Duke of Edinburgh take on Whirinaki Forest

28 April 2025

On the 4th of April, the Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh group set out to complete a tramp in Whirinaki Forest.

  • Duke of Edinburgh take on Whirinaki Forest

We started the first day by trekking through the forest, drowning in the rain. Eventually, after a long day, we got to Central Whirinaki Hut, where we met two hunters who, during dinner, offered us some venison heart!

The following day, after an early rise, we set off, stopping to explore a giant cave. Crossing a river about 10 times, we finally reached the junction that would take us to our next hut. Unfortunately, we decided that the river was too high to get there. Instead, we went to Upper Whirinaki Hut to enjoy lunch, then headed back to Central Whirinaki, doing all those river crossings again.

On the second night, the hut was full, and we all had a wonderful time talking and chatting to everyone staying there alongside us. 

On the third and final day, we tramped back to the van, stopping on the way for lunch and a look over a bridge to a waterfall.

This tramp was an incredible experience. It allowed us to learn about the environment we were staying in and connect with each other. Thank you so much to Mrs Cooper and Ms Karl for accompanying us on this tramp; we couldn’t have gone without you! 

Sachi McKoy, Year 11

  • Duke of Edinburgh take on Whirinaki Forest
  • Duke of Edinburgh take on Whirinaki Forest