By Cadet Corporal Kristanto Sandjaja

It was billed as the Land of the Lord of the Rings tour when six 322 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets and 44 James Ruse Agricultural High School Australian Army Cadets recently visited New Zealand to….walk.

The tour was sponsored by the Cadet Policy Branch’s Cadet Initiated Activity program, which allows cadets to identify and bid for funding for activities.

Now in its sixth year, the $1 million program is becoming more popular and competitive as cadets reap the benefits of activities ranging from sailing and gliding camps to team-building exercises designed to enhance leadership skills.

Over the last three years, the program has strongly encouraged activities that develop leadership, tri-Service and team-building skills.

Christchurch was our first destination where we visited the Royal New Zealand Air Force museum and aircraft restoration workshop and took part in interactive educational activities.

The next day, half of our contingent headed north, the other half south for a 67 kilometre hike. We soon learnt that New Zealand terrain, bushland and climate were very different to that of Australia. Everything was green and cool. The views over the land were spectacular. The days came and went as we surfed through the bushes. When our section had a break, we could breathe in the freshest air and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains and crystal clear rivers.

Our second day saw us climbing the steep Anne Saddle – an exhausting incline. The reward was magnificent views, a break and happy photos at the top. Day three saw our section travelling north where we encountered the other half travelling south. We exchanged exciting stories during lunch and a game of cricket. That evening we stayed at Christopher Hut and with the remaining daylight we participated in navigational and leadership exercises.

Our fourth day of walking involved a steady uphill incline, leading to our destination Cannibal Gorge Hut (yes, you read that right). Late that afternoon we watched a magnificent sunset from behind snow-capped mountains.

The fifth day’s scenery was overwhelmingly breathtaking and the terrain was outrageously steep to the Lewis Pass entrance of the walk. After 30 minutes of solid uphill walking we finally achieved what seemed to be an impossible task five days earlier. After arriving at Hammer Springs, we proceeded to clean our tents, boots and packs. Once everything was clean we went into the township for a walk (just because we hadn’t walked enough!) and dinner.

We spent the next day rewarding ourselves by visiting the local hot springs and roaming around the township. That evening the whole group participated in a talent quest, with performances in drama, music and magic.

We found this to be a fantastic experience. We developed teamwork and the valuable skill of trust, which will be an asset later in life.