Outdoor Adventures for Your Birthday: Why The Great Escape is Perfect for Birthday Celebrations
We didn’t know exactly what to expect when we stepped off the ferry on Waiheke Island — just that our boss had signed us up for one of those mysterious team building games. No agenda, no trust falls (thankfully), just a message that said: “Get ready to escape the ordinary.”
Enter The Great Escape — a company that transforms Waiheke into a real-life game board. Our mission? Complete a custom-designed, app-based adventure by solving clues, exploring the island, and working together to beat the clock (and the other teams).
We kicked off with a quick briefing and some laughs, then downloaded the app that would guide us through our game. Immediately, we were immersed in challenges that weren’t just fun — they were surprisingly clever. Some were puzzles that required brainpower, others demanded creativity or a sharp eye for detail.
We ran through vineyards, snapped selfies with sculptures, and cracked codes in beachside reserves. It was a full-on, joyfully chaotic mash-up of trivia, tech, and teamwork — all set against the stunning backdrop of Waiheke.
Unlike other “team building” sessions I’ve done in the past, there was no awkward small talk or forced exercises here. This was natural bonding. You couldn’t help but connect — whether you were solving a riddle with a colleague you rarely talk to or navigating a shortcut as a group decision.
What really set The Great Escape apart was how they tailor the experience. The game was challenging but achievable, and the app was slick and intuitive. Plus, they built in our company values and even included a custom challenge that mentioned our CEO by name — a small detail that made it feel personal and thoughtful.
By the time we made it to the final checkpoint, we were buzzing. Not just from the friendly competition, but from the feeling that we'd all genuinely worked together.
If you're looking for team building games that actually work — that get people outside, thinking together, and having fun — The Great Escape Waiheke delivers. You’ll leave with inside jokes, a stronger team, and probably a few grass stains. Worth every moment.