Discovering History and Adventure at Motutapu Outdoor Education Camp

Motutapu Outdoor Education Camp (MOEC) could be one of New Zealand’s finest examples of adaptive reuse for a historical site. Originally constructed between 1936 and 1940 it was in active military service as an artillery camp during WWII, the site served as barracks for the three 6-inch battery personnel and the overall headquarters and administrative centre for the island. Today, it provides a unique blend of history, nature and adventure operating as educational facility that offers an immersive experience for groups and school children from Auckland and as far afield as Kaitaia in the north and Aria in the south.

From Military Base to Education Hub

After the military decommissioned the site in 1965, it functioned as an outdoor education camp for young New Zealanders and has ever since. Much of the original camp has been preserved and the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the five hectare site and its very old buildings currently resides with the Motutapu Outdoor Education Trust.

“Many similar entities would have fallen into disrepair and been demolished years if not decades ago,” says Facility Manager Duncan Watson. “Maintaining an iconic heritage site and giving it a new life and purpose is a lot of hard work, but it’s also an absolute privilege”.

The Trust is dedicated to providing experiential education focused on the island's natural and historic resources in addition to maintaining the site. The aim is to expose young people to various outdoor educational pursuits while implementing an education program based on the natural environment, ecosystems, landforms, and history of the island.

Motutapu Island, is Crown land administered by the Department of Conservation, but it is very much public land that is there to be enjoyed by all. The pest free island is dotted with pre European archaeological sites, the remains of WWII guns, tunnels, and bunkers. It is also home to extensive walking tracks, diverse and rare native wildlife, and next door to Rangitoto, the largest Pohutukawa Forest in the world.

A Living Classroom

MOEC operates as a living classroom, where nature serves as the primary teacher. Students and visitors can explore the island's rich past, from its use as a strategic military location to its current role in conservation and education. The camp's facilities, though modernised for comfort and regulatory compliance, still echo their historical roots, offering a tangible connection to the past.

The camp’s educational programs are designed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the environment and aim to instil a sense of stewardship and responsibility in the next generation, ensuring that the island’s natural and historical treasures are preserved for years to come.

The Motutapu Outdoor Education Camp is more than just a camp; it is a bridge between past and present, providing a unique experiential education experience that combines history, nature, and adventure. As Facility Manager Duncan Watson aptly puts it, "Maintaining this iconic heritage site is about preserving our past while educating and inspiring future generations."