Years 9-13 (13-17 Yo)
WORD Camps are the best part of school holidays! We have a variety of different camps during the holidays. Each camp we will ride, learn and giggle...heaps! Camps are open to kids of all MTB skill abilities. We split into groups, so we can ride with mates of similar radness.
January Holidays 2026
Bookings Open Now!
Teen Week 15-19th December
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Camp fee: $190
Camp Experience
At WORD, we are always trying new and exciting ways to deliver the same values and brilliance we believe we offer in all our camps. This year, we heard you guys, and are offering an excellent week of biking-fun for our teen crew who wrap up school a bit earlier than the rest.
Who With: Join Liam and Frank W for a day to remember!
Akatarawa's Explorer details:
A full day riding jungle in the Akatarawa’s is like no other. hard yakka, but some of the best tech and remote riding in Wellington region.
Drop off and pick up locations:
We will car pool to this camp
Camp fee includes:
A full day of guided Jungle riding with experienced instructors.
2 exceptional and savvy WORD instructors
A day of entertainment and adventure
WORD Socks and sticker
And let's be frank, one super tired and worn out teen at the end of the day!
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Camp fee: $165
Camp Experience
Let's flow! We jump into Vinnie the WORD van to head off to different trails around town for the day!
To really make the most out of this camp, riders will want to be comfortable riding at least Grade 4 trails such as Hippies, Car Parts, Ikigai, Jailbrake, Te Tuara or similar. We will hit some grade 5's as well. Think Mt Vic, Polhil and Miramar.
Drop off (8:20am) and Pick up (3pm) in front of Amora Hotel Wakefield Street. Vinnie the WORD Van will be driving us to each riding location, departing at 8:30am!
Camp fee includes:
All day Shuttles in the Van
WORD Socks and sticker
Two super fun experienced instructors to help you get the most our of your day
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Fish n Mish with Trish: Thursday 18th - Friday 19th December
Camp fee: $390
At WORD, we are always trying new and exciting ways to deliver the same values and brilliance we believe we offer in all our camps. This year, we heard you guys, and are offering an excellent week of biking-fun for our teen crew who wrap up school a bit earlier than the rest.
This summer, we are stoked to be offering a night's adventure away exploring the Greater Wellington Coast! With a big emphasis on comradere, we are backing this crew to work as a team and enjoy two big days in the saddle. Starting at Kaitoke, we will be following the Remutaka Rail Trail, then heading South along Lake Wairararapa to Ocean Beach, where we will park up for the night at Corner Creek Campsite. This first day is approximately 53km- we will be taking our time and ensuring everyone is able to enjoy the pace, but kids will need to feel confident in their ability to ride this far. At camp, we will pitch tents, cast some rods, and enjoy the evening under the stars.
Day 2, it can feel hard to believe but we will end up in Wellington City again! The team will set out to ride the Southern Coast, first to the Orongorongo River mouth, then past Pencarrow Lighthouse to find ourselves waiting for a ferry from Days Bay, Eastbourne! We will absolutely be making use of the East by West ferry service to finish this trip with a bit of support! The second day is another goodie, with approximately 45km of unsealed track to get us home.
You wonderful teens will need to share the load- by this we mean our gear for the night all needs to come with us on our bikes and/or backs. We will be catering for dinner, breakfast and the 2nd lunch- as well as the hoped-for fish… WORD has some bikepacking gear available to hire ($20 additional per day), but kids will need to have their own bike, helmet, sleeping bag, and lunch packed for the first day.
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Four Day Bike Packing Adventure Monday 15th - Thursday 18th December
Who with? Peg and Sam our bike packing experts
Camp fee: $850
At WORD, we are always trying new and exciting ways to deliver the same values and brilliance we believe we offer in all our camps. This year, we heard you guys, and are offering an excellent week of biking-fun for our teen crew who wrap up school a bit earlier than the rest.
This summer, we are stoked to be offering a four day bike packing camp - Day one will be spent planning, packing, and organising your route - yep you choose where you are headed! The next day your adventure begins exploring either the Greater Wellington region or further afield!
With a big emphasis on comradere, we are backing this crew to work as a team and enjoy working together to plan your route and three big days in the saddle.
