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7-11 April 2025

Travel Dates

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$390 $240

Registration Fee

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$3,550

Trip Cost

Paid upfront or in instalments

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4/5

Challenge Grade

Give Back to the Community

$5,000

Fundraising Target

Early bird offer: sign up before 22 June 2024 and save $150 on your registration fee!

The Difference You'll Make

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There’s nothing quite like the open expanse of New Zealand’s South Island - the dramatic landscapes, the crisp blue skyline, and the rugged mountain ranges all contrasting in beautiful blues, greens, and greys. 

With every moment on this adventure, you’ll be supporting the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation on their mission to drive global paediatric brain cancer research advancements, and support young patients while they are on their brain cancer journey.

The RCD Foundation, the largest foundation solely focused on paediatric brain cancer, was created in 2013 in the memory of 18 year old Robert Connor Dawes. Through collaborations, they increase their impact and advance cutting edge research projects to improve the odds of paediatric brain cancer patients - the number 1 disease killer of young people.

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Funds donated could help:

  • $500 - Help the brainy fight brain cancer. Fund 10 hours of the best and brightest PhD student researcher to work on discovering a cure for brain cancer.
  • $100 - Make it personal. Your gift will help create tailor-made therapies for kids and young people with brain cancer.
  • $150 - Make a young person with brain cancers’ heart sing. Your gift will fund an in-home music therapy session for a young person to help improve their health, functioning and well-being.
  • $200 - Provide individual, world-leading diagnostic testing for kids and young people with brain cancer. Funds access for one patient to world-leading diagnostic testing.
  • $1,000 - Ten times the amount of beautiful music. Fund 10 in home music therapy sessions to support young patients through the fight of their life.

Trek, cycle and raft on the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation Coast to Coast Adventure 2025, and help kids with brain cancer.

How it works

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FLEXIBLE BOOKINGS

Pay upfront or in flexible instalments.
Cancel more than 90 days before departure to receive refund options (excluding deposit).
For more details, see our FAQs.
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Make a difference

Commit to raising the minimum fundraising target and make a positive difference to worthwhile causes.

You'll be supported by our team of fundraising experts to reach and exceed your fundraising goals.

Teamwork

Be part of a team

Join like-minded travellers, and representatives from the charity, all united in their adventurous spirit and commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Make lifelong friends during a shared challenge experience.

Coast to Coast nz Trip notes

Day 1, Monday, 7th April 2025: Christchurch - Hokitika

Day 1, Monday, 7th April 2025: Christchurch - Hokitika

Today our adventure finally begins! It’s an early start. Meet your fellow teammates and guides in Central Christchurch at 8am. We then transfer to Hokitika on the west coast. On arrival, we check that the bikes are the right fit and take them for a quick spin on the West Coast Wilderness Trail before having free time to explore this town. Tonight, we gather for a welcome briefing about our upcoming challenge, do a full gear check and enjoy our first hearty dinner together, which will set us up for our big adventure ahead!

Accommodation: 3-star motel

Transfer time: 3.5 hours

Meals: D

Day 2, Tuesday, 8th April 2025: Cycle from Cameron’s Beach to Otira

Day 2, Tuesday, 8th April 2025: Cycle from Cameron’s Beach to Otira

Today is our first challenge day! We commence from Cameron’s Beach on the West Coast. We start with a short walk off the beach to the road where we hop onto our bikes. Today’s cycle takes us via Mitchells and Lake Brunner to Otira. It’s a challenging ride, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and camaraderie amongst the team to keep you going. Our ride ends at the Stanley Gooseman Bridge where it crosses the Taramakau River. As we wind down and the first challenge day is completed, we are transferred to our accommodation and have dinner. 

Accommodation: 3-star motel

Challenge: 50km cycle

Meals: B L D

Day 3, Wednesday, 9th April 2025: Hike the Alpine Crossing

Day 3, Wednesday, 9th April 2025: Hike the Alpine Crossing

Today is our big trekking day! We start at Arthur’s Pass, climb up to the Temple Basin ski field and down to Bealey Chasm, exploring the gorgeous countryside as we go. This alpine crossing of the Southern Alps reaches an elevation of 1400 metres, making it a spicy trek for the legs! We emerge on the east side of ‘The Divide’ at Arthur’s Pass Village. We enjoy the evening together, putting up our legs after a long day of trekking and strengthening ourselves with another healthy meal.

