A local student is looking forward to escaping Rotorua's chilly winter with a hike in America's summer climate.
Shane Lash, a Year 12 student at Rotorua Lakes High School, will hike the Appalachian Trail this week as part of the gold level Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award.
"I'm excited and kind of nervous, but mostly excited," Shane said.
"It's going to be much warmer there. It's freezing here."
The Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award is for young people aged 14 to 25 looking to challenge themselves. The path to the award could take many forms depending on the individual.