On Thursday the 21st of August 2025 our Year 10 Outdoor Education class went on a trip to the Hunua ranges for one of their assessments. Student's reflected on this experience:

Outdoor Education - Year 10 Whenua Trip Ākonga Reflections

The Whenua trip was a great experience to fully understand ways of navigating through the bush. We used strategies like grid references, handrails, catching features and back bearings to find our way using the map. As well as the learning aspect, the nature along the sides of the track was a sight to see, including small rivers and streams, steep hills and valleys. Since our group was large we all got into pairs and took turns leading everyone. To do this we were given a map and we had to figure out the starting and ending grid points, the contour lines, how long our specific route would take, and if there were any catching features along the way. Overall the trip was a fun experience and we learnt a lot more about how to apply the things we’ve learned in class into real life situations.
- Grace Faire


Last week, on Thursday the 21st of August, 10OED set off to Hunua Falls for our Whenua Trip. This trip involved a long tramp up and downhill, through forests, and alongside rivers. We spent over three hours walking until we finally reached the dam.

We had to bring a range of essential gear, including a raincoat, appropriate tramping or hiking shoes, lunch, water, and most importantly, the confidence to complete the journey. The tramp itself was a great experience. I walked with Charlee-Rose, and we got to admire the scenery and talk about whatever was on our minds.

At one point, we had to lead the group through a section of the track. This meant pointing out land features, sticking to the trail, and making sure we didn’t go off course. We also clipped the medical and safety gear onto our bags and carried it for our part of the tramp. Personally, I preferred walking at the front of the group, it was much more peaceful and motivating compared to the chaos at the back.

In conclusion, the 10OED Whenua Trip was an amazing experience. My peers and I had a blast, and we’re already looking forward to our next adventure.
- Je T’aime Bradley


The Whenua Trip to the Hunua Falls was a learning experience for everyone in the OED class. While it was an assessment, it did not feel like one. It felt more like a journey of self-discovery and teamwork, seeing what you enjoy. I believe that going to Hunua Falls helped me talk and bond to people that I wouldn’t usually talk to. The trip was very enjoyable as nowadays, we are surrounded by technology and most of the time, we don’t take our eyes off of our phones. Spending time outdoors really showed how much we really are missing out on God’s creation by being glued to our phones all day.
- Naethan Prince Caraig