Accommodation: 3-star motel

Challenge: 12km trek

Meals: B L D

Day 4, Thursday, 10th April 2025:  Raft the Waimakariri River

Day 4, Thursday, 10th April 2025:  Raft the Waimakariri River

This is where things really heat up, as we take on the mighty Waimakariri River on a stunning 40km journey through the Waimakariri Gorge to the Waimakariri Road Bridge. This part of the challenge is always a favourite, and makes the multisport challenge all the more fun! After breakfast, we transfer to Gooseberry Flats and start our scenic raft journey through the Gorge, Hamilton Rapids and Horseshoe Bends. At the river out-take, we meet our guides and are transferred to our accommodation where we have plenty of time to freshen up before everyone gathers to celebrate at our final team dinner.

Accommodation: 3-star motel

Challenge: 40km raft

Meals: B L D

Day 5, Friday, 11th April 2025 Cycle from Waimakariri River to New Brighton Beach - depart Christchurch

Day 5, Friday, 11th April 2025 Cycle from Waimakariri River to New Brighton Beach - depart Christchurch

Our final day is here - the last push to reach the finish line of the Coast to Coast challenge! We have already achieved a mean feat, and all that’s left now is a 70-kilometre cycle between ourselves and the end of the race. The final day of our Coast to Coast adventure takes us from the Waimakariri River all the way to the sea at New Brighton (Christchurch) on the East Coast. We transfer from Castle Hill to the Waimakariri River Bridge to get on our road bikes and tackle the last section of the tour. We get to ride through farmland and rural scenery, trending downhill (yippee!) all the way to the coast. We arrive in New Brighton by the early afternoon where the pier marks the end of our incredible journey. We celebrate with a relaxing dip in the He Puna Taimoana hot pools and a refreshing drink. After an epic adventure and some serious exercise we’ll be full of endorphins and feeling very proud of ourselves! In the late afternoon, we transfer into central Christchurch where the tour concludes. Please do not book flights departing before 6.00pm tonight.

Challenge: 70km cycle

Meals: B L 

Includes: Accommodation in 3-star hotels & motels based on twin-share Transfers and meals as per itinerary • Local guides • Private support vehicle(s) • Hybrid mountain bike and helmet Waimakariri river rafting • Healthy snacks and water on challenge days • He Puna Taimoana hot pools in New Brighton • Department of Conservation Concession fees

Excludes: Airfares • Airport Transfers • Pre & post tour accommodation in Christchurch • Travel insurance (compulsory for non-NZ citizens, highly recommended for NZ residents) • Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages • Tips and gratuities

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Why you'll love this adventure

  • Explore New Zealand’s South Island like never before: on foot, by bike, and rafting through rapids.
  • Cross the famous Divide on a challenging and life-changing journey.
  • Adventure out on a rafting expedition on the mighty Waimakariri River.
  • Trek, cycle and raft with like-minded people and raise vital funds for the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation.

Frequently asked questions

Can't find the answer to your question? Get in touch via email (info@inspiredadventure.com.au) or phone (1300 905 188). We’re always here to help!

About the adventure

How challenging is this adventure?

This adventure is ranked 4/5. While no extensive trekking, cycling, or rafting experience is required prior to registering, our adventures are specifically designed for people who are relatively fit and willing to train. The Coast to Coast challenge is a physical challenge, involving consecutive days of difficult trekking, cycling and rafting. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the experience. 

You will be well supported on the adventure, with the guides and your team all cheering you on. You are free to move at your own pace and we will take frequent breaks. 

How many people will be on my adventure? 

We believe small group travel is better for the planet, and better for you. Our adventures average between 10 - 20 participants, connected by their commitment to the greater good.

Can I join an Inspired Adventure on my own?

Of course, most people do! Throughout your adventure journey, we will connect you with your fellow adventurers so you can get to know each other before you hit the road.

What is the general age range of participants?

The minimum age for this adventure is 18, however younger ages are considered on application. We have had participants aged 16–84+ take part in our challenges, all united by their sense of philanthropy and adventure.

I have dietary requirements, will I be catered for? 

Of course, we will happily arrange for any dietary requirements you’ve noted during booking to be catered for. Please advise your local guide on Day 1 as well. You will be fed very well while you’re on the adventure, but if you have a very specific dietary requirement or severe allergies, often it’s best to pack some extra things as back-up.

Who is Inspired Adventures?

Robert Connor Dawes Foundation has partnered with Inspired Adventures to bring you this adventure of a lifetime. Over the last 19 years, Inspired Adventures has taken over 8,000 people, just like you, on adventures all around the world, raising over $48 million for important causes. When you choose to travel with Inspired Adventures and Robert Connor Dawes Foundation, you can be confident you’re in the best hands.

Fitness and training

How do I train for this adventure? 

We will provide you with information on how to prepare for your adventure when you register. In addition, we recommend that you consult your GP and a personal trainer to develop a training plan that will prepare you for the challenge.

As part of your training, we recommend making use of your free time to complete several day hikes and cycles. For example, you should aim to be able to walk in hilly terrain for 5+ hours comfortably and get up and do it again the next day.

