Great Runs Aotearoa

Kia Ora koutou,

Ko Annise toku ingoa. I am a medical student at the University of Otago and a medic in the NZ Army Reserves (SHSS, RNZAMC).

This year I have set myself a challenge to run all of the Great Walks in NZ. This accumulates to 607.8km (462.80km trail running and a 145km kayak). This challenge will highlight there are many ways for us to access the outdoors and make adventures accessible amongst busy studies or work. As well as encouraging students to engage in adventures, I will be fundraising for Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust. As a medical student interested in aeromedical rescue, this is an organization that I believe to be vitally important to facilitating safe access to recreation (including the Great Walks).

"The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter service is operated by HeliOtago from its bases in Dunedin and Queenstown and provides critical medical help to the communities of southern New Zealand. It is a partially Government funded community service supported by donations and sponsorships from individuals and organisations in our local community."

The tracks (as pictured below) include:

1 - Tongariro Northern Circuit (44.9km)

2 - Whanganui Ruver Journey (87km-145km kayak)

3 - Waikeremoana Track (46km)

4 - Abel Tasman Coast Track (60km)

5 - Heaphy Track (78.4km)

6 - Paparoa Track (55km)

7 - Routeburn Track (33km)

8 - Milford Track (53.5km)

9 - Kepler Track (60km)

10 - Rakiura Track (32km)