Pedalling for a Purpose: Westpac Chopper Ride 2026 🚴🚁

$2,081 of $1,500 goal
Given by 35 generous donors in around 3 months

Participating in Westpac Chopper Bike Ride 2026

Southland

I’m proud to be taking part in the 15th Annual Westpac Chopper Ride, cycling from Queenstown to Invercargill on Friday 8 May 2026.

Thanks to the incredible support of our community, the Westpac Chopper Ride has now raised over $1 million across previous rides which is an amazing milestone. This year, we’re aiming to raise $150,000 to help keep this vital service flying.

All funds raised go directly to the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust. The rescue helicopter plays a critical role in our region, providing lifesaving support when people need it most. Many of us know someone who has relied on this service in an emergency.

If you’re able to donate, no matter the amount, you’ll be helping ensure this essential service is there for our community, now and into the future. Sharing this page is another great way to help.

Thank you for your support

Richard

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Latest update

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8 May 2026 - 253 km completed ✔️   26 May 2026

We set off at 5:45am from Queenstown. Along the way we stopped in Kingston, Five Rivers, Lumsden School, Gore Main School, Mataura School, Rimu and arrived at 5:30pm in Esk Street, Invercargill.

The weather turned out to be kind to us overall. There was some fog creating chilly conditions from around Lumsden through to just before Gore. But then a tail wind from Gore through to Invercargill. We were fortunate to finish just ahead of a heavy downpour.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported me and donated to the Rescue Helicopter Appeal.

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Participating in

Westpac Chopper Bike Ride 2026

The Chopper Bike Ride is back for its 15th year – and we need your support to make it the biggest one yet.

2% Effective Fee
On average, fundraisers pay just 2% to use Givealittle. This is one of the lowest effective fees in New Zealand fundraising. We charge a 5% platform fee to cover the cost of running the platform. Because most donors choose to top up their donation to cover this fee, the effective cost paid by fundraisers is about 2%. That means around 98 cents of every dollar raised goes to the cause. Learn More

Latest donations

Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 26 May 2026
Ka pai Richard
$10.01
Richard Hutton

Thank you for your support.

Richard Hutton
Doreen
Doreen on 13 May 2026
Great Service and Gutsy effort from all riders and support crew!!
$20
Richard Hutton

Thanks for your support Doreen.

Richard Hutton
Josh
Josh on 08 May 2026
Good luck!
$20
Richard Hutton

Thanks for your support Josh

Richard Hutton
Jo
Jo on 07 May 2026
Enjoy your 10th ride xx
$200
Duncan
Duncan on 07 May 2026
Best of luck for a fair-weather ride!
$50
Richard Hutton

Thanks for your support Duncan, No rain and very little wind.

Richard Hutton

Who's involved?

Richard Hutton's avatar
Created by Richard Hutton
Westpac Chopper Appeal's avatar
Paying to Westpac Chopper Appeal
Tax credit
Donations of over $5 are eligible for a New Zealand charitable giving tax credit.
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This campaign started on 2 Mar 2026 and ends on 30 Jun 2026.