Stage 5 photos are now on the website!


Hi everybody,

The dates and the destination for Stage 6 are now up.  We have made it 3 weeks earlier as we head through mountain country and to coincide with the full moon on February 18.


In the meantime I’m been in England now having started work on another film.  Chris Langridge is tackling the route in my absence and his wife Lynn has taken over the administration and information on the Trek giving Kitty a well deserved break.


From just out of Kawhia, where we finished last year, Stage 5 continued with 110 horseriders, 70 walkers and 30 bikers supported by an incredible volunteer crew of 80 dedicated to getting everybody to Taumarunui in style. 


Averaging 30 kms a day we trekked from Oparau to Hauturu to Mairoa to Piopio for a rest day.  Sir Colin ‘Pinetree’ Meads joined us for dinner at Piopio and talked about when rugby made sense.   Following a day of cricket, outdoor bowls and golf things we headed through Aria to Tuhua arriving on the outskirts of Taumarunui.


80 ‘trekkers’ and 20 crew were recognised with a Trek Survivor t-shirt celebrating Cape Reinga to Taumarunui 865 k’s in 30 days.  


$29,000 was paid to the Mallaghan Institute for MS Research as funds raised from last year’s Stage.  $6,700 was raised at the annual auction this year.


Clare Gower was on hand to film the Trek.  To obtain your copy get in touch with Clare on eclare@kiaorabro.co.nz .


The photos taken by Lindsey Davidson are on the site now.  Click on Stage 5 pics to view.  To order use our  photo order form.pdf.  There a lot of pics to look at so you might want to put the kettle on while it opens.


The idea of walking, biking or horse riding the length of New Zealand is something that a lot of us would love to do...but how?  The logistics of undertaking such a feat are mind boggling when you begin to consider a journey of 2600 kms off road. 


In 2006 the Great New Zealand Trek began from Cape Reinga as an annual week long trek designed to give people the opportunity to walk, horse ride or mountain bike the length of the country piece by piece in supported luxury. 


Each year around 300 people continue the journey south for an extraordinary week of adventure, challenge, friendship and camaraderie raising much needed funds for Multiple Sclerosis Research.  Stage 4 from Port Waikato to Kawhia raised $29,000 for the Malaghan Institute to help fund research for a cure for MS.    


‘A new campsite in the middle of nowhere is created daily to be dismantled the following morning.  This includes a huge dining marquee with seating for hundreds & gourmet caterers providing the best food.  A daily supply of 50,000 litres of water is transported for drinking, hot showers & flush toilets.  A team of massage therapists offer the ultimate in relaxation including hot rocks massage on heated beds.  There is also a café with the best coffee ever.  Not only is this the opportunity to fulfill a dream of trekking the length of New Zealand in supported luxury, but it’s a great way to meet other people.’ 


Frances Harrison, Walking New Zealand Magazine.


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