Activities

Rafting

TSB TOPEC is the only Commercial rafting company in Taranaki. Trips take place on the local rivers of Waiwhakaiho, Manganui and Waitara rivers range in difficulty from Grade 1 – 3. Depending on river conditions, it is possible to guide your own raft or have a guide do all the hard work for you. TSB TOPEC is audited annually by Maritime Safety New Zealand. Staff are industry qualified and undergo regular safety training to ensure competency. Rafting is always a highlight of any course.

Kayaking

This activity can take place on the local rivers of Waiwhakaiho, Manganui and Waitara. Dependant on ability participants can use sit on top or sit in, decked kayaks. Other flat water options include kayaking skill development on lake Rotomanu or at Ngamutu Harbour. Of course kayaking can also take place in the world famous Taranaki Surf at selected spots.

Caving

Particiapants opting to go caving with TSB TOPEC can have a real adventure experience. A drive North to Mahoenui allows a number of possible Cave systems to be experienced. These include the relatively dry “Skyline Cave” with features such as the Gallery and the Ogres teeth, the ominously named “Murderous Cave” with its awkward squeeze of an exit to the re- birthing experience of “Fallopian”. Other caves include the technical “Hangover hole” that includes an abseil down through a hole and waterfall into the abyss, Totoro Road with some of the biggest Eels you have ever seen and groove.

Adventure Based Learning

Adventure based learning is aimed at developing personal and social skills in an adventurous context. It is aimed at young people to develop team work, leadership and to allow them to push themselves in a fun environment. This activity is completed onsite.

Orienteering/Rogaine

Navigating around the TOPEC fixed course seems like a breeze until ….. Which way now? The DOC reserve and local environment is the perfect place to learn orienteering skills in a safe controlled location.

Tramping

TSB TOPEC has a National Park on it’s doorstep. The variety of tracks, rivers and natural features that are available mean that this is an activity that is within the capabilities of the young or old. Staff are experienced in leading Bush trips throughout the National Park.

Snow Caving

As an activity it is one of the most memeorable that participants experience. There is something cool about digging your own snow cave and surviving a night in the mountains. This activity is obviously dependant on Weather conditions.

Mountaineering

Snow experiences

For those that just want to touch the snow or experience the Winter environment in a non technical environment. Sledging on Mt Taranaki in a raft looks odd but it is lots of fun.

Alpine Summer

Experience the Apline environment during Summer. The long nights and amazing sunsets are something to be experienced. Our Maunga provides the inspiring environment for a truly spiritual experience.

Education for Sustainability

TSB TOPEC has been an active member of the Enviro Schools project. Sustainable practices are employed from monitoring electricity usage, recycling, growing edibles in the garden to living correctly in the Outdoors. All activities we offer have an environmental focus which can be used to facilitate Education for Sustainability

High Ropes

TSB TOPEC has an onsite High Ropes course which has been constructed in a stand of Native tress. It is exhilarating to be completing elemts of the course with the swaying of the trees, and native birds living around you.

Low Ropes

This course is located in a stand of native trees and has a number of elements that will challenge even the most agile. It is a great activity for the young or as part of a problem solving / team building programme.

Rock Climbing

This activity can take place onsite using our purpose built 9 m high artificial climbing wall. Participants are challenged to complete prescribed routes or simply get as high as possible. In the natural environment the activity is completed on Paritutu Rock. This is a remnant of an ancient volcano along the line that Mt Taranaki stands today – Paritutu Rock over looks the sea and is affected by tide and sea conditions.. It is possible to complete a traverse of Paritutu at or near sea level in all but the worst conditions. A traverse is always an exciting activity with waves crashing below you, a flying fox across a gaping sea of a diversion to avoid basking seals.

Coastaneering

This activity takes place in and around the sea at Paritutu Rock. It is a combination of a number of disciplines – swimming, rock climbing / abseiling and body boarding. A trip through the blue room cave, a tyrolean traverse, or a cliff jump off the natural arch are the highlights of this activity. The activity can also be combined with a kayak trip out to one of the Sugar loaf islands, through Shark alley and a swim in the hidden lagoon.

River Safety

TSB TOPEC has delivered River Safety programmes since 2003 and continues to do so. The activity promotes the knowledge and skills necessary to keep yourself safe in and around Rivers, streams and in land waterways. Participants develop theoretical knowledge of rivers before applying this to a practical situation. Swimming rapids, rescues, river crossing and river dynamics are some of the areas covered. This activity is conducted on site.

Problem Solving

A well tried portfolio of activities can be called upon to promote Team development. Programmes can be produced for Corporate Groups, community groups, Sports teams as well as Schools and School Leaders. Activities vary from mental problems to physical tasks. Groups are guaranteed to Form, Storm and Norm.

Leadership

Leadership courses are available to develop leaders in recognising leadership styles, developing styles, decision making and evaluating performance. Reflection and feedback are an integral part of the process. The Action learning cycle is followed during leadership courses. Participants are put under pressure in leadership situations to promote development.

Abseiling

Abseiling can be experienced onsite either using our purpose built articial climbing / abseil wall or off a bridge that crosses the Waiwhakaiho River. Both activities are fun and require determination to complete.

Short Expeditions

These are overnight or multi night trips involving a range of activities. Groups regularly overnight under a flysheet in a wilderness bush area. Groups are self sufficient carrying food and equipment sufficient for their needs. The environmental care code means that groups take only memories and leave only footprints.

Bridge Swing

One small step for….! A great activity for the thrill seekers. The location is at TOPEC so we can here you scream from the lodge. The bridge swing is a controlled activity that allows the jumper to look down at the river below before leaping backwards to swing, It takes courage, determination and is a great spectacle to watch.

River rescue courses

These course are designed for recreational kayakers or rafters that want to upskill in river rescue techniques. Our skilled staff are able to offer industry level training in rafting and white water kayaking.

Unit standard / achievement standard assessments

These course can be delivered on request and through negotiation with individual Schools. TOPEC can facilitate evidence gathering for assessment against accredited standards. Staff are registered Teachers and / or US4098 holders – workplace assessors. We are very experienced in Standards based assessment and adhere to best practice assessment policy.