Fourteen students from Hawke's Bay schools got to swim before sunrise, traverse high ropes and climb rock faces while blindfolded at the first "Kaweka" Outward Bound course.
Flaxmere student Joel Fa'avae said it was hard to put in to words how incredible the experience was.
"It was amazing. The best thing was the way we learned about leadership through being outdoors. I've been inspired and learned that everyone has the power to make a difference in their community," Joel said.
The other 13 students pushed to their limits were from Flaxmere College, William Colenso, Te Aute College, Hukarere College, Karamu High School, Hastings Boys', Hastings Girls' and Wairoa College.
Outward Bound school director Simon Graney said the course was designed especially for the region's future young leaders.