kayaking on the lake, with lifejackets compulsory.
- Swimming pool, open October to April.
Bush and tramping
- Native bush walks for flora and fauna study.
- Tramping, including an overnight trip to Lock Hut and its campsite.
After dark
- Campfires in the campfire circles (check with the duty leader first).
- Stargazing under dark Wainuiomata skies.
Curriculum connections
A camp at Brookfield fits well with education outside the classroom (EOTC) and can support learning in:
- Science: native bush and stream ecology, birdlife, and predator control as a conservation tool.
- Health and Physical Education: challenge, teamwork, water safety, tramping and outdoor skills.
- Social Sciences: the site’s farming and Scouting history in the Wainuiomata valley.
- Key competencies: managing self, relating to others and participating and contributing through shared camp life and cooking.
History and conservation
Brookfield began as a farm bought by John Crowther in 1864 and named after its stream. Mary Crowther left the property to Scouting when she died in 1958, after decades of Scout camps on the land, and adjoining land has since been added to bring it to more than 260 hectares. Today volunteers run a Predator Free Brookfield trapping programme and record native plants across the site, giving students a working example of conservation on their doorstep.
School camp rates
Rates depend on the accommodation and areas you book, with the flying fox, confidence course, incident course, kayaks and pool included in accommodation and camping fees. Instructed activities such as abseiling are paid to the instructor separately. Contact Brookfield for current rates and availability.
Example three-day camp
An example of how a school camp at Brookfield could look (every camp is planned by the school):
- Day 1: Arrive and settle in, safety briefing, flying fox and confidence course, campfire evening.
- Day 2: Instructed abseiling, kayaking on the lake, pool session, bush walk to Lock Hut.
- Day 3: Incident course challenge, conservation session on predator trapping, clean up and depart.
Getting there
Brookfield is at the top of Moores Valley Road in Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, about 20 minutes from the Hutt Valley and 40 minutes from central Wellington. Visits are by booking only, and groups check in with the Site Manager or Duty Leader on arrival.
Nearby attractions for school groups
- Wainuiomata Regional Park: the easy Lower Dam Walk past the historic dam and wetlands, with the free Wainuiomata Water Museum.
- Catchpool Valley, Remutaka Forest Park: easy loop walks and picnic areas south of Wainuiomata.
- East Harbour Regional Park: coastal walks and the Baring Head lighthouse area.
- Wellington city: Te Papa, Zealandia and other education destinations within an hour’s drive.
Other groups and events
- Scout and Guide groups: Brookfield has hosted Scouting camps for close to a century.
- Church and youth groups: affordable group accommodation with halls and kitchens.
- Family reunions: lodges, cabins and camping for all ages.
- Training courses and conferences: Fletcher Hall, Maire Hall and Nelson Lounge for sessions and breakouts.
- Festivals and large camping groups: open paddocks with camping at both ends of the site.
Good to know
- Groups clean during and after their stay using the centre’s cleaning schedule.
- There’s no recycling on site, so take recyclables home.
- Bring your own firewood, and check fire restrictions before your stay.
- Children must be supervised at the pool, lake and streams.
- No alcohol, drugs or dogs.
- The centre is run by volunteers, so allow time for replies to enquiries.
Frequently asked questions
How many students can Brookfield accommodate?
The bunk-room blocks sleep 24, 24 and 28, the lodges and huts sleep another 10–12 each, and there is room for large groups to camp.
Is Brookfield catered?
No. It is self-catered, with large kitchens in Fletcher Hall and Maire Hall.
Which activities are included?
The flying fox, confidence course, incident course, kayaks and pool (October to April) are included in accommodation and camping fees.
Can students go abseiling?
Yes. The abseil tower is run by an audited instructor, booked and paid for separately, with drops from 5 metres up to 18 metres.
What do we need to bring?
Bedding, pillows, towels, tea towels, sunscreen and firewood. Mattresses, cookware and cleaning supplies are provided.
Where is Brookfield?
It is at the top of Moores Valley Road in Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, about 40 minutes from central Wellington.