The start will be up to you and hopefully the finish will be back here in Wellington - other than that the world is yours! You will be guided and helped along the way by two super experienced WORD instructors, outdoor educators and leaders.
You wonderful teens will need to share the load- by this we mean our gear for the night all needs to come with us on our bikes and/or backs. We will be planning and shopping before we go, catering for all our dinners, breakfasts and the lunches. WORD has some bike packing gear available to hire ($20 additional per day), but kids will need to have (or borrow )their own bike, helmet, sleeping bag and some additional gear like tents and basic camping equipment
What To Bring:
Serviced Mountain bike
AUS/NZ certified helmet
Closed-toe shoes
Plenty of Water
More snacks than you can poke a stick at!
Rain Jacket
Inner tube to fit your tire
Sleeping bag, pillow, sleeping mat
Approx 40l capacity on your bike and/or back
Tent - to share with other participants
Basic camping gear (pots/pan/cutlery)
Torch
Medications
Sleeping gear/toiletries
Sunscreen/insect repellant
Change of clothes, and warm layers
We want to support kids to be independent mountain bikers (and humans), so having them be responsible for their own items by carrying them in a backpack/on their bike is the first step in doing so. WORD is lucky enough to have some bike packing equipment to be in a position to share. If you’re young someone will be needing these, simply add the ‘Bike Packing Gear Rental’ at the bottom for $20 a day.
This is a larger list than most of our camps, and we don’t expect everyone to a) know everything you’ll need to bring, and B) have it all. We will be sharing a more comprehensive packing list closer to the date, but for now we have listed the big ticket items.
If you have any questions or concerns with the above list, please get in touch with us. We understand how this list may prove a barrier to some, and will gladly work together to overcome any sticking points.
Programme Requirements:
Riders need to be comfortable riding 40-50km for three days in a row. (we have all day)
More importantly, riders should be excited to try new things on their bike.
Be prepared for a fun session outside in all types of weather.
Holiday fee includes:
2 exceptional and savvy WORD instructors
Four days and three nights worth of entertainment and adventure
Weeks adventure learning resilience and embracing change along with a heap of adventure and connection
All meals and snacks
2026 WORD socks* and sticker
And let's be frank, almost a week off cooking for the kids!
*Each year we have a new colour of WORD shirts or socks. January is the start of a ‘New WORD shirt/sock calendar,’ so keep an eye out for the newest colourway! We ask that you only claim 1 per year per kid.
Other Things To Know
New to WORD?Great! Welcome to the whānau, we can’t wait to meet you and your whānau. Discover how we roll on ourmore Information page on the WORD website (a great resource that is worth exploring and may answer any questions you might have throughout your time with WORD). Cancellations:Once you have booked onto a WORD course/camp/event the following applies:
More than 7 days before the start date: 80% refund
2-7 days before start date: 50% refund
48 hours before start date: no refund
Full Terms and Conditions:https://www.word.org.nz/terms-and-conditions/
A note on WORD’s financial model:
WORD is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NZ Charity Number CC50833). We are proud to offer affordable, inclusive bike programmes like this one to the community. All WORD programmes and camps are subsidised by around 40% thanks to our incredible community of supporters and our sponsors. If you would like to help pay it for-WORD, at checkout you'll have the option of making a donation.
Program enrollment capacity
Minimum: 6
Maximum: 12
Registration period
Registration starts on 21/11/25, at 8:00pm.
Drop off and Pickup Spots:
TBC once the route has been planned - exciting!
January Teen Bike Packing Trips
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Details TBC
Camp fee: $950
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Details TBC
Camp fee: $850
January Overnight Trip and Tour De Black
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Who With?: Lead Instructor and Jungle rider Peg
Camp Fee: $360
At WORD, we are always trying new and exciting ways to deliver the same values and brilliance we believe we offer in all our camps.
This summer, we are stoked to be offering a night's adventure away exploring the formidable Akatarawa Forest Park! With a big emphasis on riding fresh and exciting singeltrack, we are backing this crew to work as a team and enjoy two big days in the saddle. A day in the Akatarawa’s doesn’t reflect a typical day out at your local- riders can expect to push up some big hills for some even bigger descents.
