Project Gumboot

Kia Ora,

We are a group of male outdoor education students in New Zealand, our aim is to raise money for the I am Hope foundation, while also driving for better mental health awareness. We have created Project Gumboot, a fundraiser to bring awareness to the stigma of mental health, and make steps towards dismantling this and encouraging people to take their first steps. In a window between mid November to Mid December 2026, we will embark on a 10+ day journey from the West to East Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. We will start in Ross, and end in Gore bay, completing over 300km of walking, biking, and packrafting whilst wearing gumboots. The Gumboots signify the hardship of moving through the ‘mud’ of mental health, and the slog that it can feel like at moments. This is no easy feat and will be a challenge for all of us involved, we would appreciate any support you can give, and spreading the word. All proceedings will go to the I am Hope Foundation. I am Hope aims to remove the stigma of mental health and provides free counselling for youth in New Zealand aged 5-25.

We intend to answer every email sent to us regarding questions, inquiries, or support! Let us know at projectgumboot@gmail.com.