E3 is a multi-day wilderness expedition for young adults (aged 19-25) who want to explore the wilderness of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Boost your confidence, grow your leadership skills, develop your faith and be immersed in God’s creation. Explore how we fit into God’s story and reflect on what this might mean for the next season of life, as your high school years come to an end.
We will be travelling through some incredibly beautiful and remote areas of Aotearoa New Zealand. Along the way, we will be challenged physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Venturing into the wilderness gives us the opportunity to experience personal growth — allowing us to grow in our self-awareness, in our knowledge and in our love of others, of Creation, and the Creator God who made it all. As we journey, we will also explore eco-theology. Connecting with nature can be a profound way to connect with and experience our Creator God and appreciate the sacredness of the natural world.
What happens on an E3 expedition?
We journey together in a small group of 10-12 young people led by 2-3 highly experienced, qualified outdoor instructors and E3 staff. We will go tramping, mountain biking and kayaking (or rafting). We will also sleep in tents (or under the stars, if you want!), learn about nature and conservation, experience the weather in all its changeable glory, cook together, challenge ourselves physically and mentally, watch breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, make campfires, have daily discussions and Bible engagement, develop our faith, spend time with a group of amazing humans, and enjoy the untamed beauty of God’s Creation.
Mackenzie and Waitaki Districts - within the Canterbury region
When: 9 - 15 February 2026
Where : Mackenzie Basin
Cost: $350
Ages: 19 - 25
Our E3 Young Adults 2026 expedition will be in the stunning Mackenzie Basin. This is an elliptical intermontane basin located in the Mackenzie and Waitaki Districts, near the centre of Te Waipounamu (South Island). It is home to deep lakes, surrounded by big mountains and beech forests with amazing bird life and song. This E3YA will be anchored by 2-3 days of tramping and paddling on the beautiful Lake Ōhau and mountain biking on nearby trails. The scenery will only enhance the conversations around faith & its intersections with life.
For more info and to register: https://sunz.org.nz/event/young-adults/
E3 is a partnership between Scripture Union NZ, Adventure Specialties Trust and A Rocha Aotearoa NZ. E3 ministries believe that wilderness experiences are significant - helping us to understand ourselves better and deepening our relationships with others, with God, and with God's creation.