We will be taking our time and ensuring everyone is able to enjoy the riding, but kids will need to feel confident in their ability to ride grade 4/5 trails. At camp, we will pitch tents, recount the days adventure, and whip up a storm together.
What To Bring:
We will be catering for dinner, breakfast and the 2nd lunch.
Serviced Mountain bike
AUS/NZ certified helmet
Closed-toe shoes
Plenty of Water
More snacks than you can poke a stick at!
Rain Jacket
Inner tube to fit your tire
Sleeping bag, pillow
A tent to share (we will help coordinate this)
We want to support kids to be independent mountain bikers (and humans), so having them be responsible for their own items by carrying them in a backpack is the first step in doing so.
If you have any questions or concerns with the above list, please get in touch with us. We understand how this list may prove a barrier to some, and will gladly work together to overcome any sticking points.
Camp Requirements
Riders should have off road/singletrack riding G4/G5 experience
Riders should be excited to try new things on their bike.
Be prepared for two fun days outside in all types of weather
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A shuttle day of hitting some of Wellington’s finest grade 5 trails - Mt Vic, Miramar, Polhil, Karori with Iley and Nic.
Camp Fee: $165
Some past camps
Which may just make a comeback!
New to WORD Camps
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Is your child, a little bit older, but new to mountain biking - or has never done WORD before? This is the place to start.
This programme is co-ed and aimed at kids that are new to WORD or new to mountain biking. We'll have more time to focus on the fundamental skills and really get them dialled in! This will lay amazing foundations for future WORD sessions and their mountain bike journey!
They are paired up with an age specific instructor, who is great at teaching the fundamentals so your new mountain biker feels safe and in control of their ride. Groups will still be split on the first morning into abilities and fitness for the day with 1:8 instruction ratios.
WORD’s holiday programmes are known to be the best fun you’ll have this upcoming school break, and for good reason! Each day is jam packed with fun, adventure, and commradery, all whilst heading out riding! Bikes, trails, friends, sweet skills and snacks are the name of the game, come join us for the fun! New to WORD camps are two consecutive afternoons, from 12:30pm - 3:30pm.
What you'll learn
The main goal of New to WORD camps is to foster a keen sense of belonging in your group, and learn some new mountain biking skills along the way. Your instructors will assess the group's riding, and with your tamariki will choose a relevant skill that everyone is keen to learn. On a ‘New to WORD’ camp, there will be a focus on the fundamentals, including:
Body Position
Braking
Controls eg. gears
Group Splits:
On the first day of camp we will split into small groups based on abilities, fitness, and ambitions, before heading into the trails! We’ll stick with these same groups during the Holiday programme. Ratios are 1:8
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Wellington New to WORD - No January Camps for 13-17’s:
Day 1, Matairangi Mt Victoria: Wellington Velodrome, Hataitai.
Day 2, Mākara Peak, Karori: Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park Entrance
Porirua New to WORD, No January Camps:
Both days are at Spicer Botanical Park, Porirua.
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Serviced Mountain bike
AUS/NZ certified helmet
Closed-toe shoes
Water
Snacks!
Rain Jacket
Inner tube to fit your tire
We want to support kids to be independent mountain bikers (and humans), so having them be responsible for their own items by carrying them in a backpack is the first step in doing so.
If you have any questions or concerns with the above list, please get in touch with us. We understand how this list may prove a barrier to some, and will gladly work together to overcome any sticking points.
-
Programme Requirements:
Riders should be excited to try new things on their bike.
Be prepared for a fun session outside in all types of weather.
Holiday fee includes:
Exceptional and savvy WORD instructors
Two half days of instruction and fun
An excellent sense of belonging and adventure
A new set of riding pals!
2026 WORD T-shirt* and sticker
*Each year we have a new colour of WORD shirts. January is the start of a ‘New WORD shirt calendar,’ so keep an eye out for the newest colourway! We ask that you only claim 1 per year per kid. Kids will receive their shirt on the first day of camp.
-
Other Things To Know
New to WORD? Great! Welcome to the whānau, we can’t wait to meet you and your whānau. Discover how we roll on our more Information page on the WORD website (a great resource that is worth exploring and may answer any questions you might have throughout your time with WORD).
