"There's a steady stream of people coming from the Hawke's Bay. We've had full lodges."
Woodford House director of sport Chris McIvor has taken a group of 60 Year 12 students to the mountain for the past two years as a part of an outdoor education programme.
"You get the ability to test their leadership skills in a range of conditions," he said, adding the harsh conditions could bring out different traits in students. It was a good opportunity for teachers to see students teaching one another in challenging environments.