ADV301 students were put to the test trekking up a challenging Mt Holdsworth for a tramp. Teachers Seth Weakley and Alex Jaffrey take us through the successful trip.

28 Year 13 Adventure students climbed Mount Holdsworth in great conditions. The classes were completing an NCEA assessment around navigation in the outdoors.

Day 1 the group climbed to Powell Hut, this was initially a leisurely stroll winding through the bush. Then there were 2 hours up poorly designed steps, which we all despised.

The night at Powell Hut was memorable, Kupa and Ezekial burning bacon and setting off fire alarms, Mr Weakley displaying immense calmness while on the phone to the fire department trying to reset the alarm while students panicked and evacuated all around him. 

After the smoke cleared, sirens stopped, and we managed to calm Reyse and Luke down, we were able to witness some impressive chef skills, group sing alongs, and card games. 

Just as Mr Weakley had predicted, there is something about karaoke that brings people together. Mr Jaffrey’s rendition of living on a prayer was unforgettable.

Day 2, the group climbed to the summit where we had amazing views of the Wairarapa, and even over to Mt Taranaki. 

Mr Weakley assured us it was a short walk across the ridge down the hill and along the river, no more than 2 hours he promised. He lied. 7 hours later we finally made it back to the van. 

Along the way it was great to see students and teachers bond. Miss Jackson and Jade Langi became BFFs while complaining about the track, the tramp, the hill, the other teachers and students. 

Some students found the walk home difficult, Miyah Raisin’s boots fell apart, and were held together by sticky plasters. We all saw far too much of Holly Collins’ feet, and she learnt that toe rings may not be the best choice on an overnight tramp, Luke attempted to remove them (toe ring not feet). 

Arriving back at the vans we were smelly, exhausted and hungry, and only 3-4 hours late, but already looking forward to the next trip.