Adventureworks
DoE FAQ
Where is the information about pick up and drop off times?
You can find generic information on the Duke of Edinburgh page of our website here. You will be sent an email approximately 2 weeks before an event which will give you specific information for the event including timings, location, equipment needed, emergency contact details, etc.
What safety systems do you use?
We have a thorough safety system which is externally audited annually; we are also registered with the Department of Labour as an Adventure Activity Provider. Our safety system sets out Standard Operating Procedures that our instructors work within.
How do you choose and train your instructors?
Our instructors need to have experience leading and teaching bush skills and show evidence of their experience. They are chosen based on their competence and ability to deliver our Duke of Edinburgh programme within our Standard Operating Procedures. They have a genuine appreciation for our natural environment and love teaching skills and sharing experiences with students.
My son/daughter doesn’t know anyone else on the trip. Will they be okay?
We often have students sign up for open events where they don’t know anyone else. This is a great opportunity for students to meet new people. They often end up becoming really good friends and keeping in touch after the event. Here’s what one student had to say regarding being on an event with people she didn’t know beforehand…
“I liked the warm atmosphere that was created by everyone as I didn’t know anyone but was still able to have the best time and enjoy myself! In the social aspect of this tramp, I felt very satisfied with the amount of close friends I made.”
What if I cancel or don’t show up?
We have a cancellation policy in our Terms and Conditions. Please email The Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator at [email protected] ASAP if you are unable to attend the event.
Do we need to supply our own food?
Yes, you will need to supply your own food for the event. Usually a group will break into cooking groups and discuss meals during their Training Day. This way they can share the weight of the food and the cooking equipment. We have pots and gas cookers with fuel for hire if needed. You can select to hire equipment when you book online at http://www.adventureworks.co.nz/duke-edinburgh/
What sort of food should we get?
During the Training Day, which is held before the Practice Tramp for each level of the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award, the Instructor will discuss food options with the group. The students will have the opportunity to break into cooking groups and decide what they want their menu to be. For meal ideas click here.
Who is responsible for transport?
The students are responsible for arranging their own transport to and from the event. Often students will get together and carpool. Occasionally, we are able to provide transport to and from the event and charge a small fee for this.
How and when do I pay?
Payment is through our online booking system/PayPal. Please be aware that a PayPal booking fee applies.
What if the weather forecast is bad?
It is very rare that an event has to be cancelled due to the weather. This usually only happens when high winds and heavy rain are forecasted. In this case, we would postpone the event to another date. You will be contacted within 12 hours of the event going ahead if there are any changes.
What will you do if I get injured?
All of our instructors are first aid trained and carry heavily stocked first aid kits. If a student is unable to carry on due to injury, the Instructor on the event will contact the AdventureWorks director who will contact the parents and arrange for the student to be picked up so that the rest of the students can complete the event. Each trip that goes out has a Personal Locator Beacon which can be set off if a student is very badly injured and needs medical assistance straight away. This would be used in a situation where a helicopter is needed.
My parents are going away while I’m on a tramp. What should I do?
You need to nominate another emergency contact person who we could reliably contact for any reason and who can come and pick you up if you are injured.
Do I need to carry all the gear myself?
Yes, you need to carry all of your own gear. We email out a suggested equipment list along with the Activity Management Plan and Safety Operating Procedures about 2 weeks before an event. Most students will sort out cooking and tent groups during their Training Day to help share out the weight of the gear and not double up on equipment unnecessarily.
I’m not sure if my pack or other gear is up to standard, what should I do?
It is recommended that you take any gear you are unsure is suitable for the event to the Training Day as the Instructor can take a look at it and let you know if it is appropriate for the event. We have some gear for hire to save you from going out and buying it. A list of this hire equipment can be found on the Duke of Edinburgh page or here.
How do I get the event I just finished signed off?
After the event you will receive an email from the Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator regarding booklet sign off. If you have not received an email 1 week after the event you can inquire about it by emailing [email protected]
I don’t have tramping boots. What should I wear?
For Bronze level we recommend shoes with a firm sole and grip at a minimum. At Silver and Gold level tramping boots are recommended. Do not wear cotton flat shoes or sport shoes with no grip. Boots provide ankle support that can prevent injury on uneven, muddy and slippery tracks with a heavy pack. We also hire tramping boots out if needed.
How do I know what to pack?
