Let’s face it, most of the day we were glued to the tracker map, watching teams make decisions and collect points. 

Team managers and Hillary Outdoors staff headed out on surrounding tracks to watch the teams’ final hours on the course, before quickly returning to the finish line to cheer them home. Every team made it to the finish before the 4pm cut-off, so no one picked up late penalties.  

The points earned during the two-day Rogaine will be added to those gained from the Day 1 and 2 challenges. 

While the students returned to the Centre to freshen up and have dinner, the instructors who ran with them debriefed in the safety office, sharing stories from the expedition. 

John Paul College (Instructor Zoe) 
As a team of newbies, they did really well. They kept moving and recited haikus out loud to keep team spirits up. 

Whakatāne High School and Trident High School (Instructor Patsy) 
After forgetting sunblock and hats, they returned a bit crispy! But they were a great team and lots of fun. 

Rangi Ruru Girls’ School and Christchurch Boys’ High School (Instructor Chucky) 
On point with their navigation, this team got into camp with 10 minutes to spare. They also had to borrow extra strapping tape after a double boot blowout! 

Whangamatā Area School (Instructor EJ) 
An impressive first Hillary Challenge Final. Their two strong navigators led the way, and the team had good vibes and plenty of fun. 

Westlake Girls High School and Westlake Boys High School (Instructor Ellie) 
This team cared for each other and for Ellie throughout the rogaine. A talkative group, they kept spirits high and navigated well. 

Cashmere High School (Instructor Alex M) 
A team that pushed hard right to the end and had fun at camp, joining other teams at their campsite for yoga and dancing. They loved the North Island landscapes, especially the lava flows. 

Motueka High School (Instructor Alex B) 
The North Island landscape blew their minds, too! Motueka were fun and kind, always looking out for each other.  

Fiordland College (Instructor Leo) 
A very cool team with good vibes, who had a massive second day. A great team to be a part of! 

Middleton Grange School (Instructor Charlie) 
This team made it to their campsite just one minute before the cut-off! They spent the night playing Monopoly Deal and were a great, supportive team. 

New Plymouth Girls’ High School and New Plymouth Boys’ High School (Instructor Rich) 
A consistent team who pushed hard on both days, covering the final 15km in an hour to make the finish line. 

Rotorua Lakes High School (Instructor Blake) 
A great, fun team who did really well on the Rogaine. Apparently, Blake’s sea kayaking presentation at camp went down a treat! 

St Andrew’s College (Instructor Huw) 
A few route-planning decisions led them astray, which made day two a big run day. The team pulled together and supported each other all the way.  

Tomorrow is the last day of the 2026 Hillary Challenge, and it’s a multi-sport race. Teams start on the water, move onto the bikes, and finish on foot. Tracking will begin once teams head off on the bike section. 

Tracking: https://hillary-challenge.bendracing.com/