A strong New Zealand team dominated both the individual and team events over the two days of competition in the Northern Midlands to claim the trans-Tasman Southern Cross Challenge.

But despite not registering an outright victory, Tasmania was the only team to claim a podium finish in all four of yesterday's relays.

The host state was the first Australian team across the line in both the junior and senior boys' events, while it was second in the junior and senior Australian girls races.

Team manager Mike Dowling said strong individual results on day one helped pave the way for Tasmania's back-to-back championship wins.

Individual highlights included Launceston College student Brodie Nankervis (second in senior Australian boys championship, third overall), Taroona's Jarrah Day (first junior Australian boy, third overall) and Clarence High School sisters Anna (second senior Australian girl, fourth overall) and Zoe Dowling (second junior Australian girl, sixth overall).

``We are totally stoked - it is deeply satisfying to retain the championship,'' Dowling said. ``It's even better this year because it is our home soil.''

The Australian Schools Orienteering Championship is part of the national carnival that is being held on the East Coast this week.

The Australian Sprint Championships will take place in Bicheno tomorrow, while St Helens will host the final two days of competition on Saturday and Sunday.