Upcoming Events
🌿 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!
Optional – Pre-conference workshops
International Adventure and Nature-based Therapies Conference (IAANTC)
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.
ĀTA AGM - Annual whanau wide hui - all invited :)
Kia ora e te whānau!
We’d love for you to join us for our upcoming Annual Whānau-wide Hui, our AGM, on Wednesday 23 September at 7pm.
It’s been a full and exciting year for ĀTA, with lots happening across the kaupapa and plenty on the horizon as we look towards the next couple of years.
At this AGM, we’ll have an opportunity to reflect on the year that has been, farewell and acknowledge Kate Gloeggler for her contribution to ĀTA and kōrero together about where the association is heading over the coming years.
Our guiding whakataukī
He waka eke noa
We are all in this canoe together.
This whakataukī speaks to the importance of a collective journey and shared responsibility. A waka moves forward through the many hands, ideas, knowledge and contributions of those who are on board.
This feels very fitting for ĀTA. While our Leadership Rōpū helps guide the waka, it is our members who bring the energy, knowledge and support that give our kaupapa its strength and momentum.
We are all part of the journey, and every contribution helps keep the waka moving forward.
We are also looking for new and returning members to join the Leadership Rōpū.
There are up to four spaces available, and we’d love to hear from anyone who has the skills and capacity to support ĀTA into its next chapter.
In particular, we’re looking for people who are good with the details, enjoy getting things done and can help support our existing leadership members.
We’d especially welcome anyone interested in the Secretary or Treasurer roles. Both roles will have support through the handover process, so you won’t be stepping into them alone.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83166144090?pwd=P2CatVwAhK2Jk89XTruyMW2xaqD4mi.1
Meeting ID: 831 6614 4090
Passcode: 137129
AGM Pack
Everyone is invited and welcome to attend. Please note that only financial, paid-up members are able to nominate or be nominated for Leadership Rōpū positions and vote at the AGM.
We’re looking forward to coming together, reflecting on the year that’s been and kōrero about where we want to adventure next.
See you all soon!
Ngā mihi,
ĀTA Leadership
Professional Development Workshops
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
GATE
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
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!
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.