Spirit of Adventure

Introduction 

On this field trip you will join 30 specially-chosen students and their 10 buddies on the 45m, three-masted barquentine Spirit of New Zealand! You will be part of a team to help sail the ship on this special Inspiration Voyage.

It is difficult enough being part of a team this big and learning to sail a ship of this size, but all these students have physical challenges that make everything harder. What you will experience will inspire you - maybe to challenge yourself or maybe to help others.

Sailing on the open ocean is an exciting adventure but it does require careful preparation. You need a fit-for-purpose vessel, trained and able crew, procedures for emergencies, ways of keeping positive, and ways of keeping clean, fed and hydrated. Activities during this field trip include ship-handling, teamwork, problem-solving, and water sports (in and on the water).

See how this special group of people face personal challenges outside their usual boundaries, gain confidence and achieve tasks or overcome hurdles that might previously have looked impossible.

Meet Shelley the LEARNZ field trip teacher.

Watch the introductory video - on Vimeo.

Location

Your Hauraki Gulf sailing adventure starts from the Spirit of Adventure HQ on Princes Wharf in Auckland, the City of Sails. 

The Hauraki Gulf has important connections for Māori far back in history and in modern times has also been an important recreation and sailing area for a nearby population of nearly 2 million people.

Sunday 18 - Monday 19 February

Travel Day 

Read the diary about the journey from Dunedin to Auckland to begin the Spirit of Adventure virtual field trip. Read the ambassador updates. Watch the first videos as the Spirit of New Zealand leaves Auckland.

Tuesday 20 February

Onboard the Spirit of New Zealand

Set sail on the Spirit of New Zealand and rise to the challenge of learning to sail. Read the diary and find out what happened to ex-cyclone Gita. Watch the videos and read the ambassdor updates. Listen to a recording of today's web conference.

Wednesday 21 February

Find your spirit of adventure

Take the plunge and enjoy the early morning swim. Read the diary to find out how to stay healthy on a sailing voyage. Watch the videos and read the ambassador updates. Listen to a recording of today's web conference.

Thursday 22 February

Working with others and achieving your goals in the outdoors

Read the diary about learning to sail a lugger and climbing the mast. Watch the videos as the trainees tackle new challenges and share their highlights from the trip. Read the ambassador updates and listen to the web conference recording.