Go to the Duke of Edinburgh page. Under ‘Student Resources’ you can find a link to the Equipment List which opens a printable pdf.
Why do you have required equipment when the weather looks good?
The weather in New Zealand can change very quickly. For this reason we like the students to always be prepared for the worst case scenario. You MUST arrive with the minimum equipment listed in the Activity Management Plan.
Can I do the Practice Tramp before the Training Day?
No, you need to complete the Training Day before the Practice Tramp for all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award. During the Training Day you will learn the knowledge and skills to prepare you for your Practice Tramp.
Can I do the Adventurous Journey before the Practice Tramp?
No, you need to complete the Practice Tramp before the Adventurous Journey for all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award. This will be an opportunity for you to experience what the Adventurous Journey may be like and better prepare for it.
What if I have tramped on some of the tracks before?
We need to avoid getting you on large sections of track you have been on before. We can cover small sections but not complete days. If you think you have completed tracks you may be on before, please email us at [email protected]o.nz and we can tell you exactly what you will be doing.
Can I do the next level’s training before finishing the other sections at this level?
No, you need to complete your levels in the below order (unless you are a Direct Silver or Gold Entrant – in this case you only have to complete the Training Day and the Practice Tramp for each level).
Bronze Training Day
Bronze Practice Tramp
Bronze Adventurous Journey
Silver Training Day
Silver Practice Tramp
Silver Adventurous Journey
Gold Training Day
Gold Practice Tramp
Gold Adventurous Journey
Do I have to do the Training Day, Practice Tramp and Adventurous Journey at each level?
Yes, you do unless you are a Direct Silver or Gold Entrant. In this case you only have to complete the Training Day and Practice Tramp for each level of the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award below you as well as the Adventurous Journey for the level you are enrolled in. They must be completed in order of Bronze, Silver and Gold.
I have group of friends that want to complete a particular event together but you don’t have anything advertised. What can I do?
You can email the Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator at [email protected] and request an event. We can discuss dates with you and find something that works. An event needs at least 5 bookings for it to go ahead at the advertised price. If you have a group of 5 participants we can run an event exclusively for you. If you have less than 5 people interested we can advertise the event on our website to try and get more bookings for the event.
You can find generic information on the Duke of Edinburgh page of our website here. You will be sent an email approximately 2 weeks before an event which will give you specific information for the event including timings, location, equipment needed, emergency contact details, etc.
What safety systems do you use?
We have a thorough safety system which is externally audited annually; we are also registered with the Department of Labour as an Adventure Activity Provider. Our safety system sets out Standard Operating Procedures that our instructors work within.
How do you choose and train your instructors?
Our instructors need to have experience leading and teaching bush skills and show evidence of their experience. They are chosen based on their competence and ability to deliver our Duke of Edinburgh programme within our Standard Operating Procedures. They have a genuine appreciation for our natural environment and love teaching skills and sharing experiences with students.
My son/daughter doesn’t know anyone else on the trip. Will they be okay?
We often have students sign up for open events where they don’t know anyone else. This is a great opportunity for students to meet new people. They often end up becoming really good friends and keeping in touch after the event. Here’s what one student had to say regarding being on an event with people she didn’t know beforehand…
“I liked the warm atmosphere that was created by everyone as I didn’t know anyone but was still able to have the best time and enjoy myself! In the social aspect of this tramp, I felt very satisfied with the amount of close friends I made.”
What if I cancel or don’t show up?
We have a cancellation policy in our Terms and Conditions. Please email The Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator at [email protected] ASAP if you are unable to attend the event.
Do we need to supply our own food?
Yes, you will need to supply your own food for the event. Usually a group will break into cooking groups and discuss meals during their Training Day. This way they can share the weight of the food and the cooking equipment. We have pots and gas cookers with fuel for hire if needed. You can select to hire equipment when you book online at http://www.adventureworks.co.nz/duke-edinburgh/
What sort of food should we get?
During the Training Day, which is held before the Practice Tramp for each level of the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award, the Instructor will discuss food options with the group. The students will have the opportunity to break into cooking groups and decide what they want their menu to be. For meal ideas click here.
Who is responsible for transport?
The students are responsible for arranging their own transport to and from the event. Often students will get together and carpool. Occasionally, we are able to provide transport to and from the event and charge a small fee for this.
How and when do I pay?
Payment is through our online booking system/PayPal. Please be aware that a PayPal booking fee applies.
