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Walking the Length of New Zealand for a Cause That Matters

$12,410 of $10,000 goal

Given by 124 generous donors in around 9 months

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Two mates walking the length of New Zealand to make a difference.

Auckland

Hi, we’re Aldo and Mark, two mates taking on the adventure of a lifetime — walking the entire length of New Zealand on the Te Araroa Trail, starting in October 2025.

Te Araroa ("The Long Pathway") is a 3,000 km thru-hike stretching from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south. It crosses mountains, rivers, forests, and towns — a true test of endurance and spirit.

We’re not just doing this for the challenge — we’re walking for Tōtara Hospice, a South Auckland-based organisation providing free, compassionate palliative care to people facing terminal illness and supporting their families with dignity and respect.

Like all hospices in New Zealand, Tōtara Hospice receives only partial government funding. Each year, they must raise millions to keep their vital services running — services that touch lives in some of our most diverse and under-resourced communities.

Despite a few old injuries, we’re determined to finish — it’s a cause worth fighting for and a chance to experience NZ’s most remote, spectacular places.

We believe every step of this journey should help someone else take their final steps with care, comfort, and dignity.

Please support us if you can — every dollar makes a difference.

Together, we can turn every step into something meaningful.

📸 Follow our journey:

We’ll be sharing regular photos and videos:

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/aldo.coetzee

🗺️ Track us live on the trail:

You can follow our real-time location and progress (from Oct) via:

🔗 Mytrack URL Below

Other page links

From Cape Reinga to Bluff… it’s done 13 April 2026

On 27 March, after 3,000km on Te Araroa, Mark reached Bluff and completed the journey. The final days delivered everything the south is known for — solitude, relentless Longwoods mud, and moments of real beauty. Golden Southland sunrises, views to Rakiura and Fiordland, quiet huts, and the steady rhythm of walking. As Bluff drew closer, the reality of finishing brought excitement, reflection, and even the odd chat with cows.

Although the final stretch was solo, Aldo’s presence was felt every step. It was tough saying goodbye in Queenstown after such an incredible shared adventure, but it was the right call for his family — and this finish is very much shared. From there, it became a different experience: more time to reflect and take in those final days.

Since returning home to Auckland, there’s been time to reflect on what this journey was really about. Yes, it was an adventure — but more importantly, it was about supporting Totara Hospice and the incredible work they do for people and families when it matters most.

We are incredibly grateful to our 124 donors who got behind this cause. Together, you helped raise $12,410 — well beyond our $10,000 goal. Your generosity and support have meant more than we can say.

Thank you for following along and being part of this journey. The trail may be finished, but the impact of your support for Totara Hospice will continue well beyond it. 💙

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