THE AROKÄ PROJECT IN 20 WORDS:

Walking the length of New Zealand’s South Island in order to raise awareness and funds for HIV-related issues in Africa.

DONATE
Our fundraising goal for this Mountain Movement event is $7000. Fundraising is done on the basis of $5 dollars per kilometre (ex. $30 = 6 kms), however you are welcome to donate whatever amount you like. To donate, please go to http://www.canadahelps.org/Giving_pages/gp.aspx?gpID=27 and follow the simple instructions from there.

MISSION STATEMENT

The main purpose of the expedition is to raise awareness for the cause of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Not only is HIV/AIDS the single greatest health crisis in the history of mankind but it is also getting worse. This ongoing tragedy needs our attention urgently and it direly requires each of us to be as proactive as possible. If you are reading this, please take a minute to think about what you can do to help. This alone will help to fulfill the goals of The Mountain Movement. That is what the trek is really about: getting more people’s attention and redirecting it towards people in need. Aside from this website, awareness will be raised by distributing pamphlets throughout New Zealand and by publicizing the event as much as possible.

If you would like, you can donate to the campaign, as the expedition’s second, lesser goal is to also raise $7000 in funds for The Stephen Lewis Foundation. Please refer to the information found to the right. For more information about The Mountain Movement and The Stephen Lewis Foundation, please visit the official website of the campaign at http://www.themountainmovement.blogspot.com/

We are currently looking for corporate sponsors to donate gear and transportation in order to ensure the success of the event and to send as much money as possible to the cause. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you be able to help in any way. We would be glad to acknowledge your contribution on our website and wherever else possible.

THE WALK

From January to March 2007, Paul Žižka, co-head of The Mountain Movement, will attempt to complete the first trek between the two most distant points on the South Island of New Zealand. The walk will thus begin at Windsor Point, in the remote southwest corner of the island, and end at Cape Jackson at the northeast end. From end to end, this represents the longest length of the island, covering 845 km as the crow flies. However, the distance actually covered will amount to over 1500 km as the route will not be so direct.

The trip is divided into 16 wilderness sections, each separated by a more populated area that is used as a restocking point. The trip will be done continuously (ie. no jumps along the way), at an estimated average daily distance of 25 km. Therefore it should take approximately 2 months to complete. Of course that number does not account for possible write-off days due to resting or weather conditions.

The itinerary sticks to the mountains as much as possible. It begins in the thick forests of seldom-visited Fjordland and then closely follows the glaciated spine of the Southern Alps, past Mount Cook. The walk ends in the sheltered bays and coves of the Marlborough Sounds, at the northern tip of the South Island. Most of the tramping (trekking) will be done on tracks (paths) but some sections will involve walking along roads and completely cross-country.

The variety of terrain is astonishing in New Zealand. The walk will incorporate sand beaches, rocky seashores, rainforest, open fields, mostly public land but also private properties, alpine crossings, snow slopes, boulder fields, lakeside bush, earthquake-rent valleys, fjord landscapes, swelling rivers, windswept passes, remote bays and headlands, thermal areas and farmland.

JOURNAL AND PICTURES

From around mid-January onwards, we will begin posting Paul’s latest journal entries and trek pictures from New Zealand.
LOGISTICS AND GEAR

Only the essentials will be carried at all times. A “bounce box” will be used for extra gear, food and items that will only be needed for certain sections of the trip. The box will be repeatedly “bumped” forward to a post office at the next restocking point. Efforts will be made so that the pack never weighs more than 20 kg.

Back in Canada, Meghan Ward will be updating the website periodically, handling donations and questions and keeping track of Paul’s progress and situation.

SAFETY

Trekking alone in New Zealand involves several difficulties that one should not underestimate. First and foremost, the weather can unforgiving and unpredictable. Winds can be extremely fierce and rain, torrential. It can also snow at any time of year in some parts of the South Island. In order to be ready for extreme weather conditions, a multi-layered clothing system will be relied upon and a one-man tent will be carried at all times. Huts will be used whenever possible. In the case where long periods of inclement weather must be waited-out, extra food will be carried.

River crossings are another hazard. They will be numerous and sometimes impossible, especially following heavy rain episodes. When fording is required, walking poles will be relied upon as a “third leg” and wading shoes will be carried at all times.

Orientation can also be an issue, especially in areas where the tree cover is very dense. A GPS unit will be carried on such sections and a compass will be included in the pack at all times. Paul will also be relying on a series of 1:50 000 topographic maps.

In case of an emergency, a personal locator beacon (PLB) and a first-aid kit will be carried at all times. Every hut encountered will be an opportunity to leave word, and detailed trip intentions will also be made accessible to the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council, to the New Zealand Department of Conservation and to Canadian-based emergency contacts.

FOR THE MEDIA

Should you be interested in writing a piece about The Arokä Project or to cover the journey on a regular basis, we would be more than happy to provide you with the information and pictures you require. Please get in touch with us at mountainmovement@hotmail.com.