Waimanaaki is a catered camp venue at Riversdale Beach on the Wairarapa coast, about 55 km south-east of Masterton. Just a two-minute walk from a surf-patrolled beach, with rock pools for shoreline study and a large reserve across the road, it suits school camps, retreats and team-building groups. It is run by the Learn ‘n’ Live Ministries Charitable Trust, which has been running children’s camps at Riversdale Beach for close to 40 years, and takes catered groups of 25 or more.
Why schools choose Waimanaaki
- The beach on the doorstep: Riversdale Beach is a two-minute walk away, with a summer surf lifesaving patrol.
- Catered camps: meals provided for groups of 25 or more, so teachers can focus on the programme.
- Ready-made paperwork: RAMS forms and activity sheets are supplied to make EOTC planning easier.
- A natural classroom: rock pools at the northern end of the beach for rocky shore studies.
- Space to play: the Basil Bodle Reserve across the road has a basketball court, bike track, cricket pitch, skate ramp and big open spaces.
- Experienced hosts: the trust has run school holiday camps at Riversdale for close to 40 years.
- A safe, settled setting: a quiet beach village with a drug and smoke-free venue.
School camp accommodation
Waimanaaki is a dedicated camp venue that hosts catered groups of 25 or more, and the trust’s own holiday camps take around 60 children. Contact Waimanaaki for current room layouts, bed numbers and maximum group size.
Catering
Waimanaaki runs catered camps for groups of 25 or more. Let the team know about dietary needs when you enquire.
School camp activities
Waimanaaki is set up for EOTC camps, with a range of activities and equipment available. RAMS forms and activity sheets are provided to help with planning.
Beach and coast
- Beach safety sessions, arranged through the Riversdale Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.
- Rocky shore environmental studies in the rock pools at the northern end of the beach.
- Swimming at the patrolled beach in summer.
- Coastal walks and fishing.
Outdoor activities
- Kayaking.
- Paintball target shooting.
- Sports and night games.
- Basil Bodle Reserve across the road: basketball court, bike track, cricket pitch, playground, skate ramp and room for big group games.
Retreats and development
- Writing, music or leadership retreats for senior or specialist groups.
Curriculum connections
A camp at Waimanaaki fits well with education outside the classroom (EOTC) and can support learning in:
- Science: rocky shore ecology, marine life and coastal processes.
- Health and Physical Education: beach and water safety, sport and outdoor games.
- The Arts and English: writing and music retreats in a coastal setting.
- Key competencies: managing self, relating to others and participating and contributing through shared camp life.
About Waimanaaki
Waimanaaki is run by the Learn ‘n’ Live Ministries Charitable Trust, whose members come from churches across the wider Wairarapa. The trust has run faith-based school holiday camps at Riversdale Beach for close to 40 years, taking around 60 children aged 5–12 on OSCAR-approved programmes that include kayaking, paintball target shooting, sports and night games.
School camp rates
Waimanaaki takes catered bookings for groups of 25 or more, and there is no casual camping. Contact Waimanaaki for rates and availability.
Example three-day camp
An example of how a school camp at Waimanaaki could look (every camp is planned with the school):
- Day 1: Arrive and settle in, beach walk, games at the Basil Bodle Reserve, evening night games.
- Day 2: Beach safety session with the surf lifesaving club, rocky shore study at the rock pools, kayaking.
- Day 3: Paintball target shooting and team games, lunch, depart.
Getting there
Waimanaaki is on Pinedale Crescent in Riversdale Beach village, about 55 km south-east of Masterton on the eastern Wairarapa coast.
Nearby attractions for school groups
- Riversdale Beach: a long sandy beach patrolled in summer by the local surf lifesaving club.
- Rock pools at the northern end of the beach.
- Basil Bodle Reserve and the Southern Reserve for sport and play.
- Riversdale Beach Golf Club and tennis courts.
- Coastal walks, fishing, diving and surfing.
Other groups and events
- Church and youth retreats.
- Work retreats, team building and conferences.
- Family reunions.
- Children’s holiday camps run by the trust in the school holidays.
Good to know
- Catered camps only, for groups of 25 or more.
- No casual camping.
- The venue is drug and smoke-free, and alcohol is at the trust’s discretion.
- The beach is patrolled in summer only.
- Bookings start with an online enquiry form.
Frequently asked questions
Is Waimanaaki catered?
Yes. Waimanaaki runs catered camps for groups of 25 or more.
How close is the beach?
Riversdale Beach is about a two-minute walk away.
What school camp activities are available?
Beach safety sessions, rocky shore studies, kayaking, paintball target shooting, sports and night games, plus the Basil Bodle Reserve across the road.
Do you provide RAMS forms?
Yes. RAMS forms and activity sheets are provided to help with school camp planning.
Who runs Waimanaaki?
The Learn ‘n’ Live Ministries Charitable Trust, whose members come from churches across the Wairarapa.
Where is Waimanaaki?
It is at Riversdale Beach, about 55 km south-east of Masterton on the Wairarapa coast.
