Southlanders and Otago people snap up Brain Week Walk spaces

23 February 2012

Southlanders and Otago people snap up Brain Week Walk spaces

Around 40 of the 50 spots available for Brain Week Walk have been snapped up by Southlanders & Otago people keen to support the Neurological Foundation’s Chair in Neurosurgery Campaign.

New Zealand’s premier guided walking company Ultimate Hikes has committed to donate the entire $2000 individual price of the walk to the cause and people who are keen to join like-minded walkers are urged to quickly secure their place for this historic event.

In 2010, Dunedin won its battle to keep neurosurgical services in the city. It is now securing the future of the service by establishing a Chair in Neurosurgery to be based at the University of Otago.

Ultimate Hikes manager Noel Saxon says the company is very conscious of the need to keep such services in Dunedin and is proud to help out.

“By taking part in this walk, people will contribute to a research hub that will lead to improved outcomes for those with debilitating illnesses, trauma and diseases of the brain, spinal cord and nerves.”

“We know walking is one of the best things you can do for your brain and walking the Milford Track is one of the best things you can do full stop. It’s an amazing walk and this is an amazing cause. Every cent people pay to join this walk goes to the establishment of the chair, so people get to walk the track as a way of supporting the cause,” he said. “Plus, the company will be just fantastic – 50 people from around the area including students from the university, academics and all sorts of interesting folk.”

The all-inclusive cost includes all transport, multi share accommodation, guides and all meals as per Ultimate Hikes normal terms and conditions The walk leaves Queenstown on March 21 and returns on March 25.

“The lodges are incredibly comfortable and hospitable and located in idyllic, awe inspiring surroundings,” says Mr Saxon. “We welcome people with refreshments, hot showers, a three course meal and of course, a very comfortable bed. It is for most people who do this walk, an experience of a lifetime, and it is do-able by people of all ages and most fitness levels.”

All bookings for this special fundraiser walk must be made by phone or email and need to be referenced 'Brain Walk' at the time of booking. Ph: 0800 659 255 or +64 3 450 1940 email: info@ultimatehikes.co.nz

The Milford Track Guided Walk includes:

• Coach transport from Queenstown to Te Anau and return from Milford Sound
• Boat ride from Te Anau Downs to the North Arm of Lake Te Anau to the start of the track
• All meals: breakfast, lunch and three course dinners + snacks
• 3 nights accommodation on the track + 1 nights accommodation at Mitre Peak Lodge, Milford Sound
• Backpack and rain jacket if required
• Cruise on Milford Sound before returning to Queenstown

About Ultimate Hikes

Ultimate Hikes is New Zealand’s premier guided walking company and operates on the Milford, Routeburn and Greenstone Tracks and Hooker Valley Track. Based in Queenstown, Ultimate Hikes offers private guided treks through New Zealand’s prime walking tracks including the Milford, Routeburn and Greenstone tracks which traverse Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks and the Hooker Valley, located in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. The Parks are the cornerstone of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. The walking season runs from November 1 until late April. Ultimate Hikes prides itself on its standard of service. Professionally trained guides are carefully selected to ensure that every walker has a memorable time. This is endorsed by clients who invariably refer to the ‘exceptional walking, superb accommodation and top guiding’ they encounter. Packages include all accommodation, meals, snacks, backpacks and rain jackets, and while the minimum age for walkers on the Ultimate Hikes experience is 10 years old, there is no maximum age. While many guests are not experienced hikers, they are often adventure seekers keen to face fresh challenges.

ENDS