2-Day Hike

Wednesday, 17th June 2026 at 10:59am

GBHS's Year 10 LIA students braved the frosty elements on their overnight camps recently, sleeping in tents and cooking their own food outdoors, during their recent 2-day hike in the Waitākere Ranges.

Carrying all of their required gear on their backs, students hiked 10km to the Pararaha Valley campsite where they pitched tents and set up camp.

In the morning they hiked out to Mercer Bay Loop. The hike is 18km with a 900m elevation.

The Leadership in Action course has a clear focus on developing leadership. Students learn about safety in the outdoors, budgeting, navigation, cooking, hiking, putting up tents, and planning towards an outdoor adventure.

One student summed up their experience by writing the following reflection:

"The hike had challenged and helped me grow as a leader in many different ways. I think the main way this hike has assisted me was improvement with my resilience and self discipline. It also taught me how to be more organized and punctual as I had to pack my bag the night before and make sure I had everything as well as making sure I collected all my belongings and my supplies in the morning before we left for the campsite. This hike was very challenging mentally and physically, the stairs were very difficult and they really challenged me."