PFOPC cater for all ages, but generally all river activities are for 10 years and over. However, river safety days cater for 8 years and over.

PFOPC’s aim is to make the activity as safe as possible. We employ staff with the relevant qualifications and experience for each type of activity. Our rafting operation is audited annually by Maritime New Zealand and we have comprehensive safety and risk management plans for all our activitiesr.

Yes. We employ staff that have current outdoor and first aid qualifications, and relevant experience. All staff must be familiar with the area and activities before instructing. The Director is responsible for employing staff and checking their competency.

We do. When staff who are being trained have been given responsibility for leading an activity for which they are not fully qualified, we always place a qualified staff member at that site and they must over-rule if the need arises.

If the weather is deemed to be unsuitable, PFOPC will let you know. An alternative wet weather programme can be arranged.

PFOPC will send you a detailed gear list for your course. Generally, you will not have to purchase any special clothing for your activities, but warm thermals and fleece/wool clothing are essential, even in summer. We provide all safety gear, such as wetsuits, in all sizes.

Yes! The Peel Forest Store is located a short distance for the PFOPC office and approximately 3 km from the EcoLodge. The PFOPC office also has a small stock of items such as sunscreen, insect repellant, maps and gas canisters. EFTPOS and bar facilities are available at the Store, but not at the PFOPC office.

There is a telephone at the PFOPC office, but not at the EcoLodge. Cell phone reception at both the EcoLodge and the PFOPC office is acceptable, but subject to atmospheric interference .

PFOPC can cope with up to 140 clients at a time, depending upon their programme. The EcoLodge sleeps up to 22 people, with accommodation outside in Shelter Stations for up to another 30 in summer. There are other accommodation options in the area, such as Glenburn Youth Lodge, Peel Forest Campground and Peel Forest Lodge, should you need additional or different lodgings (contact details for Other Accommodation Options in the area are on our EcoLodge page) .

Yes. If you would like information on the different areas, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us for further clarification..

PFOPC's programmes offer specific learning outcomes delivered by highly qualified and experienced outdoor professionals. PFOPC has excellent risk management practices with comprehensive RAMS forms for each activity. We have been in operation for more than 15 years and are leaders in the field of outdoor and environmental education. PFOPC is within easy driving distance of many major Canterbury cities and towns, maximizing the time you spend in the outdoors rather than traveling.

The more you do, the more you will get out of the week. PFOPC has a 'Challenge by Choice' philosophy. The Instructors are all very supportive and will work through any barriers students may have with a particular activity.

That depends on what the school aims/guidelines are; sometimes you do, sometimes you don't. If PFOPC sorts the groups, we tend to use a random selection process to mix people as much as possible.

There is a degree of flexibility in what you do. It is your adventure week and the instructor is there to facilitate and look after your safety. At the beginning of the week the instructor will outline some options and it will be up to your group to choose which of these you want to do. You will also have an obligation to help around the centre with things such as cleaning duties.

Yes. This is done under Aoraki Polytechnic’s accreditation. Unit standards are available in kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, tramping, outdoor management, mountainbiking and mountaineering. Contact PFOPC for more details.

No, if there are activities that your staff is competent to run, such as bush walks or orienteering, you are free to use them. PFOPC will not be responsible for any incidents or accidents that occur during activities your staff are running.

Most certainly, please ask the PFOPC Director.