On Wednesday 20 November, 11 intrepid cyclists from Moana Learning Community, one teacher and four hardy fathers embarked on an adventure to bike the Hauraki Rail Trail from Waihi and through the Karangahake Gorge.

We biked about 15km, dodged a few patches of thunder and rain, soaked up a bit of history about gold mining, cycled a long tunnel and a bridge. We finished up by exploring the Windows Walk by foot with torches, these are the tunnels left behind by the gold miners back-in-the-day.

In Moana we have tried to offer an outdoor adventure every term this year, and this was our final trip out. We believe in the power of getting outside. It is good for body, mind and soul. Students gain a sense of achievement and confidence from a challenge that differs from that of the classroom.

We had a-lot of parents volunteer to come along to help. It is always great to have good parent support, and we thank Richard, Curtis, John and Aaron enabling this trip to happen.