Five relentless days. Twelve determined teams. Only one will claim victory.
Wow, what a week the 2026 Hillary Challenge National Final was!
The Hillary Challenge 2026 National Final kicked off on a chilly -3°C morning at Tongariro, and the weather turned on perfect conditions from there.
Teams tackled twelve brand-new challenges, from ferrying “whio eggs” across water to climbing the high-ropes course, before heading into the mountains for a two-day Rogaine. Every team made it to the finish inside the 4pm cut-off, with haikus on the trail and yoga and dancing at camp along the way. The week closed with a multi-sport race, cheered on by staff in bird costumes.
Congratulations to our 2026 Champions, Middleton Grange School, and to Cashmere High School and New Plymouth Girls’ and Boys’ High Schools for earning their places in next year’s Final.
A massive thank you to the team managers, teachers and supporters who helped us create a special week. Our staff were inspired by the passion, spirit and sportsmanship every team displayed, and watching these young people each year is what keeps us doing what we do.
25 years of Hillary Challenge!
2025 was a big one with the Hillary Challenge celebrating its 25th anniversary! Launched in 2001, the Hillary Challenge has become a premier youth outdoor adventure competition. Over the past 25 years, participants have been pushing their limits, exploring the great outdoors, and, let’s be honest, sometimes navigating some questionable weather!
Since its inception, 273 teams and around 1,700 participants have joined the journey. That’s a lot of muddy shoes and high-fives!
All about New Zealand’s toughest adventure race for Year 11-13 students
Welcome to the Hillary Challenge Final, where limits are tested and legends are made. This event demands more than just peak physical and mental fitness; it’s a true test of teamwork. In the face of challenges, members must unite and thrive under pressure, pushing each other to new heights. When the going gets tough, it’s about harnessing that collective strength and resilience to conquer every obstacle together.
Teams of 8 students push their limits in a 5-day endurance test, battling skill, speed, and stamina across a series of intense outdoor adventure challenges. From a demanding 2-day rogaine-style wilderness expedition to a high-stakes multi-sport race on the final day, every moment will test what they’re made of.
In true adventure racing spirit, the challenges are kept under wraps until the starting line – because the unknown is where the real adventure begins. To make it to the final, teams must first conquer one of the North and South Island Hillary Challenge 6-hour Regionals at the start of Term 2.
Our Supporters
We’re proud to partner with Spirited Women and Ridge Runner, who help to raise funds for our Hillary Step Scholarship programme, ensuring no young New Zealander misses out on the opportunity to have a life-changing adventure! TrackMe has been a long-time supporter, providing us with essential tracking equipment to help keep teams safe on their 2-day Rogaine.
