Venture with me into the heart of Wainuiomata. Here you will discover a place where history meets adventure. This is Brookfield Outdoor Education Centre. It is a stunning property owned by Scouts New Zealand.
Brookfield is more than just a venue. It’s a place where memories are made and skills are honed. It serves as a year-round destination. Scouts, Guides, schools, church groups, and other organizations all come here.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine John Crowther purchasing 144 hectares of farmland in 1864. He named it Brookfield after the brook flowing through the valley. His daughter, Mary Ursula Crowther, took over the farm. She supplemented the income with an orchard.
Fast forward to the 1920s. Brothers Harold and Roy Nelson befriended Mary. This friendship led to a strong connection with the Scouts. Mary decided to leave the property to the Scout Association upon her death in 1958.
The Scouts expanded the property to over 260 hectares. They preserved many features from the original farm. The gardens and some orchard trees remain. The original cottage site is now a Campfire Circle. The Nelson brothers remained connected to Brookfield. In 1989, their old cottage was moved here. It became Nelson Lounge. It houses memorabilia and furniture.
But Brookfield is not just about history. It is about adventure. Captivate Adventures operates a renovated abseil tower here. They are the sole audited provider of abseil services at Brookfield. The tower offers multiple experiences. There are abseils from a short 5 meters to a massive 18 meters.
Orienteering enthusiasts will love the permanent course here. It consists of accommodation buildings and campsites in a bushclad setting. There are numerous tracks. The course covers an area of 0.5 sq km. It has 26 permanent control markers on wooden posts.
Planning a visit? Brookfield offers camping and lodge accommodations. It is perfect for outdoor education, training, and recreation. It provides a safe environment for all activities. The centre is located at 562 Moores Valley Road in Wainuiomata. It is only a 40-minute drive from central Wellington.
Today, Brookfield blends its historical legacy. It welcomes Scouts, schools, and other groups. It is a dynamic training and recreational venue. From its humble beginnings as a farm to its current role. Brookfield Outdoor Education Centre has a rich history. It offers something for everyone. It remains a place of adventure and learning. It is surrounded by the beautiful landscape of Wainuiomata. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of community and the love of the outdoors.