After hiking the Tongariro crossing, we ventured to the Blue Mountain Adventure Centre (BMAC) where a concoction of adventure and self-discovery awaited. The first couple of days were centered around team building activities, and learning about each other’s strengths and weaknesses within the group. Once our team was functioning like a well-oiled machine, we pushed our limits on a ropes course in the sky and deep in caves below the ground. Once we had conquered fears and reached new limits, we went out and tested our mountain biking skills (all of the bikes were named after characters in the Hobbit, mine was Bilbo.) We rode up a small mountain and then got off our bikes to scramble uphill through the native foliage. When we got to the top, we were presented with a view to remember, especially as we repelled down the cliff back to our fellowship of the bikes.
The next day, we woke in the wee hours of the morning, and drove back out to the base of the Tongariro Crossing. This is where we began our hike through pouring rain and mud. There is something dreadful, yet completely and strangely peaceful, about being soaked to the bone and covered in mud, and in knowing you can’t get any wetter. We then went on to Taranaki Falls. The waterfall was a sight to see. You could not only see the beauty of it, but walk behind it to truly feel its power. The rest of the day was a long bike ride back to BMAC, going 50mph downhill in places, to a feast of nachos back home. The next day we woke early and rode an epic 50km biking track. The whole team worked hard, and pushed themselves to their limits. The uphills were not that bad, until the behemoth at the end that not only tested our physical ability but our mental fortitude as well. For those that made it up hill, either biking, running or walking: cheers. The next day we rested our legs, and hit the river, to ride the rapids home.
The trip bought so many amazing views, and was filled with endless exhilarating activities. We learned a lot about each other, ourselves and how we perform as a group. Thanks BMAC!
By Dane O. and Carly S.