Fast Facts

DATES

22–26 October 2023

5 day trip, 4 day challenge

Fundraising Target

$3,000

Difficulty

4/5

The Challenge

On this adventure, prepare to experience the island in a completely new way.

You will travel the width of the South Island of New Zealand, making the most of the amazing terrain that lies in between. From cycling to Otira, to crossing the famous ‘Divide’, and a rafting expedition on the mighty Waimakariri River - this is truly off-the-beaten track.

Best of all, along the way you'll be joined by like-minded Sammy D Foundation supporters. The funds you raise as part of this incredible adventure will help deliver community mentoring programs that provide one-on-one mentoring services to young people across Adelaide.

Just $53 is enough to help a young person access support and mentoring. With $2,000, one young person can partner with a Sammy D Foundation mentor for six months.

Testimonials

“I got to see some beautiful spots, meet some amazing people and stepped out of my comfort zone.”

— Judith, New Zealand 2018

“The highlight was definitely having strangers come together and support one another. It made me believe that we all have a common good and causes but with different reasons and backgrounds.”

— Murray, New Zealand 2019

The Difference You'll Make

1 in 3 young people will grow up without a positive role model in their lives.

Without an adult to mentor them through life’s challenges, these young people are significantly more likely to engage in criminal activity and drug and alcohol abuse.

The Sammy D Foundation wants to change this. By connecting with ‘at risk’, disadvantaged or socially isolated children between the ages of 7-17 through one-to-one mentoring, they want to empower all young people to live their best lives free from harm and violence.

The funds you raise on the Sammy D Coast-to-Coast Challenge will support their Community Mentoring Program which works with vulnerable young people in Adelaide.

"The reason I joined the Sammy D Foundation is because I want to play a part in reducing violence in footy and all sports. I also want to help educate and support young people to make the best decisions, not only for themselves, but for their friends too."

Sam Jacobs - Ambassador | 2018 - current
Former AFL Ruckman (Adelaide Crows, GWS Giants)

Pricing & Itinerary

Sign up now and pay only $475* when you register.

*Non-refundable
Enter your details to receive the info pack, including the full itinerary, FAQs and more.

$3,565

Travel package

Your travel package is paid in instalments. To register, pay just $475* upfront. For further details, see our FAQs.

*Non-refundable

First name

Last name

Phone (optional)

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Includes: Transfers as per itinerary • accommodation in 3-star accommodation • meals as per itinerary • transfers as per itinerary• local guides • bike hire and helmet • Waimakariri River rafting • He Puna Taimoana hot pools in New Brighton • Departure of Conservation fees

Doesn't include: Airfares • airport transfers • pre & post-tour accommodation in Christchurch •travel insurance (compulsory for non-NZ residents, highly recommended for NZ residents) • personal expenses • tips and gratuities (optional)

Day 1: Sunday 22 October 2023

Meet in Christchurch - transfer to Greymouth

Today our adventure finally begins! It’s an early start. Meet your fellow teammates and guides in Central Christchurch at 8.00am. We then transfer to Greymouth on the east coast. On arrival, we check that the bikes are the right fit and take them for a quick spin before having free time to explore this quaint little 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!

Transfer time: 4 hours

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Monday 23 October 2023

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. As we wind down and the first challenge day is completed, we are transferred to our accommodation at Arthur’s Pass. Tonight we enjoy a healthy meal prepared by our guides.

Challenge: 63km cycle (4-5 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tuesday 24 October 2023

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.

Challenge: 12km trek (6-8 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Wednesday 25 October 2023

Raft the Waimakariri River

This is where things really heat up, as we take on the mighty Waimakariri River on a stunning 60-kilometre 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 near Castle Hill. We have plenty of time to freshen up before everyone gathers to celebrate at our final team dinner.

Challenge: 60km raft (6 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Thursday 26 October 2023

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 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 (4-5 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Our Climate Commitment

When you travel with us, $10 goes towards carbon offsetting projects in Western Australia. You'll be supporting Carbon Neutral as they replant native plant species to create a green corridor for native wildlife, assisting in the recovery of entire ecosystems. For more on how we're bettering the planet, read our Climate Action Plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a comprehensive list of FAQs, download the information pack by filling in the form.

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 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.

Who will I be travelling with?

We believe small group travel is better for the planet, and better for you. Our adventures usually have 10 – 20 people aged from 18 to 90+ (younger ages considered on request). You can be sure that you have all come together with the shared purpose of making a difference to others and having the adventure of a lifetime.

The group will be led by a local tour guide with expert knowledge of the region. Many groups will also be accompanied by an Inspired Adventures team leader or doctor to support and motivate the team.

Where applicable, a charity representative may also join the team. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your chosen charity and their work.

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 full-day hikes and ideally a hike over several days. You should aim to be able to walk for 6–8 hours and get up to do it again the following day comfortably.

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

Do I need to have insurance?

Travel insurance is highly recommended for domestic adventures – 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'll need to share these details with our team before departure. For more information, please visit www.inspiredadventures.com.au/travel-insurance-information

How will you manage the risk of COVID-19?

We have prepared a detailed COVID-19 Safety Management Plan to account for the wide variety of scenarios that may impact your departure. In the instance that the adventure is unable to proceed due to COVID-19, alternative departure arrangements will be provided where possible.

Inspired Adventures requires that all travellers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as described in government guidelines and ground operator requirements.

For more information, please visit our COVID-19 hub.

Are COVID-19 vaccinations required for this adventure?

How much does it cost to participate in this adventure?

The total cost to take part in this adventure is: $3,565

In addition, you must organise and pay your airfares, airport transfers, pre & post-tour accommodation in Christchurch (optional), travel insurance (compulsory for non-NZ residents, highly recommended for NZ residents), personal expenses, tips and gratuities (optional). You are also committing to raise $3,000 for the Sammy D Foundation.

Your travel payments are invoiced in instalments to provide ample time to pay your balance. We can build a personalised payment plan that suits your schedule if our standard timeline does not suit.

For participants registering more than 7 months to departure, a travel deposit (non-refundable) is due 6 weeks after registration, a second instalment is due 6 months prior to departure, and the final balance is due 3 months before travel.

If you are registering with less than 7 months to departure, you will most likely be invoiced in fewer instalments based on the date of registration.

Sammy D Foundation's Coast to Coast

Fast Facts

The Challenge

Testimonials

The Difference You'll Make

"The reason I joined the Sammy D Foundation is because I want to play a part in reducing violence in footy and all sports. I also want to help educate and support young people to make the best decisions, not only for themselves, but for their friends too."

Pricing & Itinerary

Our Climate Commitment

Frequently Asked Questions