Get GUTSY and raise vital funds to get Kiwis with gut cancers access to clinical trials here in Aotearoa.
Gut Cancer Foundation is proud to partner with Great Walks of New Zealand to offer this unique opportunity to combine two of Aotearoa’s most iconic trails - the Kepler Track and the Hollyford Track - into one unforgettable adventure.
By taking part, you’ll not only experience some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country, but you’ll also be raising vital funds to help more Kiwis access clinical trials for gut cancers, right here at home.
This trip is led by Associate Professor Sharon Pattison, the Chair of Gut Cancer Foundation's Scientific Advisory Committee.
Highlights
Feel the spray as you jet boat the Waiau River on route to the start of the Kepler hike at Lake Manapouri
Lush rainforests, wetlands and wilderness lakes and rivers
Views of epic Southern Alps from the Hollyford Track
Escape the main tourist routes through the Hidden Valley
Two consecutive nights accommodation in Te Anau, the gateway town of Fiordland
Associate Professor Sharon Pattison
We are honoured to have Associate Professor Sharon Pattison, Chair of Gut Cancer Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board, leading this Gutsy Challenge.
Dr. Pattison is an upper gastrointestinal and neuroendocrine cancer medical oncologist at Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre, an Associate Professor in the Department of Oncology, University of Auckland and Honorary Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine where her laboratory is based.
Grading
Introductory to moderate
Cost
3 days from $1,350NZD*
Activities
Guided walk
Dates
27 Feb - 1 Mar 2026
Accommodation
2 nights hotel
Min. Fundraising Ask
$2,000
Meals
2x dinners, lunches & breakfasts
For more information and to register your interest, please complete the form:
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Queenstown, transfer to Te Anau. Challenge begins - 15.5km walk/approx 5-6 hrs
Make your own way to Queenstown, New Zealand’s Adventure Capital, where you will be collected from a central city location this morning to be transferred to Te Anau. This 2-hour scenic drive south along the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu and the countryside of Southland will bring you to Te Anau, the gateway of Fiordland National Park. We start the journey with a jet boat down the majestic Waiau. This picturesque river is lined by ancient beech tree forest and features in The Lord of the Rings. Arriving at our drop point, we lace up our boots for todays challenge - a 15.5kms walk along the lower portion of the Kepler Track from Lake Manapouri through to the Control Gates. The track is mostly flat hiking through native forest, expansive wetlands and a swing bridge. A group dinner will be enjoyed tonight at Black Dog restaurant in Te Anau.
Meals: L,D
Day 2 - Hollyford Track, Hidden Falls - hike approx 15kms /5-6 hrs
Your guide will collect you this morning and will then drive along the first half of the Milford Road before leaving the main highway and venturing deep inland along the Hollyford Valley. A 17km drive will take you past historic sites before reaching the start of the Hollyford Track. The hike to Hidden Falls is 7.5km and will take 2.5-3hrs. The Hollyford River is a gin-clear example of a wild West Coast river as it charts its path towards the Tasman Sea. Enjoy the lush rainforest and views of the epic Southern Alps including Fiordland’s two highest peaks, Mt. Tutoko and Mt. Madeline. Your first glimpse of Hidden Falls will take your breath away. Lunch will be taken in a scenic spot and you will retrace your steps back to the van, and journey back to Te Anau. A celebratory dinner will be enjoyed by the group tonight at 6.30pm at the Fat Duck in Te Anau to celebrate all that has been achieved.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3 - Depart Te Anau, transfer to Queenstown
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transferring back through to Queenstown where your challenge officially ends.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Inclusions
Transport between Queenstown and Te Anau at the start and finish of the trip
2 nights accommodation in Te Anau (based on twin share)
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Tea & Coffee on guided walks
Guided walk on Kepler and Hollyford Tracks
Professional Local Guide
Transfers to/from your accommodation and the walk start/end
Jet boat down the Waiau River to Lake Manapouri to start the Kepler hike
Access and Concession fees paid to Department of Conservation
What's not included
International or domestic flights and taxes
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Drinks other than water
Additional hiking snacks throughout the day
Personal expenses (e.g. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)
FAQ's
What's the trail surface like?
New Zealand Great Walks tracks are regularly maintained by the Department of Conservation. They are well formed and easy to follow, with clear signposting. Track surfaces are mostly even, compacted earth or fine gravel. They can also include sandy beaches, stone or wooden steps, rock slabs, boardwalk, swing bridges, wooden bridges, moderately uneven terrain with tree roots and some loose pebble surfaces. They are generally wide enough for two people to pass side by side.
What accommodation is provided?
Accommodation is on a twin-share basis. Guests can enjoy FREE unlimited WiFi during their stay. Complimentary car parking is available as well as complimentary luggage storage if needed. The comfortable hotel rooms have a garden or lake outlook. Shower over bath. Tea / coffee making facilities plus much more.
What's the trail grading?
Introductory to Moderate - Grade 4
These trips involve a combination of Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages. These adventures involve walking for up to 6 hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. Walks will involve carrying a small daypack, 25L in size is good. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Care needs to be taken as some sections can be slippery when wet. A good level of fitness is required and your preparation should include climbing and descending stairs, hills on uneven terrain. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise - swimming, cycling, jogging, stair or hill walking - three to four times a week for three months prior to your journey. During the walking stages you will need to carry your daily requirements such as water, lunch, spare clothing and personal items.
Can I download essential informaton?
Yes! Download and read the detailed Kepler & Hollyford Gutsy Challenge 2026 trip notes here which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking, and register your interest using the form above.
What's the fundraising element?
All travel and trip related costs for the Kepler & Hollyford Gutsy Challenge 2026 are to be met by the individual taking part. As this is a fundraising challenge, we request you fundraise/donate a minimum of $2000 to help more Kiwis gain access to clinical trials here in Aotearoa. Should you not reach minimum fundraising targets within a selected time frame, you may be removed from the trip and your deposit refunded. Please note that minimum numbers are also required for the trip to be guaranteed.
How will I be supported fundraising?
When you register, we will be in touch with a link and support to setup your own online fundraising page to help raise your fundraising target for your trip. Ongoing tips and advice will be provided to help you reach your fundraising goal.
How much does it cost?
For the first 10 people signing up and committing to raise funds for the Gut Cancer Foundation, the cost of the trek and accommodation will be $1,350 NZD. Thereafter, the cost will rise to $1,850.
I'm from Australia... can I join the Gutsy Challenge?
If you are from Australia and would like to raise funds for our partners at the GI Cancer Institute/ Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group, you are welcome to join us. Please note, the Early Bird rate of $1,350 is only available to those fundraising for the Gut Cancer Foundation in New Zealand. The full rate of $1,850 will apply to all other participants.