Holiday Programmes
Our Programmes
INVERCARGILL | GORE | OTAUTAU
During the holidays we offer days filled with fun, discovery and adventure in nature while learning bushcraft and survival skills:
We have options to suit all ages and programmes vary each holidays:
CHILD VS WILD A THREE day adventurous survival quest (7-14)
BUSH KIDS: A ONE day bushcraft experience with True in Nature (7-16)
A WILD DAY OUT - A fun and challenging day of bushcraft and survival (11-16).
We also offer in some holidays:
TEEN VS WILD - An action packed 3 day venture full of bushcraft, physical and mental teamwork challenges for (11-16).
NATURAL CREATORS - Creating with natural materials and cooking with wholesome foods. For ages (5 - 16)
BUSH, MAKE & BAKE - combining natural creators and bush kids. (5-16)
Our SAPLINGS programme is aimed at 5-7 year olds with a caregiver to enjoy connecting in nature while learning new skills.
A FAMILY FUN DAY is for the whole family, to connect and have fun.
ENROLLMENTS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS!!!
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR VIF’S (very important families )
Activities will include some of the following depending on the venue, group’s needs, group dynamics and of course the weather and season!! There will be variation each day.
Fire starting* and cooking (*only available at certain locations)
Knife work, whittling, carving
Shelter Building
Bush exploration, navigation, orienteering, foraging
Nature inspired arts and crafts
Cooking wholesome and nutritious food
Learning about animals and plants
Survival skills and much much more
If your child thrives in the outdoors and it brings out the best in them our in term time Bush School may be right up their alley
Summer Holiday Programmes 2025-2026
CHILD vs WILD: 7- 13 year olds
SeSe -S [5 DAYS, 9am-3pm] INVERCARGILL
An adventure Quest carried out in MANY locations. (Based in Invercargill). Where children spend four fun and exciting days learning and acquiring essential bush craft and survival skills including survival first aid in anticipation of the final challenge.
On the last day they will set off to work together in mini teams on their quest to solve puzzles, survive the course and put their newly learnt or advanced skills to use in the ultimate survival team challenges!
Details of the challenge will only be revealed on the day!!!
This is NOT overnight!!!
DATES: 15th - 19th December 2025 - Separate days available, please inquirevia email garethandkatie@trueinnature.com
AND 19th - 23rd January 2026
9am - 3pm. INVERCARGILL ONLY
PRICE: $375 per child
DISCOUNT: For a multiday discount enter coupon code CHILDVSWILD at the checkout
Limited to 15 children
NATURAL ‘Cooking’ CREATORS: 5-16 year olds
[1 DAY: 9am-3pm] INVERCARGILL
NATURAL CREATORS – A creative cooking experience
We take your children into the kitchen where they get to prepare and taste nourishing food all day. Geraldine from the Ferment Kitchen, whose mission it is that all children feel confident and capable making enjoyable and simple foods. With raw ingredients your children will return home feeling inspired and enthused to share these simple yet nutritious meals and snack to share with you.
The children will love preparing, presenting and sharing their creations as we eat together like a big celebratory family.
DATES: Monday 22nd December
and Tuesday 27th January 2026
PRICE: $85 per child per day (all food included for the day - no need to provide lunch boxes)
DISCOUNT: For a sibling discount enter coupon code SIBLINGS at the checkout.
When booking multiple days enter 2PLUSDAYS as the coupon code for a 10% discount.
BUSH KIDS: 7-16 year olds
[Single days, 9am-3pm] INVERCARGILL and GORE
A one day bushcraft and survival day experience.
We are opening it up to a larger age range these holidays and on the day the group will be split into smaller groups according to ages and to be with their friends.
Activities will include some of the following depending on the venue, group’s needs, group dynamics and of course the weather and season!! There will be variation each day.
Fire starting* and cooking (*only available at certain locations)
Knife work, whittling, carving
Shelter Building
Bush exploration, navigation, orienteering, foraging
Nature inspired arts and crafts
Cooking wholesome and nutritious food
Learning about animals and plants
Survival skills and much much more
DATES: various dates and locations - see below
PRICE: $75 per child per day
DISCOUNT: For a sibling discount enter coupon code SIBLINGS at the checkout.
Use coupon code 2PLUSDAYS at the checkout when booking multiple days
If your child LOVES the outdoors and thrives with hands on learning opportunities - our very successful BUSH SCHOOL programme maybe exactly what they need to bring out the best in them, unlock their potential and give them the confidence boost that they can use in all areas of learning and life. One day per week during the school term.
Calendar Overview for Summer 2025
Please scroll down passed the calendar for all the information. This is just an outline of what is on offer.
Monday 15th December - Friday 19th December [5 days, not overnight]
CHILD VS WILD (7-13), Invercargill
Monday 26th January
BUSH KIDS (7-16)
1 day
Gore
Monday 19th January - Friday 23rd January [5 days, not overnight]
CHILD VS WILD (7-13), Invercargill
Tuesday 27th January
NATURAL Cooking CREATORS (5-16)
1 day
Invercargill
Weds 28th January
BUSH KIDS (7-16)
1 day
Invercargill
Thurs 29th January
BUSH KIDS (7-16)
1 day
Invercargill
Friday 30th January
BUSH KIDS (7-16)
1 day
Invercargill
Our SAPLINGS Programme
Come and enjoy a special day with your child or grandchild.
Some quality time, just the two of you, out exploring in nature and trying new things.
This day has been created for families with younger children in mind. Saplings who are emerging explorers yet still need a little more guidance.
Enthusiastic for experiencing the arts of whittling and the joy of cooking in the fire as well as exploring the forest and playing games. You will enjoy a day of just being with your child alongside them as they discover new skills.
You will also be gifted the opportunity to marvel and relish in your child’s capabilities and join them in their joy and wonder.
(Babies welcome, Toddlers can become a difficulty to manage around these activities)
Dates tbc next holidays/ weekend
10am - 3pm
The price is $75 per Adult AND Child - Additional participating children will be $30 for the day.
Limited to 15 Children
FAMILY FUN DAY
Come and enjoy a day in nature, learning bushcraft skills together, having fun and enjoy being a child again.
Head home feeling connected as a family with your buckets filled.
All ages welcome.
7 plus year olds can be dropped off! Under 7’s will require adults to stay and play!
*conditions apply
“If we want our children to move mountains, we first have to let them out of their chairs”.
- Nicolette Sowder