Cancellations:Once you have booked onto a WORD course/camp/event the following applies:
More than 7 days before the start date: 80% refund
2-7 days before start date: 50% refund
48 hours before start date: no refund
Full Terms and Conditions: https://www.word.org.nz/terms-and-conditions/
A note on WORD’s financial model:
WORD is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NZ Charity Number CC50833). We are proud to offer affordable, inclusive bike programmes like this one to the community. All WORD programmes and camps are subsidised by around 40% thanks to our incredible community of supporters and our sponsors. If you would like to help pay it for-WORD, at checkout you'll have the option of making a donation.
Speed, Flow and Style
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Advanced MTB Skills 2 Day Camp led by Nic Johnson
Nic will lead an exclusive skills camp designed to elevate young riders' abilities in a safe and structured environment. She will be assisted by Iley Nuuns - fresh off a great 2025 race season, and local fast guy Jesse Cseh - who has had a recent stint overseas checking out the EWS. With over a decade of coaching experience, Nic (our National operations manager) brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for helping riders progress.
NOT OFFERED FOR JANUARY (8:30-3pm) 24 spots
- Day 1 Drop off Miramar pump track.
- Day 2 Drop off is at Polhill/Waimapihi - Pick up and finish is Mt Vic Velodrome
Day 1 We will cover pumping, manuals, and advanced cornering for speed.
We will then put this into practice down Jailbrake in the afternoon and run 'chainless' self timed run/s.
Day 2 We will go for a gentle group ride up to the top of the windmill, session 'Carparts', 'Spuds' and Ikigai, followed by a ride back over to Mt Vic for some afternoon laps of Te-Tuara.
This will culminate in using all the skills from previous term programmes, holiday programmes (Jumps and Jibs) and your new pumping, and playful trail skills.
This will be a big two days of learning, but also at a gentle pace so the skills are learned in a relaxed way, and no-one will be left behind.
What to Expect:
Skill Progression: Learn the fundamentals of more advanced trail skills, to safely navigate trail features.
Advanced Skills: Learn the beginnings of a manual, advanced cornering and playful trail skills to enhance control and confidence.
Trail Application: Understand where and how to implement these skills on local trails, improving overall riding performance.
Fun and Safety: Enjoy two days of learning and play, ensuring skills are developed in a fun yet safe manner.
Details:
Duration: 2 day camp.
Location: Miramar/Matairangi/Mt Vic/Waimapihi/Polhill
Group Size: Limited spots to ensure personalised instruction.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Riders- ideal for those really wanting to progress to more advanced techniques, or they are already, but it would be nice to know they have correct foundations from a professional instructor.Additional information:
All riders will need to bring a NEW ‘quick link’ for their specific model of chain if they wish to run chain-less
Your instructors for this course will be:
Lead: Nic Johnson (nicjohnsonmtb.co.nz)
Instructor: Iley Nuuns
Guest Instructor: Jesse Cseh
Cost: $320 for the 2 day camp and includes:
Experienced WORD mountain bike instructors (1:8 ratio)
Advanced skill training
WORD socks and WORD sticker
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Wellington Speed Flow and Style- No January Camps for 13-17’s:
Day 1, Matairangi Mt Victoria: Wellington Velodrome, Hataitai.
Day 2, Mākara Peak, Karori: Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park Entrance
-
Serviced Mountain bike
AUS/NZ certified helmet
Closed-toe shoes
Water
Snacks!
Rain Jacket
Inner tube to fit your tire
We want to support kids to be independent mountain bikers (and humans), so having them be responsible for their own items by carrying them in a backpack is the first step in doing so.
If you have any questions or concerns with the above list, please get in touch with us. We understand how this list may prove a barrier to some, and will gladly work together to overcome any sticking points.
-
Programme Requirements:
Riders should be excited to try new things on their bike.
Be prepared for a fun session outside in all types of weather.
Holiday fee includes:
GSMBC L1 and L2 Exceptional and savvy WORD instructors
Two days of instruction and fun
An excellent sense of belonging and adventure
A new set of riding pals!
2026 WORD T-shirt* and sticker
*Each year we have a new colour of WORD shirts. January is the start of a ‘New WORD shirt calendar,’ so keep an eye out for the newest colourway! We ask that you only claim 1 per year per kid. Kids will receive their shirt on the first day of camp.
