The Pataua Outdoor Education & Recreation Trust (POERT) provides an affordable and well-equipped camp facility designed for schools looking to combine learning and adventure. Located at Pātaua North, just 36 minutes from Whangārei, the site sits between Parauwanui Beach and Papuni Beach, where the ocean meets the estuary at Pātaua Island Recreation Reserve. The unique setting offers both sheltered waters and surf, giving students opportunities to experience a variety of safe and challenging outdoor activities.
School groups will find a large, flat camping area with kitchen facilities, fridges and freezers, four toilets, four hot-and-cold showers, and an undercover cooking and eating area. These facilities provide flexible options for both large and small groups.
The natural environment surrounding the camp is central to its appeal for schools. Students can explore rock pools, go kayaking, try surfing or stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkel in the clear waters. The nearby footbridge is a favourite for supervised jumping, while inland there are wetlands, native habitats, and pā sites to discover. Conservation is also part of the story, with kiwi reintroduction and ecological monitoring taking place in the area.
POERT was established in 1979 with the aim of making outdoor education accessible, particularly for schools that may face financial challenges. That commitment continues today, with ongoing redevelopment of facilities to ensure the camp remains a safe and inspiring venue for learning outside the classroom.
