Rotoiti Lodge Outdoor Education Centre

07/10/2026

Lovely feedback from Luke and the team at Recreate NZ:

"We had an absolutely fantastic stay and couldn’t recommend this camp and activity provider highly enough. From the moment we arrived, the whole team was welcoming, friendly and incredibly accommodating.

The instructor-led activities were a real highlight. Everything was extremely well organised, with a clear focus on safety and making sure everyone could get involved. The instructors were fantastic at encouraging people to try new things without ever being pushy. They seemed to know exactly when to give someone that extra bit of encouragement, which made a huge difference for our group.

The facilities were excellent and there was plenty to keep everyone entertained outside of the scheduled activities. The lodge was warm, comfortable and had a really welcoming feel. The kitchen was particularly impressive and easily one of the best we have used on a Recreate camp. There was plenty of space and it was very well equipped, making it ideal for catering for a larger group.

We also really appreciated how patient and helpful all of the staff were throughout our stay. They were incredibly accommodating and clearly experienced in working with a wide range of groups and needs. It was obvious that a lot of thought has gone into making the whole experience safe, enjoyable and accessible.

Overall, this was a fantastic place to stay for a group camp. Great activities, excellent facilities, fantastic staff and a really comfortable lodge. We had an awesome time and would absolutely love to return. A well-deserved 5 stars!"

Thanks for choosing Rotoiti Lodge and for your kind review. We look forward to seeing your team back in the future for more adventures!

06/10/2026

Huge thanks to Whakatū Rotary for helping to keep our Lodge safe from wildfire.
With El Niño on its way, areas of manuka and kanuka around the Lodge were deemed a fire risk and have been cleared to make way for safer broadleaf natives.
A big job, made easier with the help of our partners from Whakatū Rotary and Department of Conservation - working together to protect our community and build resilience.

Rotary brings together volunteers from local communities to take action on issues that matter. To find your nearest club, check out https://rotarydistrict9999.org/



https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/361093264/el-nino-prompts-wildfire-preparations-rotoiti-lodge?fbclid=IwY2xjawUxKgZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7eeav1hODfmz45nAY9-x5bT4xdRM8vtcjrQbs8XuR9WsEutVc8m0HZXOgeVQ_aem_MBOy-KFiTjwtRJf2-M11fg

A popular outdoor education centre near Nelson is preparing for a heightened risk of wildfire this summer.

29/09/2026

Kia ora outdoor instructors!
We are after an instructor for a week of work, Sunday 01 - Saturday 07 November 2026!

Come join us on one of our larger-scale school camps.

The ideal outdoor instructor for this fixed-term role will:
- Be able to lead an overnight tramp around Lake Rotoiti (NZOIA bush leaders with experience in basic river crossing and overnight endorsement, or Bush 1 is ideal).
- Be confident with water activities and be able to run watersports activities (Raft building on the lake) after the on-site induction (Raft guide or NZOIA Sea Kayak Leader ideal).
- Hold a current first aid certificate.
- Able to work as part of a team and individually.

Partly catered and full accommodation provided.

If this sounds like something you could be interested in, flick an email to [email protected] with your CV, and we can let you know more about this week of work. All casual and contract instructors will be inducted and work under our audited SMS/SOPs.
The RLOEC Crew.

24/09/2026

Welcome to Sam, our new Centre Manager! 🎉

We're excited to announce a new addition to the team. Sam Wilson brings a wealth of experience from his time with RealNZ in Fiordland and he's thrilled to be trading one beautiful corner of New Zealand for another.

Sam has moved to St Arnaud with his partner and two young children, who we know will love becoming part of our amazing community.

Welcome to the team, Sam - we can't wait to have you along for the adventure! 🏔️

20/09/2026

Ākonga from Bohally Intermediate School working together, building confidence and having a blast at Rotoiti Lodge.

16/09/2026

Ngā mihi nui to Pub Charity for your support!

We are committed to breaking down barriers and helping more young people experience life-changing adventures in the outdoors. We couldn't do it without our passionate and skilled staff or the funders that support them.

The generous contribution we recently received from Pub Charity Ltd will help fund the management of our safety programmes, ensuring we can continue to go above and beyond when providing safe and challenging experiences to all our visitors.

Thank you Pub Charity (and all your contributing vendors!) for investing in the future of Rotoiti Lodge and for all you do to support local communities ❤

30/08/2026

Kiwis are a generous bunch!
A recent study by Community Foundations of Aotearoa found that over half of respondents would be interested in leaving a charitable gift in their will.
If the outdoors is your playground, you could pass on your love through a bequest to our Community Group Fund, invested and managed by Top of the South Community Foundation.
For more information (or to donate) go to: https://www.topsouthfoundation.org.nz/funds/lake-rotoiti-outdoor-education-trust-fund

25/08/2026

Rotoiti Lodge aims to help more young people access the benefits of outdoor education - cost should not be a barrier and neither should a lack of equipment.
We provide a gear hire service to students on camp at very low cost - a maximum of $15 per person for wet weather gear, packs, warm layers and everything needed for an outdoor adventure.
This is only possible due to the generous support of businesses and volunteers - donating gear and making repairs.
A recent donation from Macpac has been a huge help in increasing the range of sizes on offer and replacing some gear that was well past its prime. Weather-proof outer layers, sleeping bags and tramping packs mean more children and young people are exploring Nelson Lakes National Park - safe, dry and ready for adventure!
Thank you to for their support and for helping more young people find out what they are capable of just outside their comfort zone.

20/08/2026

Nothing beats the moment when apprehension turns into achievement!
Students from Queen Charlotte College took on the challenge of abseiling this week, learning that confidence starts just outside your comfort zone.
Outdoor Education isn't just an adventure - it builds resilience, teamwork and self-belief that students carry with them long after they return to the classroom.

13/08/2026