-
Other Things To Know
New to WORD? Great! Welcome to the whānau, we can’t wait to meet you and your whānau. Discover how we roll on our more Information page on the WORD website (a great resource that is worth exploring and may answer any questions you might have throughout your time with WORD).
Cancellations:Once you have booked onto a WORD course/camp/event the following applies:
More than 7 days before the start date: 80% refund
2-7 days before start date: 50% refund
48 hours before start date: no refund
Full Terms and Conditions: https://www.word.org.nz/terms-and-conditions/
A note on WORD’s financial model:
WORD is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NZ Charity Number CC50833). We are proud to offer affordable, inclusive bike programmes like this one to the community. All WORD programmes and camps are subsidised by around 40% thanks to our incredible community of supporters and our sponsors. If you would like to help pay it for-WORD, at checkout you'll have the option of making a donation.
Jumps & Jibbs
-
Advanced MTB Skills 1 Day Camp led by Nic Johnson
Nic will lead an exclusive skills camp designed to elevate young riders' abilities in a safe and structured environment. With over a decade of coaching experience, Nic (our National operations manager) brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for helping riders progress.
NOT OFFERED FOR JANUARY HOLIDAY PROGRAMME
Drop off and Pick up at Matairangi/Mt Vic (Hataitai Velodrome)
What to Expect:
Jumping Progression: Learn the fundamentals of jumping, including body position, timing, and technique, to safely navigate trail features.
Advanced Skills: Master wheel lifts, manuals, endos, braking control and other playful trail skills to enhance control and confidence.
Trail Application: Understand where and how to implement these skills on local trails, improving overall riding performance.
Fun and Safety: Enjoy a day of learning and play, ensuring skills are developed in a fun yet safe manner.
Details:
Group Size: Limited spots to ensure personalised instruction.
Prerequisite: Intermediate skills required; ideal for riders really wanting to progress to more advanced techniques.Cost: $165 for the 1 day camp and includes:
– GSMBC L1 and L2 Experienced and super fun WORD mountain bike instructors (1:8 ratio)
– WORD t-shirt and WORD sticker -
Wellington Jumps and Jibbs- No January Camps for 13-17’s:
Day 1, Matairangi Mt Victoria: Wellington Velodrome, Hataitai.
Day 2, Mākara Peak, Karori: Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park Entrance
-
Serviced Mountain bike
AUS/NZ certified helmet
Closed-toe shoes
Water
Snacks!
Rain Jacket
Inner tube to fit your tire
We want to support kids to be independent mountain bikers (and humans), so having them be responsible for their own items by carrying them in a backpack is the first step in doing so.
If you have any questions or concerns with the above list, please get in touch with us. We understand how this list may prove a barrier to some, and will gladly work together to overcome any sticking points.
-
Programme Requirements:
Riders should be excited to try new things on their bike.
Be prepared for a fun session outside in all types of weather.
Holiday fee includes:
GSMBC L1 and L2 Exceptional and savvy WORD instructors
Two days of instruction and fun
An excellent sense of belonging and adventure
A new set of riding pals!
2026 WORD T-shirt* and sticker
*Each year we have a new colour of WORD shirts. January is the start of a ‘New WORD shirt calendar,’ so keep an eye out for the newest colourway! We ask that you only claim 1 per year per kid. Kids will receive their shirt on the first day of camp.
-
Other Things To Know
New to WORD? Great! Welcome to the whānau, we can’t wait to meet you and your whānau. Discover how we roll on our more Information page on the WORD website (a great resource that is worth exploring and may answer any questions you might have throughout your time with WORD).
Cancellations:Once you have booked onto a WORD course/camp/event the following applies:
More than 7 days before the start date: 80% refund
2-7 days before start date: 50% refund
48 hours before start date: no refund
Full Terms and Conditions: https://www.word.org.nz/terms-and-conditions/
A note on WORD’s financial model:
WORD is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NZ Charity Number CC50833). We are proud to offer affordable, inclusive bike programmes like this one to the community. All WORD programmes and camps are subsidised by around 40% thanks to our incredible community of supporters and our sponsors. If you would like to help pay it for-WORD, at checkout you'll have the option of making a donation.