2021 Project K saw a new beginning, with the students starting their 19-day adventure at Craigieburn lodge. From here they walked upstream, through a diverse karst (limestone) landscape of solution holes, rillenkarren (water-grooved rocks) and sculptured rock formations. What a way to start, to open the students up to their real potential.

They abseiled at Castle Hill and had their overnight practice tramp before driving up to Windy Point to start their 5-day tramp.

Lake Sumner Forest Park is described as a trampers’ paradise and a safe haven for endangered species. Remote high-country lakes, beech-clad mountains, wide river valleys making it a picturesque landscape.

This is what the 12 students experienced and grew to love. After a rest day at Lake Sumner they were back at it again and biking to the start of Mt Oxford, where there was a lot of discussion on whether the team wanted to walk the circumference of Mt Oxford or tackle the mountain head on. 

To climb to the summit of Mt Oxford (1364m) it would mean walking up and down Dyers Pass Road four times! Deciding together to conquer the summit breaks down barriers and helps the students understand the importance of working as a team. It was a highlight that some of the students shared in the final speeches. The Canterbury Plains, right back to the city and into Lees Valley, was a view to remember. As well as teaching outdoor skills, this adventure encourages the development of self-knowledge, life direction and learning how to set goals. I am sure each and every one of the students involved will all say their lives have changed.

Whaia te pae tawhiti kia tata, whaia te pae tata, whakamaua kia tina

Seek out the distant horizons, cherish those you attain