Leadership Through Adventure Fund 

The journey began in Brisbane, after months of planning, paperwork, and coordination with both the Branch and the National International Team. The Patrol caught an early morning flight out of Brisbane, through Sydney, and into the picturesque mountain town of Queenstown, New Zealand.

When Max described the flight into Queenstown as “breathtaking,” he meant it in two ways. Firstly, the turbulence as the Patrol dropped through the mountains woke everyone up, and secondly, the view was simply stunning. The snow-capped peaks surrounding Queenstown were some of the most spectacular the Patrol had ever seen.

Once the Patrol settled into their accommodation, they spent the next day exploring the town. Queenstown is a quaint and beautiful place, built on steep hillsides around Lake Wakatipu. The Patrol wandered the streets, visited the ANZAC Remembrance Arch, Queenstown Gardens, and the Memorial Centre. A highlight was a visit to the Queenstown Library, where one of the expedition members, Lily, struck up a conversation with a local librarian about the Māori origins and pronunciation of the lake’s name. Using a children’s book (pictured below), the librarian explained the cultural history and linguistic nuances behind the name – a special and unexpected cultural moment.

Alpine Experience

The Patrol began their skiing journey with a humbling start – even the more experienced skiers had to find their snow legs again. It took time to adjust to the gear, terrain, and conditions, but the team’s enthusiasm never faltered. The Patrol was fortunate to have incredible instructors: one worked with the advanced skiers on improving technique and confidence, while another supported the first timers with the basics. By the end of the first day, everyone was tired but buzzing, having made tremendous progress.

On day two, the Patrol split up again. The advanced group tackled blue runs and refined their skills under the guidance of their instructor, while the beginners built confidence on green runs. In the afternoon, the Patrol reunited for some light-hearted activities – building snowmen, crafting emergency shelters, and even a little tobogganing. It was a fun and rewarding way to complete several “I statements” for their Outdoor Adventure Skills progressions.

On the third day, the Patrol spent the whole day together – described by the Patrol Leader as “one of the highlights of our trip.” Their instructor led the Patrol through technique refreshers in the morning, giving the advanced skiers new drills while supporting the rest of the Patrol through their first longer runs. Then, for the first time, the instructor took all members of the Patrol down a series of slopes together. It was a memorable experience that brought the group even closer, blending learning, teamwork, and shared accomplishment in the alpine setting.

“The sense of achievement and the experience we shared was incredible,”- said Max.

After three days on the snow, the Patrol enjoyed a slower morning to rest and recover before heading to Arrowtown (Kā Muriwai), a charming goldmining town established in 1862, rich in natural beauty, cultural significance, and history. Nestled on the banks of the Arrow River (Haehaenui), Arrowtown offered a deeper connection to the outdoors. The Patrol explored heritage sites and visited the Lakes District Museum, gaining a greater appreciation for the region’s past and its links to Aotearoa’s indigenous heritage.

On their final morning, the Patrol cleaned up, packed down, and said goodbye to their temporary alpine home. Their journey home took them from Queenstown to Melbourne and then back to Brisbane – officially marking the end of an unforgettable expedition.