The Rangitata River in New Zealand’s high country set a very beautiful scene for the Hawks’ final full day in the country.
The day’s activity of white water rafting was a welcome change for the exhausted team - who had spent the previous two days mountain hiking and bike riding.
Players congregated into their coloured teams to walk their boats to the nearby river.
The first two hours allowed teams to practice their paddling techniques as demonstrated by the experienced guides accompanying each boat.
The boys took the opportunity to enjoy the calmer waters, while admiring the exquisite rugged mountain surroundings.
The following two and a half hours took things up a notch or two, as the boys took their boats into some of New Zealand’s most exciting stretches of white water.
Teamwork proved as important as previous days, with safety an important focus at all times.
At a calmer spot in the rapids, players enjoyed the opportunity to get out of their boats and climbed Jumping Rock, with all players braving the 10-metre jump into the river.
The players arrived safely back to land and were greeted by local community members who held a barbecue dinner for the group.
The hospitality provided a reward for the Hawks, with the players completing one of the toughest training schedules of their footy careers.
Read previous Hawks in NZ reports:
The navy team enjoy some of the river's calmer waters. Left to right: Brendan Whitecross, Xavier Ellis, Angus Litherland, Brent Guerra, Grant Birchall and Assistant Coach Ross Smith.
The purple team facing some serious splashing.
The yellow team head down the rapids.
