ĀTA Adventure Therapy Aotearoa Conference 2026
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Te Taiao. Ngā Tāngata. Āta.
Strengthening and Growing Our Community of Practice
Please register on Humanitix - https://events.humanitix.com/ata-national-gathering-conference-2026
Kei whea? Where?
WILLOW PARK CHRISTIAN CAMP
Eastern Beach / Ōkōkino Beach, Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland
Willow Park Christian Camp is a peaceful coastal camp and conference centre in East Auckland. Set within seven acres of park-like grounds and located directly across the road from the beach.
He aha? What?
Join us for an Aotearoa-wide gathering grounded in ako (reciprocal learning), whakawhanaungatanga (building connection) and meaningful shared experiences.
Together, we learn from one another, deepen our practice, and strengthen our community.
Mā wai? Who?
This gathering welcomes anyone interested in the relationship between people, nature, experience and intentional practice in support of health and wellbeing.
It is open to those engaged in experiential, outdoor, cultural, therapeutic or nature-based practice. We are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive space for people of all cultures, identities and backgrounds.
Our strength lies in bringing together knowledge and perspectives from a wide range of fields, including:
• Mātauranga Māori practitioners
• Cultural practitioners and knowledge holders
• Social work
• Youth work
• Counselling
• Research
• Occupational therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Education
• Forest bathing
• Equine-assisted practice
• Adventure education
• And many more
He aha kei roto? - What’s included
Registration includes:
All meals including dietary requirements
Accommodation -onsite accommodation in bunk style rooms, accessible options available
Airport shuttle
Amazing keynote speakers
Inspiring workshops & research presentations
Cultural ako - reciprocal learning
Experiential sessions
Outdoor activities and excursions
Social evening
Building whanaungatanga, skills & inspiration!
Optional - Pre-conference workshops
ĀTA are offering 2 workshops for kaimahi who work or want to work therapeutically outside with groups of whaiora. The workshops will run simultaneously so participants choose one only.
Friday 16th October (9am to 4.30pm)
Facilitating Therapeutic Experiences
Learn essential elements for design and delivery of outdoor therapeutic group work
Introduction to theories behind adventure and nature-based therapy
What ‘Adventure Therapy’ is within Aotearoa and worldwide
Experience how to put these theories into practice
The importance and application of whanaungatanga
How you can integrate your usual mahi into adventure therapy experiences
Safety Planning and Managing Risk (also 9am to 4.30pm)
The details of delivering a safe Therapeutic Outdoor Programme.
Understanding the Adventure Activity Regulations and Industry Expectations of safety
What risks should be considered and managed for a therapeutic group work
The paperwork of a good Safety Management System
Strengthening and Growing Our Community of Practice
Please register on Humanitix - https://events.humanitix.com/ata-national-gathering-conference-2026
Kei whea? Where?
WILLOW PARK CHRISTIAN CAMP
Eastern Beach / Ōkōkino Beach, Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland
Willow Park Christian Camp is a peaceful coastal camp and conference centre in East Auckland. Set within seven acres of park-like grounds and located directly across the road from the beach.
He aha? What?
Join us for an Aotearoa-wide gathering grounded in ako (reciprocal learning), whakawhanaungatanga (building connection) and meaningful shared experiences.
Together, we learn from one another, deepen our practice, and strengthen our community.
Mā wai? Who?
This gathering welcomes anyone interested in the relationship between people, nature, experience and intentional practice in support of health and wellbeing.
It is open to those engaged in experiential, outdoor, cultural, therapeutic or nature-based practice. We are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive space for people of all cultures, identities and backgrounds.
Our strength lies in bringing together knowledge and perspectives from a wide range of fields, including:
• Mātauranga Māori practitioners
• Cultural practitioners and knowledge holders
• Social work
• Youth work
• Counselling
• Research
• Occupational therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Education
• Forest bathing
• Equine-assisted practice
• Adventure education
• And many more
He aha kei roto? - What’s included
Registration includes:
All meals including dietary requirements
Accommodation -onsite accommodation in bunk style rooms, accessible options available
Airport shuttle
Amazing keynote speakers
Inspiring workshops & research presentations
Cultural ako - reciprocal learning
Experiential sessions
Outdoor activities and excursions
Social evening
Building whanaungatanga, skills & inspiration!
Optional - Pre-conference workshops
ĀTA are offering 2 workshops for kaimahi who work or want to work therapeutically outside with groups of whaiora. The workshops will run simultaneously so participants choose one only.
Friday 16th October (9am to 4.30pm)
Facilitating Therapeutic Experiences
Learn essential elements for design and delivery of outdoor therapeutic group work
Introduction to theories behind adventure and nature-based therapy
What ‘Adventure Therapy’ is within Aotearoa and worldwide
Experience how to put these theories into practice
The importance and application of whanaungatanga
How you can integrate your usual mahi into adventure therapy experiences
Safety Planning and Managing Risk (also 9am to 4.30pm)
The details of delivering a safe Therapeutic Outdoor Programme.
Understanding the Adventure Activity Regulations and Industry Expectations of safety
What risks should be considered and managed for a therapeutic group work
The paperwork of a good Safety Management System
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Where is it happening?
Willow Park Christian Camp, 9A Hostel Access Rd, Eastern Beach, Auckland 2012, New Zealand, Auckland
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherAdventure Therapy Aotearoa Conference
