Great Barrier Island

During the summer holidays a group of four Tauranga Girls' College students who have recently completed Year 13, spent four days on Great Barrier Island walking the Aotea trail as part of their Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.

Due to COVID restrictions throughout 2021 the trip had to be postponed multiple times so it was awesome to get it done prior to the students starting university. The weather was amazing and the students completed a lot more than just the Aotea circuit - they did every side track possible even walking out from the track into Port Fitzroy on day two for a swim in the ocean (an extra 10 km return walk). 

The three nights on the island felt like we were all overseas.  It was a great experience for the students and teachers involved. The 12 seater plane ride was an experience in itself!