Dream Summer Holiday Programme

Our January 2025 Holiday Programme was a resounding success! Over two action-packed weeks, our primary and secondary school Dreamers had the time of their lives, while their parents enjoyed a well-deserved break, knowing their tamariki were safe, engaged, and participating in enriching activities.

The first week for our primary school Dreamers kicked off with a burst of creativity as they painted beautiful rocks for a treasure hunt. Once their masterpieces dried, the tamariki ventured out around the local area to hide their rocks for others to discover. This interactive activity was a great way for the kids to connect with their community while unleashing their imagination!

Our Dreamers were always on the move, exploring the stunning natural beauty of Te Tai Tokerau.

One of the highlights was biking along the scenic Waimahanga Track, followed by a refreshing swim at Onerahi Beach. The kids enjoyed soaking up the sun and taking in the beautiful views, recharging for more exciting adventures ahead.

The programme wasn’t just about having fun—it was also about learning new skills. The Dreamers had hands-on experience with bike maintenance, learning how to grease gears, pump up tyres, and ensure their bikes were in top condition before setting off on their mountain bike adventures. The excitement was evident as the tamariki gained confidence and skills on their bikes.

The grand finale for the primary school Dreamers was the Amazing Race. Teams raced to various pit stops, tackled detours, and solved roadblocks that tested their teamwork and problem-solving abilities. It was an action-packed event that brought everyone together for an unforgettable and fun-filled conclusion to the programme!

For our secondary school Dreamers, the programme was packed with even more thrilling adventures! With the chance to explore Te Tai Tokerau and beyond, these rangatahi embraced the opportunity to try new things and step outside their comfort zones. One of the highlights was a trip to Auckland to experience the thrills of Rainbow’s End. They also had the chance to choose from three incredible locations—Hokianga, to experience The Footprints of Kupe Experience, Waitangi, or Russell—where they immersed themselves in our rich cultural history.

The offsite adventures didn’t stop there! The Dreamers spent time with the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, learning about fishing and water safety at Matapouri and snorkelling at Reotahi allowing them to discover the incredible marine life in our local waters. They also went on biking trips with Bike Northland to Ngunguru and the Pohe Island Bike Park. They even embarked on a hikoi along part of the Te Araroa Trail, which stretches the length of Aotearoa. Locally, they tried horse riding at Vinegar Hill, just up the road from HQ, and visited Te Kura o Otangarei to learn about sustainability and explore their beehives.

The secondary programme also provided plenty of creative opportunities. The Dreamers visited the Whangārei Art Museum to check out the Robotic Exhibition and gather inspiration for their own projects. Back at HQ, they tried their hand at weaving (raranga) and crafted eco-friendly bags with Eco Solutions. These activities allowed the Dreamers to express their creativity and engage in hands-on learning while balancing adventure with artistic expression.

As always, there was plenty of downtime to relax and connect. The Dreamers enjoyed movie marathons, baking sessions, and shared plenty of laughs with friends, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Of course, no summer holiday programme would be complete without some pool time! Both our primary and secondary school Dreamers had a blast cooling off in the water, competing to see who could do the biggest manu (cannonball) and pull off the most impressive dives. There was plenty of fun and laughter, making it a perfect local activity to keep the kids active and happy.

Another highlight for both age groups was hitting the coast to catch some waves with Tutukaka Surf. Several Dreamers had the chance to try surfing for the first time, and it was amazing to see their confidence grow as they embraced the experience and enjoyed the magic of the waves!

The 2025 Holiday Programme had it all—adventure, creativity, learning, and plenty of laughter. For our tamariki, it was a time of growth, exploration, and connection. Whether they were discovering the natural wonders of Te Tai Tokerau, learning new skills, or getting creative back at HQ, this holiday programme was one to remember.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making this programme a success!