Outdoor Education Hike in Te Wao Nui a Tiriwa (the Waitākere Ranges)

In Week 9 of Term 2 our Year 13 Outdoor Education class completed a two-day hike through Te Wao Nui a Tiriwa (the Waitākere Ranges).

Beginning with the Ōmanawanui Track (Whatipu) and the Gibbons Track on day one, we then emerged into the beautiful Pararaha Valley to camp the night. On day two we hiked up Zion Hill and along the beach to Karekare, followed by the Comans Track and ending at Mercer Bay Loop (Piha).

A total distance of 20km with steep, mountainous terrain made for an incredibly challenging hike, however we were rewarded with amazing views of the West Coast, deep connections with te taiao, and the greatest sense of reward at the finish line. Students demonstrated outstanding resilience and initiative throughout the hike and it is such an accomplishment to have overcome this significant wero.