The Waka & Waewae Journey North Island fundraiser - final total
Packrafting the length of the North Island for three charities. How much did we raise?
Last year, on the 8th January, I set off from the second-most northerly point of the North Island, Te Rerenga Wairua, with the intention of traversing the length of NZ by raft and carrying my boat over land when needed. Just a short trip, then!
On the 31st December, I climbed the 253-odd stairs to the Cape Palliser Lighthouse and finished the North Island. Things had gone right, plenty had gone wrong!
Of this 1,700km journey, more than 700 were in my tiny inflatable boat. The rest of the time, I hiked with my boat, paddle and PFD on my back!
I shouldn't have gone to sea in my raft, but I couldn't resist. Doubtless Bay just looked so fun!
The most terrifying part was crossing the Kaipara. It's one of the world's largest harbours and took a few days to get from Dargaville to Helensville. Bobbing through this great white breeding ground, I was in awe of the forces on show.
I also got to hike two-thirds of a Great Walk for the first time: the Tongariro Northern Circuit. Crossing the mountainous Tararua Range, I got into the Wairarapa. And the motu also finished with an epic hike - the Aorangi Crossing - an enjoyable backcountry experience, if you have three days. We had only two!
This bitsy adventure has rarely gone to plan: I quit after the first four days; I spent winter working on an avo farm after injuring my wrist opening a can of beans using a fork handle; and I still haven't started the South Island. I couldn't even decide on one charity to do this four, so opted for three!
The support never dwindled, though. You know who you are. Following the silly stories on my Facebook and Insta. Laughing at me sleeping on a river bank, after getting cut off by gorse. Or whinging at having to walk down yet another highway. Maybe you put me up as I happened to be passing by your house. Or offloaded navigation advice to me as I waited for the tide. I even got bought a beer at Lake Ferry. Thanks!
Between us, we've raised some decent coin for my three charities: Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, The Cancer Society of New Zealand and UNICEF Aotearoa's Urgent Appeal for Ukraine. Even better, after Lennie knocked it up to 2k, just in time for the page to close tonight. Cheers dude!
That’s right, my fundraiser closes tonight. We’ve raised a hearty $2,000 for some great causes and I couldn’t be more appreciative!
I look forward to bringing you Te Waipounamu Edition. Rest assured this will also be a charity event. To be continued…