Year 11 Challenge students tackle demanding Crosbies Hut hike
Posted on September 01, 2026
The Macleans College Year 11 Challenge students faced one of their toughest expeditions to date during a demanding two day hike to Crosbies Hut in the Coromandel Peninsula.
Covering 36 kilometres with packs weighing up to 20 kilograms, the students navigated steep terrain, cold temperatures and deep mud.
The expedition began with an overnight stay in the Kauaeranga Valley, about 13 kilometres from Thames. Temperatures dropped to near zero overnight, providing a challenging start to the expedition.
The following day was cold but clear as the students began the seven hour, 18 kilometre journey to Crosbies Hut, following a route that parallels Table Mountain. Conditions quickly became difficult, with sections of mud more than boot-deep. Students often had to use their hiking poles or support each other to make their way through the worst sections.
Despite the challenging conditions, the students persevered and maintained a high level of effort throughout the hike. After reaching the hut, they prepared dinner before getting an early night ahead of the return journey the following day.
Although the second day's route was largely downhill, the deep mud continued to make the hike physically demanding. The students had to manage the challenging conditions while coping with tiredness and sore legs from the previous day's effort.
Described as the most challenging Year 11 Challenge hike to date, the experience remained a topic of conversation among the students for several days afterwards.
The hike formed part of the students' assessment programme to achieve NCEA Outdoor Education achievement standards, providing an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to manage demanding conditions and work effectively as a team.
