Gerry Purcell will spend today doing the very thing for which he has just been honoured.
On the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, he will run a "lava camp" for 15 teenagers as part of a Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award scheme. Together, they will spend the day hiking and mountain-climbing.
The retired naval officer from Katikati was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for services to youth and outdoor education.
According to the official citation, Mr Purcell spent years voluntarily working with young people in the Welcome Bay area. From 2006 to 2013, he ran a drop-in centre in a local hall while organising activities such as camps and hikes.