Fourteen students and three staff embarked on a four-day adventure to the central plateau of the North Island, making the most of a well-earned break in the weather to explore Mount Ruapehu.
On the first day, our Gold Award participants led an off-trail navigation exercise along the ridge track, honing their skills by following natural landmarks and contour lines around the valleys. That evening, they built and slept in their own bivouac shelters on the school grounds, deepening their outdoor survival experience.
Day two saw the group heading towards Mount Ngauruhoe via the stunning Tama Lakes trail, a 17km return hike. Some students pushed themselves further by navigating off-trail along the Wairere Stream, extending their journey to an impressive 22km.
On day three, we ventured to the opposite side of Mount Ruapehu, driving up Ohakune Mountain Road before hiking to Blyth Hut, where we spent the night. Throughout the expedition, the Silver and Gold Award students took on leadership roles, mentoring the Bronze Award participants and ensuring everyone was self-sufficient for all their needs.
Back at base camp on our final day, the students engaged in environmental stewardship, setting predator traps around the huts and the surrounding native bush to protect the local wildlife.
A special thanks to Ms Fraser and Nicole Scott for their generous support and commitment to making this trip a success.