The Forest School

About The Forest School

The Forest School, established in 2016, was founded in response to the need for real-world learning that rekindles children’s innate curiosity and creativity. Our mission is to cultivate an educational experience that is joyful, engaging, and grounded in the natural environment.


As New Zealand's first nature-based school, we immerse students in learning outside, year-round, in all weather and all seasons. This authentic setting nurtures resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills, preparing students to face the challenges of the future with curiosity and adaptability.

Our programmes operate throughout the school year via our One Day School and continue into school holidays through our Into The Wild Holiday Club. At One Day School, students attend The Forest School once per week, allowing them to maintain connections with their other school communities while establishing a sense of belonging within ours. Attendance is on a set day each week, fostering consistent friendships and a strong sense of community.

The curriculum at The Forest School is deeply rooted in the New Zealand Curriculum and Te Whāriki, incorporating the Reggio Emilia approach and inquiry-based learning. Our focus on Education for Sustainability, Science, and Technology is often driven by our connection to place and our commitment to a locally-responsive curriculum. For a deeper understanding of our learning philosophy, please refer to our website.

During term time, students typically enrol for one day per week, but we also offer multiple attendance day options to accommodate home-educated learners.

Our Into The Wild Holiday Club provides an enriching outdoor environment where children experience free play within nature’s playground. Registered separately, this programme allows flexible attendance for any number of days. Open to all students, whether or not they attend during term. (Into The Wild is not an overnight programme.)

At The Forest School, our play and learning zones include:

Native Forest: An inspiring space for children to explore, fostering a lifelong appreciation of nature.
Estuary and Beach: A diverse coastal environment, providing opportunities for swimming, surfing and exploring marine life.
Farm Animals and Garden: Students engage with friendly farm animals and our organic garden, offering hands-on experiences with seasonal produce and sustainable farming practices.

In every area, children are free to explore, create, and connect with nature at their own pace. Our approach to nature-based learning encourages independence, creativity, and a profound respect for the world around them.