FAQs
Is it safe?
Life is full of hazards, when adventuring and learning in the outdoors we are choosing to go place where there are hazards that, for many, are outside of the norm.
Safety is our number one priority. This starts with the Peel Forest Outdoor Centre’s team culture. We pride ourselves in allowing for open discussion and at any time if anyone feels unsafe or if something is happing in an unsafe, they are encouraged to speak up. For more information see our Health and Safety page.
What times of the year are you open for bookings?
Our operating season is year-round for activities and the Lodge!
However, we only have our full staff team around from September-April/May. Over winter, we can still offer all of our land-based programmes, but with limited capacity or requiring a bit of extra time to find additional instructors in advance.
What do I need to bring for my activity?
We provide all the technical gear. But we do need you to come dressed for the day and with a few items such as lunch. You can find a full gear list on your course page.
What do I need to bring for the accommodation?
For the Eco Lodge and Cabins, you’ll need:
- Pillows
- Sheets and bedding or sleeping bag
- Towels
- A method of taking away all of your rubbish/waste/recycling
We provide:
- Hand towels
- Cleaning cloths
- Cleaning products
- Bin bags
More information on what you need can be found on the accommodation page.
Are there programme offerings for businesses and adults?
Lots – check out our skills programmes or get in touch to plan and organise a specialised programme for your team or business.
Are you a DOC visitor's centre?
No, but we fool a lot of people into thinking we are with the way our office looks! Check out our story.
Where can I get a map of Peel Forest and walking tracks?
Unfortunately we don’t have any DOC maps or flyers to give out and DOC doesn’t have an office in Peel Forest anymore!
Head a couple of kms past our centre to Te Wanahu Flat or the DOC website for the most up-to-date maps and information on walking tracks.
How do I book the Peel Forest Campground?
DOC runs all bookings for the Peel Forest campsite and Clarke Flat, which are adjacent to our property. They have shutdown period from May-mid-October.
We also offer camping, but it must be booked alongside one of our accommodation options.
Can we book the Eco Lodge for a private event?
Yes – we have hosted weddings, business events, family reunions and much more. We can’t offer catering, but we have some great recommendations!
Get in touch with what you need, and we can plan out your event.
Is catering included when we book an activity?
We don’t typically offer catering for our school/group camps or public courses.
On multi-day or journey-based camps where an adult supervisor is not attending with the group, we provide food to be cooked by the students while our instructors supervise. Every moment is a teachable one at Peel Forest Outdoor Centre, and that includes learning how to cook!
What is the process for getting a quote for a school/group booking?
Visit our Schools and Groups page and Activities for information on booking on behalf of a group. When you’re ready, you can submit a booking request.
The quoting process is described in depth in our Terms and Conditions.
What do you have to offer for kids under 8?
Yes – Although most of our holiday programmes are limited to 8 years and up. We love working with young ones and can offer programmes to groups as young as 4 years old.
Get in touch to see what we can do.
I’m a Manager of an After-school care/Holiday facility, can you offer a program for us?
We would love to chat. You can bring your crew to us, or we can look at a programme in a location close to where you are located. We also offer a selection of holiday programmes ourselves.