Five relentless days. Twelve determined teams. Only one will claim victory.
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 races at the start of Term 2.
Meet the champions of the 2024 Hillary Challenge: Motueka High!
Winning the Hillary Challenge means standing out as the best of the best among high school teams across Aotearoa, conquering tough challenges that push outdoor skills, teamwork, and determination to their limits. This is what victory looks like. The 24th Hillary Challenge Final took place from 7–11 October at our Tongariro Centre.
Hillary Challenge 2024 Final Results
Huge congratulations to the Top 12 teams of the Hillary Challenge – the best in New Zealand! They’ve pushed their limits, faced the toughest challenges, and shown what it means to have true grit, teamwork, and skill. They’ve earned their place at the top.
