From the tip of Cape Reinga in the far north to the wild southern shores of Bluff, one Kiwi has just completed a journey of over 3,000 kilometres entirely on foot – and every step was for a cause close to his heart.
A Mission Born from Personal Loss
The trek began as a deeply personal challenge. After losing a close family member to cancer, the 29-year-old decided to raise awareness and funds for a national cancer research charity. “I didn’t want to just write a cheque,” he explains. “I wanted to do something that would make people stop and pay attention.”
His route followed the Te Araroa Trail, a network of tracks, forests, beaches, and mountain passes that spans the entire country. The journey took five and a half months, through summer heat, torrential rain, and icy alpine winds.
The Challenges Along the Way
Walking the length of New Zealand is no small feat.
| Challenge | How He Overcame It |
|---|---|
| Blisters and injuries | Regular rest days and careful foot care |
| Harsh weather | Lightweight gear for all seasons |
| Remote sections with no shops | Carrying up to 10 days’ worth of food |
| Mental fatigue | Daily calls with family and friends |
Some days meant covering more than 40 kilometres, others involved climbing steep ridges or navigating rivers swollen from sudden downpours.
A Country That Walked With Him
As word spread through social media, locals began turning up along the trail to walk alongside him for a few kilometres, offer a meal, or provide a place to sleep. “I started alone, but by the end, it felt like all of New Zealand was walking with me,” he says.
More Than Just a Walk
By the time he reached Bluff, he had raised over NZ$180,000 for cancer research – far surpassing his initial goal. But the money was only part of the reward. “I’ve seen parts of this country most people never get to see,” he says. “And I’ve been reminded how kind strangers can be.”
For now, he’s resting – but admits another long walk may be in his future. “Once you’ve done something like this, it’s hard to go back to a normal life,” he says with a smile.
