Events
UPCOMING EVENTS
Professional Development Workshops August 28th and 29th Ōtautahi/Christchurch
ĀTA Adventure Therapy Aotearoa are offering two workshops for kaimahi/workers who work or want to work therapeutically outside with groups of whaiora/people seeking health. The content for the workshops build on each other but can be attended independently. All workshops are trauma and culturally informed.
Please register on Humanitix
Workshop 1. Facilitating Therapeutic Experiences (Friday August 28th 9am-5pm)
Learn essential elements for design and delivery of outdoor therapeutic group work
Introduction to theories behind adventure and nature-based therapy
What ‘Adventure Therapy’ is within Aotearoa and worldwide
Experience how to put these theories into practice
The importance and application of whanaungatanga/relationships How you can integrate your usual mahi/work into adventure therapy experiences
Workshop 2. Processing the Therapeutic Experience (Saturday August 29th 8am-4pm)
Processing and transferring therapeutic outdoor experiences into ongoing life.
Using models and adapting activities to meet the intention of the group, support processing and transfer learning into life Pūrakau & metaphor
Framing and front loading Creating group discussion
The venue –
We will be at Hibbert Park
The venue has basic bunk style accommodation available, please let us know if you would like to stay the night.
There is a small hall where will be base ourselves and some nice green spaces nearby. The hall has a full kitchen that we will have access to. It is situated not far from a beach in case you are keen on a polar swim 🙂
Catering –
The training will be catered and we will try our best to meet individual needs.
What to bring and more information –
We will email out a what to bring list to participants along with more information closer to the training.
Facilitators –
Helen Jeffery and Kelly O’Hagan
Any questions please contact Kelly by email – kelly.ohagan.ata@gmail.com
ĀTA Conference 2026
Mā wai? Who?
This gathering welcomes anyone interested in the relationship between people, nature, experience and intentional practice in support of health and wellbeing.
It is open to those engaged in experiential, outdoor, cultural, therapeutic or nature-based practice. We are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive space for people of all cultures, identities and backgrounds.
Our strength lies in bringing together knowledge and perspectives from a wide range of fields, including:
• Mātauranga Māori practitioners
• Cultural practitioners and knowledge holders
• Social work
• Youth work
• Counselling
• Research
• Occupational therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Education
• Forest bathing
• Equine-assisted practice
• Adventure education
• And many more
He aha kei roto? – What’s included
Registration includes:
- All meals including dietary requirements
- Accommodation -onsite accommodation in bunk style rooms, accessible options available
- Airport shuttle
- Amazing keynote speakers
- Inspiring workshops & research presentations
- Cultural ako – reciprocal learning
- Experiential sessions
- Outdoor activities and excursions
- Social evening
- Building whanaungatanga, skills & inspiration!
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Optional – Pre-conference workshops
International Events
Start planning/saving and come Join us in Ireland for 11th IAANTC in April 2028!
Every three years, practitioners, researchers, educators, and community leaders from around the world gather to explore the transformative potential of adventure and the natural world in therapeutic practice. Rooted in diverse traditions and informed by evolving research, this conference is a space where experience meets evidence, and where the wisdom of land, culture, and community informs our shared work in this ever evolving community.
Each International Adventure and Nature-based Therapies Conference (IAANTC) offers a vital opportunity to pause, reflect, and look forward together. During IAANTC, delegates share emerging research, innovative practices, ethical considerations, and stories from the field. As a collective, we examine how our work responds to global challenges—mental health crises, climate change, social inequity—and consider how adventure and nature-based therapies can contribute to more just, sustainable, and connected communities.
PAST EVENTS
GATE 2026 - Belgium 19-22 May 2026
What is GATE?
The GATE (Gathering for Adventure Therapy in Europe) is a biannual event that brings together practitioners, researchers, organizations, and anyone interested in the fields of Adventure Therapy and Experiential Learning.
As a dynamic platform for connection and collaboration, GATE offers opportunities to exchange ideas, share practices, and explore new developments in the field. Through keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and roundtable discussions, participants can engage deeply with the growing Adventure Therapy community across Europe.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or newly curious about the field, GATE welcomes all voices to join in shaping the future of Adventure Therapy.
Are you ready to grow, learn, and challenge yourself?
10th International Adventure Therapy Conference, Taiwan
Join us for an enriching gathering where AT members around the world come together to discuss key issues, exchange insights, and drive international adventure therapy initiatives forward. The conference offers a dynamic blend of in-depth research presentations, interactive workshops, immersive local experiences, and exciting events.
Come be part of this inspiring exchange, where knowledge meets nature, and professional growth blends with adventure!
National Wānanga/ ĀTA Conference
Reflection on the 2025 Adventure Therapy Wānanga
It always feels slightly daunting setting off by yourself, but off I go to the Adventure Therapy Wānanga in Gisborne. That feeling quickly disappeared after arrival as I remember thinking: oh, these are my type of people. Passionate, adventurous, empathetic and happy to have a laugh. I knew this was going to be a great weekend.
I retook the Facilitating Therapeutic Experiences workshop this year. As a soon to graduate social worker, it was the perfect opportunity to refresh my understanding on theories and models. There is always more to learn, and picked up plenty of extra tips, tricks and insights this time around. In particular, the reflection model What, So What, Now What was a great reminder of how to take debriefs one step further and ensuring I am relating the learnings back to real life applications for participants. The facilitators shared their expertise and personal experiences in trauma informed practice including scenarios I had not considered, which will be invaluable to my practice.
Staying at Te Pāhou Marae we were welcomed and shown manakitanga personified by Taina. The kai alone was reason enough to go to the wānanga, shot out to the amazing ladies in the kitchen! The shared experiences created whakawhanaungatanga, building genuine connections. The marae set the tone of Kaupapa Māori, with interactions and learning guided through cultural principles. This was reinforced by the beautiful use of reo. The planning led by Taina and Anna gave the perfect mix of showcasing the beauty of the Gisborne region, highlighting the amazing mahi of local providers and nurturing meaningful kōrero with participants.
We loaded up vans and headed to Te Tapuwae o Rongokako marine reserve for snorkelling where some lucky people caught sight of giant crayfish and stingray. Adding the element of introducing mindful breathing at the start showed how with intent activities I am already running in the outdoors can teach positive mental health skills that can be applied back in the real world. There were plenty of activities and highlights, but I think everyone was stoked to step aboard the Tairāwhiti waka. We were welcomed by the crew who shared their Kaupapa. As we moved out of the harbour, I was mesmerised by the expert use of the hoe tere (steering paddle). Then the sails were raised, and we began sailing on the traditionally crafted waka hourua. What an experience!
This wānanga was a catalyst for me to rethink how I run outdoor activities with purpose. Focusing on intentional facilitation, tangible transferable skills and integrating therapeutic intent into my mahi. There were plenty of laughs within all the learning and sharing of ideas. I managed to complete more cartwheels than I have in a long time. Art therapy turned into laughter therapy. I left with a notebook full of learnings and a heart full of gratitude. A huge thank you to everyone involved in organising, sharing knowledge, participating and the crucial behind the scenes work.
By Mollie Quinn
The American Association for Experiential Education (AEE)
The AEE offers some excellent training webinars and resources. The best bit is that they are free to you as a member of ĀTA! If you would like to know how to access their resources please join as a member an email us.