Thirteen boys embarked on an unforgettable adventure along the Routeburn Great Walk, a stunning trail that traverses the natural landscapes of both Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Park.
Over three days, we hiked through lush forests, climbed rocky inclines, and descended open slopes that ultimately led up to a wonderful experience that I personally will never forget.
Our journey began at The Divide, where we ascended towards Lake Howden. The steep, forested path up from The Divide took us about an hour and a half to reach a clearing, where we paused for lunch and admired the surrounding scenery. We then continued uphill passing through sights like Earland Falls and The Orchard to get to Lake Mackenzie Hut, our home for the night. The next day, we headed towards Harris Saddle. As we emerged from the treeline going up from Lake Mackenzie, we hoped to catch a glimpse of the lake below, but unfortunately, fog obscured the view. However, as we reached Harris Shelter and descended on the other side, the weather cleared, revealing breathtaking views of the valleys and rivers below us. Our final day was the shortest with only a few hours, a gentle downhill and winding path alongside the river, leading us to the Routeburn Shelter to end our tramp.
Despite a few unexpected rain showers and bug bites, our group's spirit of humor and resilience shone through. We made the most of our time, playing card games, enjoying hot chocolate and soup, and marveling at the stunning views from the trail. Even back at the Te Anau campus, the fun continued with fishing and swimming in the lake.
As I reflect on this incredible experience, I eagerly anticipate next year's camp. I extend my gratitude to all the staff and parents who made this event possible and contributed to such a memorable time.
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