What if the weather forecast is bad?
It is very rare that an event has to be cancelled due to the weather. This usually only happens when high winds and heavy rain are forecasted. In this case, we would postpone the event to another date. You will be contacted within 12 hours of the event going ahead if there are any changes.
What will you do if I get injured?
All of our instructors are first aid trained and carry heavily stocked first aid kits. If a student is unable to carry on due to injury, the Instructor on the event will contact the AdventureWorks director who will contact the parents and arrange for the student to be picked up so that the rest of the students can complete the event. Each trip that goes out has a Personal Locator Beacon which can be set off if a student is very badly injured and needs medical assistance straight away. This would be used in a situation where a helicopter is needed.
My parents are going away while I’m on a tramp. What should I do?
You need to nominate another emergency contact person who we could reliably contact for any reason and who can come and pick you up if you are injured.
Do I need to carry all the gear myself?
Yes, you need to carry all of your own gear. We email out a suggested equipment list along with the Activity Management Plan and Safety Operating Procedures about 2 weeks before an event. Most students will sort out cooking and tent groups during their Training Day to help share out the weight of the gear and not double up on equipment unnecessarily.
I’m not sure if my pack or other gear is up to standard, what should I do?
It is recommended that you take any gear you are unsure is suitable for the event to the Training Day as the Instructor can take a look at it and let you know if it is appropriate for the event. We have some gear for hire to save you from going out and buying it. A list of this hire equipment can be found on the Duke of Edinburgh page or here.
How do I get the event I just finished signed off?
After the event you will receive an email from the Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator regarding booklet sign off. If you have not received an email 1 week after the event you can inquire about it by emailing [email protected]
I don’t have tramping boots. What should I wear?
For Bronze level we recommend shoes with a firm sole and grip at a minimum. At Silver and Gold level tramping boots are recommended. Do not wear cotton flat shoes or sport shoes with no grip. Boots provide ankle support that can prevent injury on uneven, muddy and slippery tracks with a heavy pack. We also hire tramping boots out if needed.
How do I know what to pack?
Go to the Duke of Edinburgh page. Under ‘Student Resources’ you can find a link to the Equipment List which opens a printable pdf.
Why do you have required equipment when the weather looks good?
The weather in New Zealand can change very quickly. For this reason we like the students to always be prepared for the worst case scenario. You MUST arrive with the minimum equipment listed in the Activity Management Plan.
Can I do the Practice Tramp before the Training Day?
No, you need to complete the Training Day before the Practice Tramp for all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award. During the Training Day you will learn the knowledge and skills to prepare you for your Practice Tramp.
Can I do the Adventurous Journey before the Practice Tramp?
No, you need to complete the Practice Tramp before the Adventurous Journey for all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award. This will be an opportunity for you to experience what the Adventurous Journey may be like and better prepare for it.
What if I have tramped on some of the tracks before?
We need to avoid getting you on large sections of track you have been on before. We can cover small sections but not complete days. If you think you have completed tracks you may be on before, please email us at [email protected]o.nz and we can tell you exactly what you will be doing.
Can I do the next level’s training before finishing the other sections at this level?
No, you need to complete your levels in the below order (unless you are a Direct Silver or Gold Entrant – in this case you only have to complete the Training Day and the Practice Tramp for each level).
Bronze Training Day
Bronze Practice Tramp
Bronze Adventurous Journey
Silver Training Day
Silver Practice Tramp
Silver Adventurous Journey
Gold Training Day
Gold Practice Tramp
Gold Adventurous Journey
Do I have to do the Training Day, Practice Tramp and Adventurous Journey at each level?
Yes, you do unless you are a Direct Silver or Gold Entrant. In this case you only have to complete the Training Day and Practice Tramp for each level of the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award below you as well as the Adventurous Journey for the level you are enrolled in. They must be completed in order of Bronze, Silver and Gold.
I have group of friends that want to complete a particular event together but you don’t have anything advertised. What can I do?
You can email the Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator at [email protected] and request an event. We can discuss dates with you and find something that works. An event needs at least 5 bookings for it to go ahead at the advertised price. If you have a group of 5 participants we can run an event exclusively for you. If you have less than 5 people interested we can advertise the event on our website to try and get more bookings for the event.
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LocationUnitec Mount Albert Campus
139 Carrington Road (Gate 3) Building 41 Mount Albert Auckland 1025 New Zealand |
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