"There were no individual efforts, we worked as a collective to bring everyone back to the school grounds and we have formed tighter bonds because of it."
Rotorua Boys' High School director of leadership Bruce Buckton said the challenge was a good way to start the year.
"Every year the younger students watch the Year 13s take up this challenge and come back renewed men. It sets a standard for the rest of the school and helps the Year 13s prepare for other challenges they may meet in their final year."
Mr Buckton said while voluntary, Te Wero was undertaken by all types of students.
"Students of all physiques take part and complete Te Wero so it is set up for everyone.
With that said, it still pushes even the most athletic students to their limits."
This year, 65 young men took part, running 43km around Lake Rotorua on day one before spending the night at Okataina, where they did team building exercises.
On day two the group collectively biked another 25km before returning to the school.
In previous years students ran 22km from the school to the Mt Ngongotaha summit and back, followed by a 30km cycle ride to the Tarawera Landing.
From there they would make their way to Hot Water Beach and camp under the stars for the night.
The following day students paddled back to the Tarawera Landing, where they mounted their cycles again for the last leg of their journey.
Mr Buckton said while the course was different this year, the students were covering "about the same distance over the two days".
"We changed the course primarily because numbers had grown and the former course wasn't going to be accommodating to this many students."