It was a perfect spring day for the annual Manawahe Adventure Race, hosted by the Manawahe Eco Trust (MET), a local organisation dedicated to environmental education and conservation.

With clear skies and stunning views out to sea and west to the mountains, 13 teams, including some from as far away as Taupō, set off across the Manawahe hills for a day of fitness, teamwork, and outdoor learning earlier this month.

The course offered something for everyone, with steep climbs to test endurance and gentler sections that let racers take in the scenery.

The challenges and activities were conservation and farming themed, testing students’ knowledge of indigenous New Zealand species, biodiversity, and the threats facing our wildlife.

While speed was important, accuracy was key: each incorrect answer in the challenge activities added a five-minute time penalty, keeping the competition close right to the finish line.

Participants competed in great spirit, with plenty of laughs – and a few groans on the hills.

MET’s expert pest controller, Pete Ferguson, who helped marshal on the day, said it was “a well organised and enjoyable day with a great group of students.”

Other volunteers and marshals said it was always great to see students working together, pushing themselves, and enjoying the outdoors.

Generous sponsors donated over $1600 worth of spot prizes. The major prize was an exclusive mission for six people at Outdoor Mission, valued at $954. Other prizes included two Canopy Tours vouchers, a Hell’s Gate geothermal walk family pass, two double passes to the Adrenalin Forest high-ropes course, a $50 voucher and gift bag from Salt Air Surf Shop in Whakatāne, and three CamelBak drink bottles from Bivouac Tauranga. The Beef + Lamb NZ dog whistles were also a big hit among participants.

Adventure race organiser Emma Radford said: “We are so thankful to our sponsors for providing us with some epic prizes.

“We’re already excited for next year’s race and have a few great ideas up our sleeve. Watch this space.”

MET chairperson Fran van Alphen said the race was an opportunity to showcase one of the many beautiful farms in Manawahe where landowners and volunteers invested extraordinary time, energy, and resources into caring for the forest as part of their farming operations.

“By giving the students, a chance to have fun navigating the hills, we hope to inspire them to return and learn more at the MECC, or join us on our baiting and trapping days, now that they’ve proved they can handle the hills,” she said.

The Manawahe Education and Community Centre, originally built as the Manawahe School in 1921, has long been a cornerstone of the community. After the school’s closure in 2010, the Manawahe Eco Trust and locals joined forces to preserve the site, which now serves as a thriving hub for environmental education.

Each year, students from across the Bay of Plenty visit to learn about biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability, with events like the Adventure Race helping inspire the next generation to connect with nature.