Educational Experiences

WHAT WE OFFER

Sir Peter Blake MERC offers a range of safe, fun, high-quality educational experiences for schools, corporates, private, and other not-for-profit groups.  Experiences can either be based on-site at MERC where groups are able to engage with the Long Bay Okura Marine Reserve and Long Bay Regional Park on our doorstep; or offsite, at a suitable location (such as your school) which supports the unique objectives that often go hand in hand with a unique location.  

MERC offers groups the opportunity to engage in:

-          Part day experiences (up to 3 hours with an instructor);

-          Full day experiences (up to 6 hours with an instructor) or;

-          Multi-day experiences (with or without the overnight component).

Each of these options are run by experienced and passionate MERC staff who are dedicated to fulfilling our vision of being New Zealand’s recognised leader in marine environmental outdoor education, while providing your group with an unforgettable team experience!

PICK YOUR MERC EXPERIENCE:

ON-SITE/RESIDENTIAL

  • Nestled in between Long Bay Okura Marine Reserve and Long Bay Regional Park, base your experience at our centre and engage with all we have to offer on our doorstep!
  • Part Day, Full Day, and Multi-Day options (with or without the overnight component) available.
  • Accommodation, facilities, and equipment readily on hand.

OFF-SITE

  • Part Day, Full Day, and Multi-Day options available.
  • We can add on to your existing event, bringing our experience and capabilities to your gathering.
  • We can come to your school, local beach, or other agreed off-site location to bring our marine education and experiences to your doorstep.

JOURNEYS

  • Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journeys
  • Haerenga – Off-Site Experiences
  • Discover Aotearoa - International Student Experiences

*All on-site/residential and off-site MERC programmes are based on the aims of each group, ensuring you get a unique experience that aligns with your objectives.  

Accommodation

Overlooking the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve, Tiritiri Matangi Island, and the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Sir Peter Blake MERC’s accommodation can sleep up to 89 people at any given time for overnight stays. For larger groups exceeding this number, MERC also offers spare mattresses for a marae style sleepover in our Gray and Garrett Hall, which is used as a multi-purpose space throughout the day.  

Additional facilities include a commercial kitchen and dining hall, an upstairs conference room, wheelchair access throughout the main part of the facility, and easy access to Long Bay Regional Park and Long Bay Okura Marine Reserve.

Make a booking enquiry

Educational Experiences Gallery