Profile
The Guthrie-Smith Trust, located in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, provides a unique outdoor education experience for school children on school camps. The trust, which manages a 90-hectare arboretum and education centre, is dedicated to upholding the conservation values of its founder, William Herbert Guthrie-Smith. Its programs are designed to offer a multifaceted learning environment that combines environmental education with personal and team-building challenges.
The organization’s education centre acts as a living classroom, where students can engage in a variety of hands-on activities. Programs are tailored to different age groups and can be led by either school staff or the trust’s qualified instructors. Activities range from exploring the diverse arboretum, which contains over 20,000 trees, to learning about sustainable land management and the importance of conservation. The curriculum is rooted in the principles outlined in Guthrie-Smith’s classic ecological book, “Tutira: The Story of a New Zealand Sheep Station.”
The trust also holds a special role as a “Recognised Activity Provider” for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Aotearoa. This allows the centre to support schools in delivering the adventurous journey section of the award at various levels. The camp experience at Guthrie-Smith goes beyond traditional classroom learning, fostering an appreciation for nature and encouraging students to develop skills in teamwork, leadership, and resilience while immersing themselves in the natural environment.
