Join us on a fun and fabulous Women Only Bush Walk along the Kahikatea Tree track in Pirongia Forest Park. This stunning walk takes you to the tallest native tree in New Zealand, an impressive 66.5metres tall.

On the way walk through the Kaniwhanwha caves (optional) and learn about the ecology and history of the bush with your local guide.  Along the way we will also teach you essential navigation skills that will keep you safe and help you plan for future tramps.

Great for anyone who wants to go walking but doesn't want to go alone. Meet other like-minded women and be guided by our experienced, qualified all-female staff.
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Saturday 26th October. Start time 8.30am. 6 hour return trip, approx 12km.
Starts at the Kaniwhanwha reserve on Limeworks Loop Road, Te Pahu.
$50 per person includes your guide and skills training.
Women only. Moderate fitness required.
SAY YES TO NEW ADVENTURES!
To book complete the registration form at https://forms.gle/oYaHaf82VQWLFDfu5

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We are now taking bookings for our 2024 Adventure Days.

This year we are offering Kayaking, High Ropes and Archery at the beautiful Lake Karapiro, Cambridge.  It will be our third fun-filled Women Only Adventure Day and our 2nd GIRL POWA Adventure Day.

The GIRL POWA event is part-funded by Sport New Zealand's Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund, administered by Sport Waikato and we are very thankful for their support.  It means we are able to help break down some of the cost barrier to our female rangatahi taking part in outdoor activities.

Women Only Adventure Day  - Saturday 18th May 10am - 4pm $160 pp includes all activities, morning tea and lunch.

GIRL POWA Adventure Day  - Sunday 19th May 10am - 4pm - $100 ticket admits 2 - 1 adult (20 years plus) and 1 teen (12-19 years)

We are really looking forward to these adventures!

Delighted to be Finalists in the Commitment to Inclusion and Accessibility Category for our GIRL POWA programme at the Sport Waikato Sport & Active Recreation Awards.

A great evening to celebrate so many amazing people and projects in our region.  Such an inspiring event and we got to meet the awesome wahine  and rugby legend Honey Hireme- Smiler!

Check us out in our posh frocks! Not a helmet or harness in sight and no one had to wear a bright green t-shirt!!

Registrations are now open for our 2024 GIRL POWA events.  With the support of funding from Sport New Zealand's Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund, administered by Sport Waikato we are able to offer a series of 5 exciting adventures. A ticket for each event is $50 and admits 1 teen (12-19years) and 1 adult 20 years plus.  Its a great way to spend the day with your teen, to role model and encourage each other to try out the challenges and have fun!

Kayak Adventure: Saturday 16th March Lake Karapiro, Mighty River Domain. 
 9-12.30pm or 1-4.30pm  
Come and have some fun on the water in this Learn to Kayak adventure. From beginners to experienced kayakers we will have some fun learning and challenges as we take to the water on the beautiful Lake Karapiro.
Kayak and safety vest provided along with your awesome local, experienced, female instructors.
A fun morning, challenging yourself, making friends and being in the great outdoors.
To book this adventure complete the registration form at https://forms.gle/ECd9tyLgfXzSP6LJ7

Rock Skills Part 1: 21st April  Pirongia Forest Park Lodge 10am -2pm
The climbing wall was included in the first GIRL POWA adventure day and we know it is a favourite activity. Suitable for beginners and those with some prior experience, we have a range of challenges for you to try out on the climbing wall.
A fun filled day, hanging out with a group of like-minded girls and ladies. Qualifies, local, experienced female staff will teach, inspire and make sure you have a great day out.
To book this adventure complete the registration form at https://forms.gle/ZYjTibdWLCdwE12dA

Rock Skills Part 2: 28th April Wharepapa Rocks 10am -2pm
Take your climbing skills further and take on the rock face at Wharepapa. A great spot to improve your climbing and take on new challenges.
The PART 2 of our Rock Skills will allow the girls to take their skills further and experience climbing a natural formation. Additional learning will include belay skills, knot workshops, bouldering and climbing techniques and personal safety.
Suitable for those who attended our Rock Skills Part 1 or have climbed before.
To book this adventure complete the registration form at https://forms.gle/MDK3JY74cb4Py8Eo8

Mountain Bike Adventure: 26th April Kaniwhaniwha Reserve, Te Pahu
​9.30am - 12.30pm OR 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Mountain Biking in the great outdoors is an exhilarating and thrilling and freeing experience. At this event we plan to give the girls the skills and the confidence to head out in future with their friends and family.
You need to be able to ride a bike and will need to supply your own bike and helmet.
Suitable for beginners, this stunning track is a great way to explore the forest park, up-skill and have a lot of fun with a group of like-minded women and girls.
To book this adventure please complete the registration form at https://forms.gle/9ktHVm9Qr3f5Bicr8

Caving Adventure: 4th May Karamu Caves, Te Pahu 10am -2pm
Join us on this adventure to the Karamu Caves - an amazing Limestone Cave system based in the heart of Waikato farmland. View large caverns, amazing formations, scramble through tunnels and see amazing formations that are millions of years old.
Whether you want to get wet, stay dry, do some squeezes - there are options for everyone.
All personal protective gear is provided and you will be supported by local, experienced guides.
An all female event, this is a fun and exciting adventure. A chance to get out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, meet other adventure minded girls and experience a real hidden gem.
To book please complete the registration form at https://forms.gle/dvDgk1yjzzih2Yvs6

Wow!! What an amazing couple of days we had this weekend - nearly 100 fantastic women braved the winter weather and came up to the beautiful Pirongia Forest Park Lodge to take part in our many adventures that were on offer.
Lots of challenges, fun and laughter and good food to keep everyone happy!
We really enjoyed delivering these days - and were very  stoked to work with such an awesome bunch of wahine!
We look forward to working with you all again!
Look out for POWA Pirongia Outdoor Women's Adventures - a new group that links together like-minded women who want to do more in the outdoors.
For more info: email [email protected]

 Sunday 21st October we were proud to deliver activities at the Pirongia Forest Park Lodge's 30th Anniversary Celebrations.
Rt. Hon. Helen Clark was there in her capacity as Lodge Patron.
A day of climbing, abseiling and flying foxing with some Girl Guides and local Te Pahu students and local children - plus Helen had a go on the confidence course!
What a day - thanks to Shaun for heading up, Ken, Brendan and Bruce for being the most awesome instructors.
Well done to Rachel and Lesley who made sure refreshments were delivered.
Awesome work everyone - First Step Outdoors Team are THE BEST - so proud of you all and thanks for your hard work!

Whether you want to bike or tramp in the Pirongia Forest Park we can help.
Experienced, Police Checked, Qualified and First Aid Qualified staff can lead the activity you wish to do.
We can provide bikes (not for Juniors) or you can provide them and we can plan a trip up the mountain to suit your needs and requirements.
We have DOC concessions to deliver tramps, bivis and camps on the mountain - from an easy school tramp through to an overnight expedition up the hut.

Come Bike or Tramp on our mountain - we will make you an adventure to remember...………….