It is sensible to start training as early as possible before you go on your trek.

Accommodation

What is the accommodation like? 

Accommodation on this adventure is in 3-star hotels and motels, based on twin-share and with private bathrooms.

Will I be sharing accommodation?

Accommodation on this adventure is based on twin-share. You will be paired with a teammate of the same gender and, whenever possible, age group. 

I’m travelling with a friend, can we stay together?

Absolutely! If you’re travelling with a friend, please make note of this and we will pair you together.

What to expect

I have dietary requirements, will I be catered for?

Of course, we will do our best to arrange for any dietary requirements you’ve noted during booking to be catered for. 

What do I need to pack? 

You will be sent a comprehensive packing list after you register for the adventure with everything you need to consider.

What happens if there is a medical emergency?

Providing the safest possible environment is our highest priority and we have an outstanding safety record. 

All Inspired Adventures guides and Team Leaders are first aid trained. Our guides carry a satellite phone to be used if further assistance is required.

Fundraising

How do I fundraise?

Never fundraised before? Not sure where to start? No worries, we don’t expect you to do it alone. You will have regular support from the Inspired Adventures fundraising team, who will help you make a fundraising plan to meet your target. Alongside personalised coaching, we will also send you lots of ideas and resources on how to fundraise. From online fundraising to trivia nights, to bake sales and out-of-the-box ideas, we have years and years of tried and tested tips to make your fundraising a success.

What happens if I don’t meet my fundraising target? 

It’s normal to worry you won’t meet your fundraising target, but we know you can do it. In fact, with the support of Inspired Adventures, almost everyone goes on to raise far more than they imagined. 

By registering for the adventure, you agree to raise the minimum fundraising amount specified. Like you, we are looking to make a significant impact for our charity partners, so the goal is for each person to have met their fundraising target before departure. If you fail to raise the minimum fundraising target by this time, we will review the situation on a case-by-case basis.

I’m travelling with a friend, can we fundraise together? 

Absolutely! Fundraising with a friend is a great idea. Just remember the fundraising target is per person, so you will each need to meet the minimum fundraising goal to participate. We know you can do it.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

The funds raised for Robert Connor Dawes Foundation are tax-deductible (conditions apply).

Payments, cancellations and refunds

How much does it cost to participate in this adventure? 

The total cost to participate in this adventure is $3,940 (inclusive of a $950 non-refundable deposit and $390 registration fee).

In addition, you are also committing to raising $5,000 (per person) for Robert Connor Dawes Foundation.

What happens if I need to cancel?

If you find yourself unable to attend, please notify us as soon as possible.

  • Cancellation within 5 days of registration will receive a full refund.
  • Cancellations more than 90 days prior to departure will receive a full refund minus the $950 deposit.
  • Cancellations within 90 days of departure will receive no refund. Where applicable, we can provide assistance in making a travel insurance claim.

Travel insurance and visas

Do I need to have insurance?

Travel insurance is highly recommended for New Zealand residents and required for non-New Zealand residents, to cover cancellation, hospital, emergency evacuation and lost luggage. We recommend purchasing your policy as soon as possible. It is up to you to ensure you have fully comprehensive travel insurance and you will need to share these details with our team before departure. For more information, please visit www.inspiredadventures.com.au/travel-insurance-information.

What happens if there is a medical emergency?

Providing the safest possible environment is our highest priority and we have an outstanding safety record. All Inspired Adventures guides are first aid trained and well-equipped to handle any medical emergencies.

Do I need a visa to enter New Zealand?

Australian passport holders do not require a visa to enter New Zealand. For all the latest details, check Smartraveller.

Corporates

Take this new and exciting corporate social responsibility initiative and see your staff and brand take on this adventure as a team.

An Inspired Adventure with Robert Connor Dawes Foundation offers the following benefits:

  • Employee engagement opportunities to attract and retain staff
  • Long-term partnership with Robert Connor Dawes Foundation and increased community engagement
  • Improved employee wellness through the impact of paying it forward
  • Increased brand value through unique PR opportunities
  • Improved workplace mental and physical health with a focus on fitness and training for the challenge
  • Increased visibility through an innovative approach to corporate social responsibility
  • Team building opportunities across departments through the achievement of a common goal
  • Great networking opportunities

Find out more by downloading our corporate sponsorship pack here

 

All information is subject to change and will be confirmed upon your registration.

Testimonial

"The variety of activities (riding, hiking and rafting), the group of people I got to travel with, the location - beautiful! The guides were agile and able to change things up to suit the weather conditions. I appreciated this as it meant we got the best out of the trip."

– Rebekah, Sammy D Foundation Coast to Coast 2023

Find out more

Enter your details to find out more and hear directly from our team about how this adventure makes a difference.