2024 Island Hills Challenge

Enjoy a challenge unlike any other, and experienced by very few, through true back country New Zealand whilst raising funds for Kiwis with gut cancers.

There is no better way to really explore New Zealand than on a remote and truly back country experience. Your guides will explain the history of the area, show you the diverse range of landscapes and challenge you each day with high country ridge lines, Mt Skedaddle (weather dependent) and trail walking through wild landscapes and private tracks. You will be on trails amidst the high mountains of Island Hills where your nights are spent surrounded by the stars and the wild in amongst the bush on a QEII conservation covenant, deep in the heart of the Canterbury high country. By the time you finish this challenge, you will have truly experienced high country life and learnt a little about the history from those that live and breathe this land.

Your support through this challenge will help to bring global clinical trials to New Zealand, giving New Zealanders with gut cancer access to new treatments faster, and will ensure more people understand the causes and symptoms of gut cancers so they can get help sooner.

For the full itinerary, costs and inclusions click here.

Places are limited on this unique adventure, so head to the World Expeditions website and book now here!

Once you have registered for the Coast to Coast Challenge, we will forward you a link to setup your own online fundraising page which you can share with family and friends to support you with donations. We ask everyone taking part to raise a minimum of $1,000 and with the regular fundraising support and tips along the way, you should exceed the goal. All money raised will directly fund access to international clinical trials for New Zealanders, giving Kiwis in need access to new and unfunded treatments right now.

If you have any questions, please email abi@gutcancer.org.nz or call 0800 112 775.

Your Team Leader: Dr Kate Clarke

We are thrilled to announce that Dr Kate Clarke will be leading the Island Hills Challenge. Kate is an experienced medical oncologist and is a proud Wellingtonian with a real love for the windy city.

Kate is immediate past president of NZSO (New Zealand Society of Oncology), current co-chair of GISIG (the gastrointestinal special interest group) and a committee member of AGITG (Australasian Gastrointestinal Trials Group).

Kate has been an active participant in several Gutsy Challenges raising funds for the Gut Cancer Foundation and is passionate about advocating for improved access to clinical care and trials in Aotearoa.