The Great New Zealand Trek began at Cape Reinga in 2006 with an aim to trek the entire length of N.Z. in a series of annual week long adventures. It is the Trek’s goal to, wherever possible, take the participants to places not normally accessible – and made available thanks to the generous support of local land owners. As one can imagine The Great N.Z. Trek involves a massive amount of organization & support by a group of dedicated volunteers..
It is designed to give people of all ages the unique opportunity to trek over an exclusive route, with a full support team making it possible. The fact that 80% to 90% of the trekkers return year after year is an indication of the continuing enthusiasm of those taking part.
Each year about 300 people continue the journey southwards on foot, mountain bike, or horse back for an extraordinary week of challenge, charity, entertainment & friendship raising funds for MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.
The 2013 Trek, the final North Island section, will commence at Alfreton on February 23rd travelling through Bideford, Wainuioru, Gladstone, Martinborough, Dyerville before finishing at Lake Ferry.
This year The Trek will spend a Rest Day near Martinborough staying over Wednesday and Thursday nights on John and Liz Hancock’s property at the bottom of the Raupaka Walk. The rest day is important, for at this stage all the Trekkers, and also the many horses taking part, need to have a Day Off – their time out! Local people are most welcome to visit and check out the site with it’s impressive mobile facilities and the 150 horses.
Martinborough is a perfect mid-way stop. The actual Rest Day will take place on Thursday 28th February. Expect to see many visitors in town and around the popular tourist destinations on this day. All up there will be around three hundred people out and about, all who are in some way involved with The Great N.Z. Trek.
Multiple Sclerosis is a baffling neurological disease. The cause is unknown. As yet no cure has been discovered and it can affect anyone at any age. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of M.S. in the world; with around 4,000 people with this disease.
Funds raised from the annual Trek go to The Malaghan Institute of Medicine to help fund Multiple Sclerosis Research. Approximately $200,000 has been raised for M.S. since the first event in 2006.
If you want to know more about this year’s Great N.Z. Trek contact Kitty Johnson ( The Great N.Z. Charitable Trust Co-ordinator ) Tel: 06. 874.3262. Email: info@greatnewzealandtrek.com
