Activities at Tōtara Springs
From archery to orienteering, rockclimbing to kayaking and everything in between, there's an activity at camp that will suit your group!
Here you'll find an overview, Safety Action Plan (SAP) and basic info about our key activities.
Archery
Is there a Katniss Everdeen or Robin Hood amongst your group? Archery is the activity to find out!
Group size:
Max 20 per hour
Restrictions:
5 years and older
Facilitator:
Group Adults
Archery Tag
A mixture between paintball and doge ball. Archery Tag is an exciting game worth a go at your next stay with us
Group Size:
10-14 per hour
Restrictions:
Minimum age 10
Facilitator:
TS Staff member
Hydroslide
Our hot water Hydroslide is so much fun! With two entrances, there is an option for any level of thrill seeker.
Group Size:
15-30
Restrictions:
4 years and older
Height restrictions
Facilitator
TS Instructor + 1 Group Adult
Tower Abseil
Our 7m abseil is a great place to learn and have some fun while pushing participants outside their comfort zone.
Group Size:
5 -12 per hour
Restrictions:
5 years and older
Those with back or pelvic injuries
Not recommended when pregnant
Facilitator:
TS Instructor + 1 Group Adult
Senior Abseil
This is an amazing experience! Abseil down a 14m rock face into the Mangawhero stream. Then a 30m swim/wade out, so bring your togs.
Group Size:
5- 12 per hour
Restrictions:
13 years and older
Those with back or pelvic injuries
Not recommended when pregnant
Facilitator:
TS Instructor + 1 Group Adult
Canadian Slide
The Canadian Waterslide is a 20m long slide that runs down a steep hill, over a jump, and into a waterhole in the Mangawhero Stream.
Group Size:
None
Restrictions:
13 years and older
Stream level
Facilitator:
TS Instructor +1 Group Adult
Top Town
A must activity for any group at Tōtara Springs. Consisting of a variety of activities, Top Town helps all involved get into the spirit of camp.
Group Size:
50 - 200
Restrictions:
None
Facilitator:
TS Instructor + any available adults
Adventure Run
The components of this activity allow campers to display and develop leadership, problem solving and communication skills.
Group Size:
5 - 15 per hour
Restrictions:
10 years and older
Facilitator:
TS Instructor + 1-2 Group Adult
Slingshot Paintball
Fancy yourself a good shot? Playing paintball with slingshots is a lot of fun with a unique twist on other versions you may have played before.
Group Size:
10 - 20 players
Restrictions:
10 years and older
Facilitator
TS Instructor
Flying Kiwi
Can Kiwis fly? At Tōtara Springs they can! Attached to a rope "Kiwis" are pulled up into the air by their team mates while shooting a basketball into a hoop.
Group Size:
10-15 per hour
Restrictions:
5 years and older
Facilitator:
TS Instructor + 1 Adult
Crate Climb
The object is to build a stack of milk crates as high as you can while standing on them. 10 crates is a good achievement but the record is 32!
Group Size:
10-12 per hour
Restriction:
8 years and older
Weight restriction of 70kg
Facilitator:
TS Instructor + 2 Adult helpers
Rock Climbing
Our indoor rockwall has multiple climbs designed to challenge the novice climber right through to an expert.
Group Size:
5 - 15 per hour
Restrictions:
Not recommended for those with back or pelvic pain
Facilitator:
TS Instructor + 2 Group Adults
Kayaking
Kayaking on the lazy Mangawhero stream is great for beginners. The natural gradient of the stream means it is slow flowing.
Group Size:
12 kayakers per hour
Restrictions:
Not as enjoyable in winter
Suitable for upper primary and older
Facilitator:
Group Adult 1:5 kayakers
Rafting
Using basic materials, teams must design and construct a sea-worthy vessel which will transport them all efficiently down the river.
Group Size:
12 per hour
Restrictions:
5 years and older
Not as enjoyable in winter
Facilitator:
Group Adult 1:5 rafters
Water Slides
A great activity to enjoy in some free time or add to the end of a kayaking or rafting session. The kayak slide drops into the river and the junior slide runs out onto the grass.
Group Size
None
Restrictions:
5 years and older on the Kayak Slide
Facilitator:
Group Adults
Team Rescue
An activity involving problem solving & teamwork. The aim is to complete obstacles and save "Roy" the injured dummy.
Group Size
3 - 15 per hour
Restrictions:
Course cannot be used in wet or icy conditions
Facilitator:
TS Instructor
Low Ropes
Explore leadership, communication and trust while participating in a number of obstacles. This activity requires team members to support each other.
Group Size:
5 - 15 per hour
Restrictions:
10 years and older
Facilitator:
Group Adults
Initiatives
An effective tool for developing leadership, creative thinking, and social skills. Initiatives can promote effective team behaviour.
Group Size:
6-12 per hour
Restrictions:
None
Facilitator:
Group Adult
Go Karts
Budding motor enthusiasts can test their skills in a safe environment on our track. We have different Go Karts for all ages.
Group size:
5 - 12 per hour
Restrictions:
7 years and older
Height restrictions
Facilitator:
TS Instructor + 1 Group Adult
Human Foosball
Players must hold onto their team bars and attempt to score at the opposite end but remember you can only move from side to side!
Group Size:
12 (2 teams of 6)
Restrictions:
Must be approx 1.2 metres tall
Facilitator:
Adult supervision for younger players
Frisbee Golf
Great for all ages. Frisbee Golf is situated around the top of camp. The course takes participants through a number of challenging obstacles.
Group Size:
1-16 per hour
Restrictions:
None
Facilitator:
Group Adults
Slug Guns
A great activity to learn gun safety in a low risk environment. Slug Guns will test the talents of all who take part.
Group Size:
1-12 per hour
Restrictions:
Under 18's must be supervised
Facilitator:
Group Adults
Hot Pool
The pool is heated by a natural hot spring and is a lot of fun all year round. The depth ranges from 1.1m at the shallow end to 1.4m.
Group Size:
Any
Restrictions:
No-one should swim alone
Under 14s must be supervised
Facilitator:
Must have Adult 1:10 under 14's
Mini Golf
Our Mini Golf course has 11 holes with a par of 30. Can you get under par? A great activity for everyone no matter your level of skill.
Group Size:
Dependent on golf clubs
Restrictions:
Under 8's require adult supervision
Facilitator:
Group Adults
Swimming Holes
A great summer option for groups to use in free time or as part of a rotation, the swimming holes in the Mangawhero river are sure to cool you down.
Group Size:
None
Restrictions:
Under 14's must be supervised
No-one to swim on their own
Facilitator:
Group Adults 1:5 competent swimmers
Outdoor Cooking
Campfires are an essential part of camping. Gather around to share stories and learn some new skills like cooking on an open fire.
Group Size:
None
Restrictions:
Weather dependent
Facilitator:
Group Adults
Burma Trail
Weaving its way through the Tōtara bush, the Burma Trail is a magnificent way to spend the evening or the day with blindfolds.
Group Size:
No size restrictions
Restrictions:
None
Facilitator:
Group Adults 1:10 Child
Axe Throw & Hatchet toss
Slackline
Orienteering
Indoor Initiatives
Get in touch
Phone: 07 888 4700
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288c Taihoa North Road, RD3, Matamata, 3473
New Zealand
Tōtara Springs is a New Zealand owned business. We are a registered charity CC56824.
