The Programme
The aim of this section is to encourage in you a spirit of adventure and discovery.
This section focuses on your development as an individual and the way you work as part of a group, not just overcoming the physical demands of the venture.
The ventures are done with a purpose and undertaken on foot, by cycle, on horseback, in canoes or boats without motorised assistance.
The Expedition Section should provide you with opportunities to:
- demonstrate enterprise
- work as a member of a team
- respond to a challenge
- develop self-reliance
- develop leadership skills
- recognise the needs and strengths of others
- make decisions and accept the consequences
- plan and execute a task
- reflect on a personal performance
- enjoy and appreciate the outdoors
There are three types of qualifying venture
- Expedition - a journey with a purpose
- Exploration - this involves some journeying but more time is spent on investigation, research or other activities, undertaken in the context of an expedition
- Other Adventurous Projects (Gold only) - which are of an equally or more demanding nature but which depart from the conditions outlined
The process
- Training - all participants need to cover the preliminary training no matter what the venture is
- Practice Journey - all participants need to undertake the appropriate number of practice journeys
- Qualifying Journey - the qualifying venture. See the table below for requirements
Requirements
There are between 4 - 7 participants for each venture as well as the assessor/shadow party.
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Bronze
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Silver
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Gold
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Duration
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2 days 1 night
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3 days 2 nights
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4 days 3 nights
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Planned activity
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approx 6 hours daily
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approx 7 hours daily
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approx 8 hours daily
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Walking
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20 - 25 km
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40 - 50 km
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65 - 80 km
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Cycling
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120km sealed roads
80km unsealed roads
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210km sealed roads
140km unsealed roads
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330km sealed roads
220km unsealed roads
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Horseriding
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50km
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100km
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160km
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Rowing
Canoeing
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at least 4 hours daily
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at least 5 hours daily
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at least 6 hours daily
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Sailing
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12 hours planned
activity over the 2 days
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21 hours planned
activity over the 3 days
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32 hours planned
activity over the 4 days
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Please also refer to The Challenge Handbook, the Exploration Guide and the Adventurous Journey Training Manuals.
Have a look at a list of suggestions for expeditions around New Zealand at www.challengenz.org.nz/includes/download.aspx?ID=99652 (Please note that for Gold Qualifying expeditions you still need to apply for an approval number even if you are doing an expedition from this list).
Winter Restrictions
Expeditions in the North Island, south of Lake Taupo, should not be undertaken between 31 May and 1 September above 900 metres. In the South Island expeditions should not be undertaken between 31 May and 1 November above 800 metres because of melting snows and the dangers of avalanches and swollen rivers.