Become Kiwi Guardians! Free Enviro-Challenges to Keep the Kids Entertained
If you’re a parent with kids in New Zealand you need to know about the Kiwi Guardian programme!
Whether your kids already love the outdoors or could do with a little encouragement to get outside, this fantastic free initiative will help the whole whānau make the most of New Zealand’s incredible environment.
Toyota Kiwi Guardians: Getting Kiwi Kids Outside in Aotearoa
Established as a partnership between the Department of Conservation and Toyota, the Kiwi Guardians programme is aimed at raising the profile of kids-conservation in Aotearoa whilst getting them outdoors.
The website itself provides exciting learning material to kids (and parents), whilst real-life hikes (and a challenges) provide children the opportunity to earn awesome eco-friendly wooden medals (which are posted out directly to you).
These Kiwi Guardians adventures are located right across the country, making for great upcoming summer holiday fun!
Related: Save on Outdoor Kid Guidebooks through NZTT.
Opportunities to Earn Kiwi Guardians Activity Medals
These can be carried out anywhere so are perfect if you live more remotely or can’t access the ‘adventure’ sites. There’s a great range of activities that encourage children to think about conservation in Aotearoa and to actively make a difference to their local environments.
Once your child has carried out the steps required for each of the medals below, you’re then able to claim their medals.
- Curious Camper
- Lizard Lounge
- Create a nature journal
- Grow a seed
- Toa manu – Bird Surveyor
- Map your backyard
- Toa tiaki wai – Water Champion
- Backyard detective
- Habitat Creator (wētā)
- Toa Tiaki Taiao – Nature Champion
- Toa kaiwhakataka – Expedition leader
- Toa tiaki rākau – Tree Planter
- Weed Warrior
- Wildlife protector – Biosecurity
- Citizen Scientist
- Kaiwhakamaru Takutai – Coastal Protector
How to Earn Kiwi Guardians Adventure Medals
If you’re looking to get the kids out of the house in the upcoming school holidays (or over a weekend), choosing a Kiwi Guardians adventure is just the ticket.
These awesome family-friendly walks can be found all around the country.
The following are just a taste of the many, many walks that they offer.
- Ambury Park, South Auckland
- Auckland Botanic Gardens, South Auckland
- Brighton Beach, Christchurch
- Karangahake Windows Walk, Waikato
- Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve, Wellington
- Kepler Track, Fiordland
Each of the walks they offer come with an adventure map and all the information you need.
Whilst out on the trail, you’ll find a marker post which includes a special code. Be sure to record that code so you can order your wooden medals upon your return home.
Isn’t it Time Your Kids Became Kiwi Guardians?
The Toyota Kiwi Guardians programme is a fantastic way to encourage your children to get out and about in New Zealand.
With fun medals to earn and resources to make adventures even more fun, this is the perfect school holiday entertainment for your little ones – and best of all, it’s all free!
If you’d like to get the latest Kiwi Guardians news, we suggest following along on their Facebook page.
