Profile
MiCamp Whakamaru is a school camp venue set on an island in Lake Whakamaru, linked to the mainland by a causeway. The site has 84 beds, a recreation hall, dining room and commercial kitchen, with both catered and self-catered options available.
Accommodation is simple and group-friendly, with classic bunk-room cabins and dorms. The camp also includes a self-contained portacom, caravan plug-in points, space for tents, and heaters in all rooms — giving schools flexibility for different group sizes and budgets.
Programmes can include a mix of instructor-led and supervisor-led activities. Instructor-led options feature raft building and kayaking, while supervisor-led favourites include archery, team-building, confidence courses, orienteering, bushcraft, archery tag, Burma Trail, volleyball, Top Team and more. Swimming with a pontoon and a lakefront fire pit (seasonal restrictions apply) add to the variety. Sample three-day programmes are available, and schools can work with MiCamp to tailor activities to their learning goals.
The camp’s location also provides opportunities for hydropower and environmental learning. Lake Whakamaru is part of the Waikato River hydro system, and groups can use this context for teaching about energy and the environment. Fishing is available in season, and the wider area offers access to the Waikato River Trails, the Ōrakēi Korako geothermal walk (around 30 minutes away), as well as Rotorua (45 minutes) and Taupō (35 minutes) for additional excursions.
With its island setting, flexible accommodation and wide activity menu, MiCamp Whakamaru provides a practical base for schools to run safe, structured outdoor programmes that build confidence, teamwork and leadership.
