Hikers tramp the length of New Zealand for charity
24 Jan 2008
Kiwi couple Alice Smith and Dennis Behan have walked the length of New Zealand to raise money and awareness for two charities.
The couple, both 26, began walking the length of New Zealand on 22 September 2007 for New Zealand's Project K and America's Environmental Travelling Companions charities.
After 122 days in New Zealand's back country and 2485km from Cape Reinga, Smith and Behan say they are nervous about returning to normal life.
''It will be hard to be in one place for a while, not consistently being on the move,'' says Smith during a rest day in Queenstown.
They have averaged 25km a day, with their longest being 42.4km, the same as a marathon. Nine days has been their longest spell from civilisation.
For Smith, the South Island's mountain ridges have been highlights; for Behan, the river valleys. Other people attempting the 2900km trip should keep their gear light, the couple said, prepare well, know their limits and be patient with river crossings.
Armed with a GPS system, a compass and maps, Smith and Behan have changed their route a couple of times after advice from Department of Conservation offices.
They hardly saw anyone in the North Island's rugged back country but have met more people since arriving in the South Island. They have raised NZ$3500 so far for charity.
After reaching Bluff at the bottom of the South Island on 7 February, Smith and Behan plan to live in Wanaka.
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