First Step Outdoors was founded in 2015 by Kate Parr. With over 30 years experience in the field, Kate heads up a team of qualified, professional outdoor education instructors who along with a number of support staff, are all passionate about the great outdoors.
Based at Pirongia Forest Park Lodge, First Step Outdoors is also the sole operator of the Lake Karapiro High Ropes and is 1 of 2 outdoor activity providers with access to the Karamu Caves. We also run the adventure activities at Epworth Camp, Cambridge.
To schools we offer ABL and for Unit Standards, we can deliver and assess, or support your school if you have consent to assess.
We also work closely with a number of community groups, promote inclusion and are experienced in adaptive practice. We also operate an award winning Women Only and Girl's Only Programme
Passionate about our local community, we feel privileged to be able to offer a variety of adventures in the Waikato.
Please get in touch to discuss how we can help you take those First Steps Outdoors.
Based at Pirongia Forest Park Lodge, First Step Outdoors is also the sole operator of the Lake Karapiro High Ropes and is 1 of 2 outdoor activity providers with access to the Karamu Caves. We also run the adventure activities at Epworth Camp, Cambridge.
To schools we offer ABL and for Unit Standards, we can deliver and assess, or support your school if you have consent to assess.
We also work closely with a number of community groups, promote inclusion and are experienced in adaptive practice. We also operate an award winning Women Only and Girl's Only Programme
Passionate about our local community, we feel privileged to be able to offer a variety of adventures in the Waikato.
Please get in touch to discuss how we can help you take those First Steps Outdoors.
Meet Our Team
Our staff are enthusiastic, experienced, police vetted, competent/qualified as assessed against the National Qualifications Framework, and hold current first aid certificates.
We are AdventureMark Safety Audit Certified and are hold a current Worksafe Registration. This means that we are a recognised and WorkSafe registered deliverer of Adventure Activities. We are also proud to be a Department of Conservation Approved Operator - Click here to find out more.
We are AdventureMark Safety Audit Certified and are hold a current Worksafe Registration. This means that we are a recognised and WorkSafe registered deliverer of Adventure Activities. We are also proud to be a Department of Conservation Approved Operator - Click here to find out more.





