Leadership Through Adventure Fund

Venturer Scouts Expedition to Northern Region – New Zealand

Early in 2024, a small group of Venturer Scouts embarked on a twelve-day journey to the northern region of New Zealand. The Patrol was not what is usually expected as members came from two Australian Branches as well as New Zealand. Initially members met at the 15th New Zealand Venture. The Australians were supported by the Dick and Pip Smith Leadership Through Adventure Fund. Planning included working with procedures across different states as well as countries. Members learnt more about managing risks, dealing with insurance and working with each others capabilities.

The full patrol met at Auckland and the first hike was to the Kauaeranga Valley Pinnicles where during the 760m – 6.5km ascend they enjoyed a scenic view and met hikers from different parts of the world.

The patrol continued their journey visiting the Karangahake Gorge, Wiare Falls and climbing Mt Munganui and Artiatia Rapids through Rotorua and reaching Taupo. To ease the muscles following the previous days hiking we found a few natural hot springs to chat with locals and relax. Our favourite was Hot ‘n’ Cold where a river met a hot spring and the mixing waters meant you find the perfect temperature, but Kerosene Creek was tough competition where you could enjoy a hot waterfall accompanyed by stars and glow-worms.

After seeking the advice from the Scout Leader at Taupo, the patrol rescheduled the Tongarro Hike to the following day due to unpredicted weather conditions. Instead they explored the surrounding regions with a boat trip on Lake Taupo provided by the local Scout Leader. This contingency allowed the patrol to explore everything they had planned from the hike as well as experiencing some local traditions such as making the jump from Bulli Point into the crystal clear waters of Lake Taupo. The patrol could not recommend this area and group more highly.

They also tackled the Tongariro Crossing- a section of a larger loop track exploring the UNESCO heritage site that is the volcanic mountains of Tongariro Park. This included a famously challenging climb with steep, both up and downhill gradient from south and ended at the north climbing to a peak of 1886m. It took a little over eight hours to complete one of the most challenging tracks of the trip due to the fog, and the track over 20km.

Patrol Leader Darien changed the initial plan after doing more risk assessments and learning more about the area at this time of year.

“This adventure was a big challenge and learning experience in so many ways” Darien expressed.

“Our itinerary acted as a guide in our trip and we took advice and recommendation from the locals. This allowed us to experience many things that we would have otherwise missed” . He also added, “We came through this adventure changed by each other and our mutual and individual learnings and challenges”.

As part of these plan changes, the patrol traveled into the backcountry of the west coast completing several noteworthy walks suggested by Luke, the resident Kiwi Venturer Scout on the team. They completed the Ruakuri bushwalk, a home for glow worms, a spring and waterfalls, Mangapohue Natural Bridge which was a delightful set of caves with only a section of the roof left and Marokopa Falls where they spent their time exploring the falls and surrounding river. The patrol made the most of New Zealand generous free camping laws and set up their camp near the beach.

The patrol would like to thank Dick and Pip Smith – Leadership Through Adventure Fund, which supported the Australian Scouts to undertake an amazing adventure like this. Also a big shout out to the LTAF Committee and all the Leaders who contributed so generously of their time and energy to help make this adventure happen and to the Callilope and Taupo Scout Groups for lending their Scout hall as the patrol’s accommodation and their Leaders time. This incredible experience will last a long time for all members of the patrol.

Article by Darien, Venturer Scout – Scouts WA

The next round of applications closes Tuesday 15 April 2025.

If you are planning your adventure and you would like to find out more how Dick and Pip Smith – Leadership Through Adventure Fund (LTAF) can assist financially to your adventure, click the links below to find out more or contact  LTAF@scouts.com.au.