Our Drum and Dance camp will return in 2027.
Join us for a West African musical immersion at our annual NZ Drum Dance Camp.
Curated mindfully and with passion for the NZ African drumming community.
Highlights include:
Please bring a shared (pre-prepared) plate for Friday evening kai.
The NZ Drum & Dance Camp is hosted at the serene Camp Kaitoke Education Centre, nestled in the foothills of the Rimutaka Ranges, just 45 minutes from Wellington.
Set within 38 acres of regenerating native bush, the camp offers a tranquil environment conducive to learning and relaxation.
Accommodation is provided in comfortable bunk-style cabins, with additional options for vehicle camping and limited tent sites, all at the same rate.
The camp features a spacious performance area, a bonfire spot for evening gatherings, and is adjacent to short bush walks in the nearby Kaitoke Regional Park, ideal for nature resets.
This park is renowned for its lush forests, including rimu and rātā trees, and offers various walking tracks and swimming spots.
Address:
Camp Kaitoke Education Centre
184 Marchant Road
Upper Hutt 5018
All rates quoted in NZD.
Family Packages available on request, please email [email protected] to find out more.
FRIDAY
4-5pm
Registration with Tulletha in the dining hall. Settle in to camp.
5.15pm
A warm welcome sets the stage for a weekend filled with rhythm and learning. Meet in the Dining Hall for introductions, orientation, AD shop, health & safety.
6-7pm
Bring a plate for shared Kai – mix, mingle & clean up.
8-9.45pm
All-in drum workshop. We’ll also enjoy some good ol’ fashion jamming – plenty of melodic exploration so bring your Ngoni, Mbira etc. (Dining Hall)
10pm onwards
Quiet time with gentle instruments welcome (N’goni, Kora, Mbira)
SATURDAY
7.30-8.30am
Morning Yoga with Em.
8-9.15am
Breakfast & clean-up.
9.30-11am
Breakaway Drumming Sessions (Dining Hall or Gym):
Beginners & Intermediates with Yaw
Upper Intermediates & Advanced with Epizo
11-11.30am
Morning tea
11.30-1.15pm
Open-level dance class with Epizo
1.15-2.15pm
Lunch & clean up.
2.15-4pm
Breakaway Drumming Sessions (Dining Hall or Gym):
Beginners & Intermediates with Epizo.
Upper Intermediates & Advanced with Yaw.
4.15-5.15pm
All-in DunDun Workshop with Yaw (Gym)
5.45pm-6.45pm
Optional Kora class with Epizo (max. 9 participants – please register on arrival, instruments provided).
7.15-8.30pm
Communal dinner & clean up.
8.30-10pm
Campfire jams & social time.
SUNDAY
7.30-8.30am
Morning Yoga with Em.
8-9.15am
Breakfast & clean-up.
9.30-11am
Breakaway Drumming Sessions (Dining Hall or Gym):
Beginners & Intermediates with Yaw
Upper Intermediates & Advanced with Epizo
11-11.30am
Morning tea.
11.30-1pm
Open-level DUN dance class with Jimi (Gym).
1-2.15pm
Lunch & clean up.
2.15-4pm
Breakaway Drumming Sessions (Dining Hall or Gym):
Beginners & Intermediates with Epizo.
Upper Intermediates & Advanced with Yaw.
4.15-5.15pm
All-in DunDun Workshop with Yaw (Gym).
5.45pm-6.45pm
Optional Kora class with Epizo (max. 9 participants – please register on arrival, instruments provided).
7.15-8.30pm
Communal dinner & clean up.
8.30-10pm
Campfire jams & social time.
MONDAY
8-9.15am
Breakfast & clean-up.
9.15-10am
Pack & clean cabins.
10-10.45am
Group Drum Performances (Dining Hall)
11-11.30am
Final all-in drumming session
11.30am
Closing circle: debrief, feedback, AD shop closes. Time to hit the road!
A Master Drummer from Ghana, Yaw has performed globally and taught African drumming for 25 years, collaborating with legendary artists.
A master of the djembe and traditional dance, Epizo brings profound knowledge and vibrant energy, embodying the essence of West African music and dance.
♪ Djembe drum if you have one, if not, you can hire one for $15
♪ Snacks for the weekend
♪ Dance appropriate shoes (there are concrete floors)
♪ Sleeping gear (pillowcase & sheet, sleeping bag/duvet) bag and pillow
♪ Warm clothes
♪ Comfortable clothing to dance/move in
♪ Evening cosy clothes for jams/camp fire sessions
♪ Togs (if you feel brave enough to dip in the creek!)
♪ Rain coat and gumboots/boots/sturdy shoes (if forecast looks wet)
♪ Toiletries/Towel & Personal Medications
♪ Shared plate of Kai for Friday evening, light breakfast for Monday morning (there are no cooking facilities for self catering so think simple on the go breakfast)
♪ An eager spirit!
Definitely! Our camp is a nurturing space for newcomers to discover the joy of African drumming and dance, bolstered by a supportive community.
Participants enjoy a full weekend of drumming, dancing, and additional workshops, led by expert facilitators. Accommodation, meals, and access to all sessions are included, with options for bunk cabins, vehicle camping, or tents.
Get in touch with our team for personalised advice. We’re known for our quick replies!
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