Duke of Edinburgh Tramp - Stewart Island

By Richard Roe | Posted: Tuesday October 11, 2016

Fourteen boys working towards the Silver or Gold levels of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award took part in a tramp over the Rakiura Track on Stewart Island at the end of their term 3 holiday.

A 5:30am departure from Dunedin meant that we had time for a quick breakfast of anti-nausea tablets and MacDonalds in Invercargill prior to our 9am ferry to Stewart Island. With forecast sea conditions accurately described as “rough” we were all relieved to make it across with breakfasts intact.

On the first day we walked the 12km to Port William in mixed weather conditions ranging from hail showers to bright sunshine. Day 2 was fine after some overnight showers and involved a day trip to Bungaree Hut on the North West circuit track with return to Port William. On day 3 we were back on the Rakiura track and travelled across to North Arm within Paterson Inlet, and the final day completed the round trip out to Halfmoon Bay. Our crossing of Foveaux Strait was much more enjoyable with conditions as calm as they ever get in that vicinity.

Overall it was another fantastic trip with a great group of young men. They all impressed with their outdoor skills, group work and positive outlook. Already the next epic adventure is being planned.

We would like to thank the Bendigo Valley Foundation for their generous financial contribution towards this expedition.