Hillary Challenge 2026 kicked off on a chilly -3 °C Monday morning, but Tongariro soon turned on a perfect day for outdoor adventure, with a few students sporting new tan lines by dinnertime. 

Teams headed out to locations around the Hillary Outdoors Centre and Tūrangi area to take on the first six of twelve brand-new challenges, dreamed up by instructors Ellie and Patsy and Event Manager Darren. After a full day of action, the verdict was unanimous: pretty physical and a lot of fun. 

Day one wrapped up on a tired high with a new addition to Hillary Challenge week: Monday Movie Night. Darren curated a selection of short films featuring past and present Hillary Challenge participants out exploring. Bodies were weary after a big day, but spirits were high, and it was inspiring to watch their peers’ adventures on screen. Selections below!

Day two brought another perfect day for the final six challenges. Bodies were still feeling the effects of the day before, but every team turned up and gave it their best.

Challenges had teams ferrying stolen “whio eggs” across water on crates, passing the whole team through hanging tyres while linked together, and helping each other climb to new heights on the high-ropes course. And for those in the know, Rob, the mountain biker who was hidden somewhere in the bush, was not found by any team.

The day ended with overnight expedition preparation: meeting the instructor who would be running with them, checking off their packed gear, and an essential rundown of outdoor toilet etiquette.