Omaka Scout Camp is a purpose-built outdoor education and camping destination on roughly five hectares of landscaped grounds in Harewood, Christchurch, with the Otukaikino Stream flowing through the property. Just 15 minutes from the heart of the city, it feels a world away — open space, water and trees replacing traffic and buildings. Originally leased from the Shipley Farm Estate around 1926, the camp has grown from a blackberry- and gorse-covered block into a vibrant base for Scouting, schools, youth programmes and community groups.
The camp offers a choice of accommodation: indoor lodging, the Isaac Huts, and campsites on the grounds, all supported by modern amenities that were comprehensively upgraded following the 2011 earthquake. More than 25 activities are available on and around the site, ranging from self-led adventures run out of the Activity Shed to instructor-led experiences, with offsite options extending the adventure further afield. Raft building on the stream is one of the hands-on highlights.
While primarily a Scout camping ground, Omaka welcomes groups of all kinds — schools, holiday programmes, clubs, churches, sports teams, defence forces and emergency services — for everything from weekend camps to training days and celebrations. Run with the help of dedicated volunteers and guided by values of practicality, courage, integrity, cooperation, respect and fun, the camp is designed to be financially accessible so every group can enjoy adventure, growth and connection in a safe, inclusive outdoor environment.
Only fifteen minutes from the heart of Christchurch, Omaka Scout Camp feels like a different world. The camp occupies around five hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds in Harewood, with the Otukaikino Stream winding through the property. It is a place where the city fades away and the sound of water, birdsong and busy campers takes over — close enough for a school day trip, far enough to feel like a proper outdoor escape.
At its core, Omaka is about building connections. The camp believes in the power of community and welcomes groups from all walks of life to use its facilities for activities that strengthen bonds and foster growth.
Omaka's story goes back to around 1926, when the land was originally leased from the Shipley Farm Estate. In those early days the site was covered in blackberry, gorse and willow trees along the Otukaikino Stream. Through the dedication of countless volunteers from the Scouting community, it was gradually cleared and transformed into wide-open spaces for camping and skill-building, with modern amenities and buildings added over the years.
When the 2011 earthquake struck Christchurch, Omaka Scout Camp embraced the opportunity to upgrade all of its facilities, ensuring they meet the high standards today's Scouting and youth groups expect. The result is a camp that combines nearly a century of heritage with contemporary comfort.
Groups can choose from several styles of accommodation: indoor lodging for those who want solid walls whatever the weather, the Isaac Huts for a classic hut-stay experience, and campsites on the landscaped grounds. Shared amenities support everything from a weekend troop camp to a large community gathering.
Beyond sleeping space, the camp offers versatile spaces suited to every occasion — activities, training, celebrations and meetings alike. Schools, holiday programmes and day trips use it for exciting, challenging experiences that combine fun and education in a safe, comfortable environment. Community groups, clubs, churches, sports teams, defence forces and emergency services all find it an ideal backdrop for connection, training and collaboration.
Activity is at the heart of Omaka. The camp offers more than 25 activities, ranging from self-led adventures that groups run themselves to instructor-led experiences with expert guidance. The Activity Shed underpins the self-led programme, while raft building is one of the hands-on highlights, with teams working together on the water. For groups wanting to explore further, offsite activities extend the adventure beyond the camp gate, supported by the camp's Risk Assessment and Management Strategies resources.
Omaka's mission is to foster active participation in a safe, inclusive outdoor environment, encouraging positive attitudes and personal growth through high-quality camping experiences that inspire adventure and learning. Its values — practicality, courage, integrity, cooperation, respect and, above all, fun — shape everything from programme design to daily camp life.
The camp's goals centre on providing opportunities for growth and development in a safe, engaging environment: a space where individuals can take social and emotional risks while enjoying days filled with fun, laughter and exploration. Recreational and community activities help develop essential social, physical and personal skills, along with a sense of responsibility and teamwork. Importantly, the venue is designed to be financially accessible to all, so every group can benefit from what Omaka offers.
Omaka Scout Camp is open for bookings year-round. While it is primarily a Scout camping ground, it welcomes a diverse range of groups, and the booking process begins online with an availability check. Visitors can review the camp rules and camp map to prepare, and anyone keen to give back can join the volunteer team that maintains and enhances the grounds.
Whether it is a scout troop's annual camp, a school's outdoor education week or a community club's team-building weekend, Omaka offers a ready-made setting for adventure, growth and connection — all just a short drive from central Christchurch.